BYLAWS OF THE EAST ARM ROWING CLUB
1. CALENDAR, AS DESCRIBED IN THESE BYLAWS:
This paragraph provides yearly dates and time limits to which East Arm Rowing Club members, including officers and board members, agree to operate. This paragraph is intended to make these requirements easier to follow because they are easier to find.
2. NAME OF CLUB AND MISSION STATEMENT
a) Name of Club
b) Statement
c) Club Background
d) Language
e) How to Change These Bylaws
a) East Arm Rowing Club, Inc. is the legal name of our organization. The organization is often referred to as EARC and occasionally called the Club.
b) Mission Statement
The East Arm Rowing Club, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to the sport of rowing in the Hudson Valley region. EARC strives to achieve this by adopting a boathouse community that recognizes rowing as a form of exercise, which promotes a healthy lifestyle, while enjoying and fostering the beauty and environmental importance of Greenwood Lake.
c) Background
The East Arm Rowing Center, Inc, began in 1988 as a twinkle in the eyes of John Sullivan and Simon Haysom. The Center was a sculling club and business, selling Alden rowing equipment - - it was years later that our current, non-profit, New York corporation was formed. The land and building belonged to John from his dock-building company. By then, Sullivan Docks had expanded beyond this site. It is noteworthy that Sullivan docks were used in Atlanta’s 1996 Olympics. EARC acquired the property in 2001 by means of member loans and a mortgage (scheduled to be paid-off in 2008).
With the 1991 purchase of Bluebird, a wooden Garafolo four, from Choate School, EARC’s sweep program was born. Club membership, then, numbered 18. Rumor has it that John F. Kennedy rowed in the Bluebird while at Choate. Until the end, Bluebird was the fastest boat in our Greenwood Lake Challenge. Rot took its toll on Bluebird. Fiberglass extended her life.
An era of growth began in 1998 with the implementation of EARC’s Greenwood Lake Challenge, a 500-meter regatta for local novices. In 2007, EARC's ninth GWL Challenge was held. Training started as soon as water thawed, around April 1, and culminated in a late-May/early-June Regatta. Near-twenty crews, that’s 80 beginning-rowers and their coaches, took to the water in fours. Eight weeks later, they would compete. Imagine the thrill and excitement: fine competition, crowds, live announcers, food, and music.
By 2004, EARC’s programs included fully-fledged Junior’s, Women’s, Men’s, and Mixed’s recreational and racing sweeping and sculling. As of 2007, about 80 adults and 40 juniors comprise EARC membership. The East Arm Rowing Club has brought rowing to our community and national and world medals to our shelves.
d) Clear Simple Language
The language of these bylaws attempts to comply with the strong movement within the American Bar Association to avoid legalese, and to have documents, which are clear, easily readable and usable by non-lawyers. The language is therefore colloquial, but as precise as this allows.
e) How to Change These Bylaws
Bylaws may be changed by a motion either from a full, voting member or a Board member. In both methods, best efforts toward EARC’s health, Mission, and longevity are expected of board and general membership. Procedures are as follows:
Any and all proposals for Bylaws changes shall be made to the Board before July 1 each year. All proposals submitted to the Board shall be reviewed and voted upon by the Board before December 31 of that same year, with the final version. If a general member proposes a Bylaws change, the general member must be a full voting member in good standing, and the proposal must come to the Board in a petition signed by a total of at least 12 full, voting EARC members. An approval vote of at least 67% of the full Board is required to pass any Bylaws change. All Board-approved Bylaws changes for the year shall be presented to general membership as soon as reasonably possible after December. This distribution to general membership shall include a request for membership response and be made in a way or ways most likely to reach all members. All general membership responses received before the subsequent board meeting must be reviewed and evaluated by the Board. All finalized Board-approved Bylaws changes shall be announced at the Annual General Meeting and posted on the EARC website.
