NABO Meeting Procedures: Timely, fair & orderly
These are based on Robert's Rules of Order, but ultimately we as a group decide what works best for us. The aim is to find a viable formula to make our meetings timely, fair and orderly.
General five minute report rule.* Each person speaking on a point on the agenda will be given an uninterrupted (no questions until finished) five minutes to briefly state (because delegates can later refer to specifics provided them in written form or online) the following points:
> What was done/not done since the last meeting
> What is the primary aim(s) to accomplish by the next meeting
> What (if any) motions need to be raised and voted upon by the delegate. A motion is first made, then it must be seconded to open a discussion.
*Some reports are exempt from this five minute cap, including the Treasurer's & Facilitator reports, and periodically a Basque Government report.
Questions & discussion. Following each specific presentation (that is not interrupted by questions) up to a ten minute period of discussion begins on this agenda point (which allows for questioning, input, motions from the floor, etc.). Note that all members wishing to speak about the motion receive the opportunity to speak before any one member speaks for a second time.
If discussion/questions ends before the ten minute period, then we move to the next agenda item. If after ten minutes discussion continues, an automatic return to Robert's Rules of Order (specifically "Motion to Limit or Extend debate") will occur. At this point all delegates vote whether to continue the discussion.
If the majority votes YES, the discussion continues for up to five minutes (when again the automatic vote is triggered)
If a majority votes NO, there are now several options:
1) "Call to Question:" to form or restate a motion to bring the matter to a vote or
2) "Refer to Committee:" the matter is now referred to a specific committee that is formed or an existing focus (advisory) group.
2) "Lay on the Table:" General discussion of the item is tabled. Those still interested in the matter can follow up and it's possible to "take from the table" and reopen the matter at a latter time.
