To help meetings run smoothly, the parliamentarian’s key role is to assist the president. This might include keeping a speakers list and acting as a timekeeper to work through the agenda.

The parliamentarian also provides advice on parliamentary procedure to assist the president in making a ruling, to facilitate the business of a meeting and to ensure everyone has an opportunity to participate.

That’s why knowing more about parliamentary procedure is valuable. It is grounded on five, basic principles:

Order – 1 business item at a time

Equal Opportunity – Chance to participate

Justice – Fairness | Everyone understands

Right of Minority – To be heard

Right of Majority – To decide

Focusing on these ‘rules of the game’ when running a meeting goes a long way to help a PTA accomplish its goals fairly.

Motions are made for a PTA to take action for plans, programs and activities. They are introduced, seconded, discussed and voted on by members at a meeting.

To legally participate in the process, an individual must have been a member of the unit for at least 30 days.

Making a motion involves eight, basic steps:

Member – Stands or raises hand, waiting to be recognized/called on by the chairperson

Chairperson – Recognizes/calls on the member

Member – Presents motion, stating, “I move…”

Another member – Seconds motion to show more than one person is interested in discussing the item

Chairperson – Restates motion to ensure everyone understands what will be discussed

Members – Discuss motion with an equal opportunity to participate

Chairperson – Puts motion to a vote by saying: “All those in favor say ‘aye.’ … Those opposed say ‘no’.”

Chairperson – Announces result to ensure all members know if the motion was approved or failed.

An amendment is a way to change a motion already on the floor before the vote is taken on a motion. It may be amended by:

-Inserting or adding words.

-Striking words.

-Striking words and inserting words.

-Substituting one paragraph or resolution for another.

Amending Examples:

Main motion: “I move we have a parenting program at the park.”

Inserting: “I move we have a parenting program in October at the park.”

Striking: “I move we have a parenting program in October.” (striking “at the park.”)

Striking and inserting: “I move that we have a parenting program in November on the school grounds.” (striking “October” and inserting “November on the school grounds.”)

Substituting: “I move we have an ice cream social.”