3. LEGAL STANDING & AFFILIATIONS
a) Legal Standing
b) Affiliations
c) Formal vs. Informal Associations
d) Procedures for Creating an Informal Association
e) Procedures for Creating a Formal Association
f) Termination of an Association
a) Legal Standing
EARC is an incorporated, not-for-profit organization. Its tax classification is 501(c)7.
b) Affiliations
The club, subject to Board approval with appropriate contracts, shall affiliate with any other organization, as it deems appropriate. This includes Friends of EARC, the Warwick School system, the Tuxedo school system, the Greenwood Lake system, or any other school. The Board shall define the relationship with such affiliate, proved that it is for non-profit purposes.
Satellite Clubs
Furthermore, under the umbrella of the EARC, other clubs may be Satellite Clubs, but use EARC facilities. Such Satellite Clubs would be part of EARC, but also with their own rules and regulations, and fundraising objectives as to boats, etc. Such Satellite Clubs shall observe EARC rules and regulations when using EARC facilities or equipment or rowing from EARC's docks. For insurance purposes such Satellite Club members shall also be members of EARC. They may, however, row under their own colors, and have their own name.
Examples:
A. Regatta crews are members of EARC for the temporary purpose of the regatta. They pay a fee for predetermined seasonal use of boats, and race under their own colors and team name. They are satellite organizations under the EARC umbrella.
B. Students form a club, which will have its own club name and colors, but use EARC facilities and boats. Dues for the coming year may be decided at the end of the year, but not after the beginning of the new season. The school will operate under these bylaws, and may adopt further rules of their own. They may provide their own trainers, or may use EARC trainers. They may raise their own club funds for boats, etc, and may share their boats with EARC on an agreed basis. A strong parent component is essential, and the Board expects at least one representative of this Satellite Club to serve as liaison to the EARC Board, in addition to its regular eight (8) members and President.
C. A sports club or gym may wish to affiliate with EARC.
c) Formal vs. Informal Associations
Formal shall be deemed any organization entering into contract with EARC. Informal shall be any association not under contract, for example the location of the annual regatta, which is a verbal agreement.
d) Procedure for Creating an Informal Association
This type of association requires no procedure except notification and approval of a majority of the board at the next scheduled board meeting.
e) Procedure for Creating a Formal Association
A representative of the applying organization must attend a board meeting to present their request to the Club’s board. A majority of the board shall be required for the association to occur. The applying organization must agree to EARC rules, regulations, and responsibilities, and sign a contract stating their specific purpose and use of club facilities.
f) Termination of an Association
An organization may break their association with EARC at any time providing any outstanding monies are paid in full, and there is no damage responsibility as a direct result of the association. EARC may break contract if it has been determined by the board that the affiliated organization is a financial or operational drain on the adequate functioning of the club.
4, OFFICERS
a) Positions and Responsibilities/Job Descriptions
b) Eligibility, Terms and Term Limits
c) Election Procedures
d) Unusual Terminations of Appointed and Elected Leaders; Reasons, Process, and Determination of Successor
Attendance of Board Meetings is a responsibility of Officers and Board Members. No Officer or Board Member shall miss more than three Board Meetings during a year. If a Board member should miss more than three Board meetings in one year, he/she is subject to suspension from the Board, at the Board's discretion.
a) Positions and Responsibilities/Job Descriptions
i. President and Vice-President
The President shall supervise all day-to-day activities of the Club, including financial, membership, regatta, insurance, membership happiness, and overall program management. All other officers report to him. The President reports to the Board and is a voting member thereof. It is understood that the President cannot personally and directly manage the many functions over which he has authority. It is expected that the president will delegate responsibilities in order to accomplish more.
The Vice President is deputized for and assists the President. He/she reports to the board. The Vice-president is a voting Board member only when serving as a stand-in due to the unavailability of the President.
ii. Chairperson of the Board.
The Board shall elect such Chairperson. It is expected at this stage (year 2008) that the Chairperson and the President shall be the same person, but this is not necessary.
iii. Other Officers
The Secretary records and distributes, in a timely manner, minutes of all meetings, and E-mails all action items to be pursued. He/she also keeps records of the club, including the Bylaws and minutes, and ensures that all members have access to said Bylaws and other appropriate EARC documents. The Secretary reports to the President. The Secretary shall be present to record minutes at all meetings, but he/she may delegate that function to another member acceptable to the Chairperson of the Board.
The Treasurer prepares the annual preliminary budget with the help of the President and committee chairs. The Treasurer pays EARC bills in a timely fashion, issues bills and reminders, receives funds, maintains the membership list, and manages EARC’s accounts. At each Board Meeting and the Annual General Meeting, he/she reports EARC’s financial status using standard accounting methods,
The Treasurer tracks all notices and payments of dues. If a member is late with dues the Treasurer may, after discussion with that member and with the President, suspend the delinquent member’s access to EARC facilities by emailing the delinquent member and the board that he/she is No Longer A Member In Good Standing. All such actions shall be made strictly according to standards established by the board and treasurer. This harsh measure would be used with great reluctance. The treasurer reports to the President.
iii. Board Members
EARC’s policy–setting and overseeing body shall be a Board of nine (9) members, including the President, with a quorum of five (5). The Board is responsible for East Arm Rowing Club's health and survival. These responsibilities include but are not limited to finances, plant and equipment, and membership level and participation. Except as specifically noted elsewhere in these Bylaws, the Board shall make all final decisions including, but not limited to budget, Club official appointments, and honorary membership.
The Board shall set long term plans and plans for the coming year before the season begins. They shall also suggest a slate of Officers for the elections, track progress of their plans, and meet for key decisions, including the removal of a member for cause, and major budget expenditures. The Board shall create ad hoc committees for any purpose they desire. The Board must meet at least once a year in February or March. Subsequent meetings and decisions may be by teleconference or E-mail. Board decisions require a quorum. The Board has the authority to demand any club records or reports from Officers.
b) Eligibility, Terms and Term Limits
To be eligible for an officer position the candidate must be a full member in good standing There are no term limits for officers. Board members shall serve two (2) years with the option of re-election. At least two (2) Board seats shall be up for election each year. It is hoped there will be at least one (1) new Board member each year. New Board positions are open to any full member in good standing.
c) Election Procedures
i. General Election Procedure
Equity, impartiality, and openness shall be the standards of all East Arm Rowing Club elections. The Chairperson shall give notice of the meeting date and place, and Officer/Board positions up for election at least one month prior to the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Candidates have until 14 days prior to the AGM to declare their intentions. The agenda and final slate for Officers/Board proposed by the Board will be made available 7 days prior to the AGM. Each candidate shall be offered 10 minutes at the AGM to present himself/herself. If a nominee needs to be voted on, this occurs at the AGM with all candidates leaving the room to enable candid discussion by all members attending the AGM (both voting and non-voting members may deliberate), after which, upon motion if need be, a ballot shall be taken.
ii. Voting Eligibility
Different levels of membership constitute the club:
A novice member is any person 21 years or older who has paid membership for less than one (1) year. These members are not entitled to vote during EARC elections or other decisions, but are encouraged to participate in all discussion and deliberations of the Club.
A full member is any person 21 years or older who has been a member of EARC and paid dues for a minimum of one (1) full year. All full members are eligible to vote for rotating Board members, Club Officers, and general decisions.
A junior member, including summer members, is defined, but not limited to the following: any member of an affiliated high school team, anyone participating in seasonal programming, anyone under the age of 21. All junior members are not permitted to vote in Club elections or decisions, but are encouraged to participate in discussions and deliberations by the Club. In addition, all junior members must adhere to their affiliation’s bylaws or risk suspension or expulsion from the club.
An honorary member is defined, but not limited to the following: anyone approved by a majority of the full Board of Directors, Chairpersons and committee members of special events, persons designated by the Club membership as having specific need or appreciated effort. These members have no voting privileges.
A family membership entitles all adults residing at the family address not only involvement in Club activities, but each their own vote in any and all elections and decisions put to a vote. Any participant in this membership who is under the age of 21 shall not have voting privileges and shall have access to Club equipment and open row times subject to Board/official approval.
iv. Campaign Rules
Equity, impartiality, and openness shall be the standards of all East Arm Rowing Club campaigns. Every candidate shall have equal access to facilities, space, and time. It is each candidate’s sole responsibility to use these opportunities.
Officer election rules provide different deadlines for announcement of the Board’s slate and other candidates.
d) Unusual Terminations including Reasons, Process, and Determination of Successor
i. Cause and Method: This harsh act shall be taken with great reluctance, only after serious thought. Official removal requires written notice (email is acceptable) to the individual removed and all board members. Causes for removal include but are not limited to Failure to Perform and Termination of Membership. Removal for Failure to Perform ones duties implies ample, clear instruction of those duties and notice at the time of prior Failures to Perform. All decisions for removal may be appealed to the EARC board; appeals must be requested within 20 days of official removal. A majority vote of the full Board is required for removal to be upheld. The Board’s decision is final and the definition of cause shall be in their sole discretion. They have the option of allowing the member to argue before them, and shall deliberate in strict confidence. In the event the member under consideration is removed, the Board's announcement to general membership shall not make known any adverse comment about the member without exceptional reason. Replacement Officers/Board members shall be selected by the Board to hold their seats until the next election, at which time, they may run for those seats
ii. Appointed Leaders: including but not limited to Committee Chairs and Members, Interim Board Members, and Jobmasters (e.g., webmaster and boatmaster) appointed by the board or the president may be removed from their position by the same process with which they were appointed, for causes listed in paragraph 3di (Officer..-Unusual Termination...-Cause and Method).
iii. Elected Leaders: including but not limited to Officers and Board Members, may be removed from office for causes listed in paragraph 3di (Officer..-Unusual Terminations...- Cause and Method). Removal from office requires a 67% majority vote of the full EARC Board.
5. COMMITTEES
a) Standing Committees
b) Non-Standing Committees
c) Creation and termination of Non-Standing Committees
d) Leadership of Committees
The meeting following the AGM/general election shall be used to form committees. The Board or the President may recruit members to serve on committees. Committees may spontaneously offer to form, but will need the President to appoint a chair and jointly agree on a specific task. Each committee shall have a Chair.
a) Standing Committees
A Standing Committee has specific duties from year to year and meets regularly and reports directly to the Board. A Standing Committees charge may change from time to time, as the Board sees fit. Standing Committee examples are Boat Committee, which manages the fleet of boats, Building Committee to plan for the new clubhouse, Junior Committee to build the junior program, Marketing Committee to carry out Club marketing.
b) Non-Standing Committees
A Non-Standing Committee has a short-term goal with a specific purpose which, when accomplished, will allow for the committee's termination. Examples of Non-Standing Committees are 501(c)3 status and dock repair/replacement. Non-standing committees may be established and terminated as the Board determines by simple-majority vote. The nature and make-up of non-standing committees can be determined by the Board because significantly different objectives and terms of existence require different committee make-up.
6. MONEY HANDLING
a) Reporting to Board and general membership
b) Tax filing
c) Bill-paying, authority and control
d) Accounting, minimum standards
e) Board-approved expenditures
f) Fiscal year
a) Reporting to Board and general membership
The Treasurer shall report to the Club at the AGM, and financial reports shall be made available to all fully-fledged Club members annually and upon request. The Treasurer shall make financial presentations at each Board meeting; these may be done in person or by document.
b) Tax filing
It is the responsibility of the Treasurer to file any necessary forms in a timely fashion.
c) Bill paying, authority and control
Payables shall be handled by the Treasurer or an alternate authorized by the President. Checks may be signed by the President or Treasurer. See 5e (Board-approved Expenditures) for spending limits above which Board approval is required.
d) Accounting minimum standards
The Treasurer shall use standard accounting practices in management of EARC affairs.
e) Board-approved expenditures
Prior Board approval is required for any expected expense over one-thousand dollars ($1,000) by both individuals and committees representing the Club. Committees needing money for club-related expenses are obliged to petition the Board at the first applicable Board meeting and include a detailed explanation. Expenses over one-thousand dollars ($1,000) require passage by a majority vote of the Board. Board members not present may make their vote known prior to the meeting through email or other form of communication.
f) Fiscal year
Fiscal year runs from January 1 through December 31. The officers appointed in the spring AGM shall continue through to the next AGM..
7. MEETINGS
a) Types (annual, general and board) and frequency of
b) Procedures & Standards
i. Calling a meeting & meeting types (online, conference call, etc.)
ii. Agenda distribution requirements
iii. Minimum attendance
iv. Robert’s Rules
v. Motions: online voting vs. live
c) Meetings minutes, standards of
a) Types (annual, general and board) and frequency of
The AGM shalltake place as close as possible to March 1. The Chairperson shall select the date, time, and place. Board meetings occur the third Wednesday of each month with a minimum of 8 meetings per year.
b) Procedures & Standards
i. Calling a meeting & meeting types(online, conference calls, etc)
A calendar is to be set at the beginning of each year with the dates of monthly meetings planned in advance for the third Wednesday of each month.
ii. Agenda distribution requirements
The agenda is distributed by email from the President one week in advance of the upcoming meeting to allow time for addition of subjects deemed important by individual members and/or new business items.
iii. Minimum attendance
No Officer or Board Member shall miss more than three Board Meetings during a year. If a Board member should miss more than three Board meetings in one year, he/she is subject to suspension from the Board, at the Board's discretion.
iv. Robert’s rules
See Appendix
v. Motions: Online voting vs. live
EARC has a Suggestion Box located on its website where members can post questions regarding the functioning of the club. This forum is an important aspect of member participation. It should also be recognized that members may not be able to make a voting meeting, and therefore may email their vote securely to the club secretary. However, it is recommended that voting members make any voting meeting in person to access any discussion that takes places regarding the issue.
c) Meeting minutes, standards of
Meeting minutes are taken by the Club Secretary. A substitute may be required in his/her absence. Minutes should be clear, contain main ideas, note any motions made and by whom, outcomes of voting, and any motions to be considered at the next meeting. Minutes should be issued as soon as possible by to the held meeting by email.
8. MEMBERSHIP
a) Dues
b) Standards of Behavior for All Officers, Board Members, and Club Members
c) Standards for Membership
d) Membership Through Affiliation with other organizations
e) Termination & reinstatement
a) Due
Current membership rates are as follows:
Individual $350
Family $400
Junior/Student $100
Boat Storage $100 per boat
The Board may change the Dues amounts and/or structure as it deems necessary for EARC's health and wellbeing. Such changes require majority vote of the full Board.
b) Standards of Behavior for All Officers, Board Members, and Club Members
East Arm Rowing Club is a second home to members. Many spend hours of recreational, social time with other members in EARC and non-EARC activities. EARC's Mission goes beyond any single rowing pursuit or rowing in general. Given this broad and inclusive vision of our Club, all members are expected to treat each other with courtesy and respect. It is expected that members show the same respect and courtesy when representing the club at races and other functions. If conflicts develop, close them yourselves, so everyone else can enjoy life. EARC is a rowing club, devoted exclusively to neither racing nor recreation. Along with fun comes work. All members are expected to participate in maintenance, house-cleaning, and other work deemed necessary by Club leaders.
c) Standards for Membership
East Arm Rowing Club accepts members of any race, religion, national origin, sex, or political belief. EARC reserves the right to prevent use of, or access to, our facilities where EARC leaders determine, at their sole discretion, that significant risk exists to the individual, others, or equipment.
d) Membership Through Affiliation with Other Organizations
Introduction to EARC may occur through another organization. However, associated members must pay the applicable EARC membership rates as well as their own organization.
e) Termination and reinstatement
All members must be approved by the Board or by such process as the Board delegates to the President. Any new member is a temporary member until such approval has been obtained. In the event that an existing member objects to admission of a certain member, he may take this objection to the Board with reasons. As a general rule a member’s objection would be taken seriously and if the Board denies admission, the application shall be returned with all fees paid to the rejected member.
Any member may be removed from the club or the Board for cause upon decision by the Board. “Cause” shall include, but not be limited to, failure to pay dues on a timely basis beyond any reasonable excuse, extreme vindictiveness, suit against the club, bullying or harassing of members, outrageous and libelous claims against the club or its members, theft, malicious damage to boats, or fraud. The Board’s decision is final and the definition of cause shall be in their sole discretion. They have the option of allowing the member to argue before them, and shall deliberate in strict confidence. The Board shall not in the event the member under consideration is removed, make known any adverse comment about the member without exceptional reason.
Individual members also have the right to file a grievance (see “Cause” listed above) against another member using the Club’s “Incident Report.” Grievances are reviewed by the board at the board meeting following the filed complaint, and will determine the action if any that needs to occur.
f) Waiver of Liability
Each and every rower using EARC's facilities or rowing in an EARC boat shall sign an EARC Waiver of Liability. Each and every EARC member shall renew the EARC Waiver of Liability every year before the member may row from or with EARC.
9. CLUB TERMINATION
a) Method, including minimum vote requirements, notice required
b) Property distribution
a) Method, including minimum vote requirements, notice required
This aspect of the bylaws is still under consideration.
b) Property distribution
If insolvency is inevitable the Board should do its best to dissolve the corporation before it is unable to service its debt. This might be caused by severe drop in membership for example. This corporation can be dissolved only after all assets are donated and appropriate corporate dissolution papers are filed with all necessary federal and state department.
In the event that, after liquidation and payment of creditors (including notes and loans to members), any proceeds remain for distribution, members should receive the proceeds according to the following procedure:
Current member share: Each member’s share should be calculated as the number of years full and paid up membership. For example, “Bob” has been a member for the last three (3) years. His share is 3.
Former member share: If a former member has been a timely full paying member for at least ten (10) consecutive years and has been a timely full paying local adult member at least one (1) year in the last five (5) seasons, he or she is entitled to a share calculated as follows: Number of fully paid up years of membership, less two (2) times those years in the last ten (10) that he/she was not a full paying adult member. For example, “Sue” was an active member for fifteen (15) years, but then got ill and was made an honorary member for the last four (4) years. Her share total is fifteen (15) minus 4 x 2 = 7.
Distribution: Is made by totaling all shares, and allocating the share of proceeds to each member who submits a claim, pro rata with number of shares held. Request for a claim will be sent to last known address of all qualifying members, with two (2) months notice of a claim bar date, at which date the distribution will be made. For example, total shares come to 125. One thousand dollars is left to be distributed to members after all debts have been paid. Therefore, each member gets $8 per “share” based on membership. “Sue’s” 7 shares make her distribution $56 in the above example.
APPENDIX
Robert's Rules of Order - Summary Version
For Fair and Orderly Meetings & Conventions
Provides common rules and procedures for deliberation and debate in order to place the whole membership on the same footing and speaking the same language. The conduct of ALL business is controlled by the general will of the whole membership - the right of the deliberate majority to decide. Complementary is the right of at least a strong minority to require the majority to be deliberate - to act according to its considered judgment AFTER a full and fair "working through" of the issues involved. Robert's Rules provides for constructive and democratic meetings, to help, not hinder, the business of the assembly. Under no circumstances should "undue strictness" be allowed to intimidate members or limit full participation.
The fundamental right of deliberative assemblies require all questions to be thoroughly discussed before taking action!
The assembly rules - they have the final say on everything!
Silence means consent!
• Obtain the floor (the right to speak) by being the first to stand when the person speaking has finished; state Mr./Madam Chairman. Raising your hand means nothing, and standing while another has the floor is out of order! Must be recognized by the Chair before speaking!
• Debate can not begin until the Chair has stated the motion or resolution and asked "are you ready for the question?" If no one rises, the chair calls for the vote!
• Before the motion is stated by the Chair (the question) members may suggest modification of the motion; the mover can modify as he pleases, or even withdraw the motion without consent of the seconder; if mover modifies, the seconder can withdraw the second.
• The "immediately pending question" is the last question stated by the Chair! Motion/Resolution - Amendment - Motion to Postpone
• The member moving the "immediately pending question" is entitled to preference to the floor!
• No member can speak twice to the same issue until everyone else wishing to speak has spoken to it once!
• All remarks must be directed to the Chair. Remarks must be courteous in language and deportment - avoid all personalities, never allude to others by name or to motives!
• The agenda and all committee reports are merely recommendations! When presented to the assembly and the question is stated, debate begins and changes occur!
The Rules
• Point of Privilege: Pertains to noise, personal comfort, etc. - may interrupt only if necessary!
• Parliamentary Inquiry: Inquire as to the correct motion - to accomplish a desired result, or raise a point of order
• Point of Information: Generally applies to information desired from the speaker: "I should like to ask the (speaker) a question."
• Orders of the Day (Agenda): A call to adhere to the agenda (a deviation from the agenda requires Suspending the Rules)
• Point of Order: Infraction of the rules, or improper decorum in speaking. Must be raised immediately after the error is made
• Main Motion: Brings new business (the next item on the agenda) before the assembly
• Divide the Question: Divides a motion into two or more separate motions (must be able to stand on their own)
• Consider by Paragraph: Adoption of paper is held until all paragraphs are debated and amended and entire paper is satisfactory; after all paragraphs are considered, the entire paper is then open to amendment, and paragraphs may be further amended. Any Preamble can not be considered until debate on the body of the paper has ceased.
• Amend: Inserting or striking out words or paragraphs, or substituting whole paragraphs or resolutions
• Withdraw/Modify Motion: Applies only after question is stated; mover can accept an amendment without obtaining the floor
• Commit /Refer/Recommit to Committee: State the committee to receive the question or resolution; if no committee exists include size of committee desired and method of selecting the members (election or appointment).
• Extend Debate: Applies only to the immediately pending question; extends until a certain time or for a certain period of time
• Limit Debate: Closing debate at a certain time, or limiting to a certain period of time
• Postpone to a Certain Time: State the time the motion or agenda item will be resumed
• Object to Consideration: Objection must be stated before discussion or another motion is stated
• Lay on the Table: Temporarily suspends further consideration/action on pending question; may be made after motion to close debate has carried or is pending
• Take from the Table: Resumes consideration of item previously "laid on the table" - state the motion to take from the table
• Reconsider: Can be made only by one on the prevailing side who has changed position or view
• Postpone Indefinitely: Kills the question/resolution for this session - exception: the motion to reconsider can be made this session
• Previous Question: Closes debate if successful - may be moved to "Close Debate" if preferred
• Informal Consideration: Move that the assembly go into "Committee of the Whole" - informal debate as if in committee; this committee may limit number or length of speeches or close debate by other means by a 2/3 vote. All votes, however, are formal.
• Appeal Decision of the Chair: Appeal for the assembly to decide - must be made before other business is resumed; NOT debatable if relates to decorum, violation of rules or order of business
• Suspend the Rules: Allows a violation of the assembly's own rules (except Constitution); the object of the suspension must be specified
© 1997 Beverly Kennedy
ORIGINAL DRAFT: 8/9/02 by Simon Haysom
REVISED DRAFT: 6/8/06 by Jill Cronin/Katy Glover
REVISED DRAFT: 9/20/06 by the current board
REVISED DRAFT: 3/2/07 to include the word “final” in Section 6 by Katy Glover
REVISED DRAFT: 10/16/07 by Stan Goodman & Katy Glover
REVISED DRAFT: 02/17/08 by Stan Goodman & Katy Glover
REVISED DRAFT: 3/10/08 by the current board