Parli Pro Example - The President Conducts a Meeting

On the day of the meeting, these people arrived at the meeting room a few minutes early to talk over the business of the day and to make any last-minute arrangements: Mr. Brown, the leader; John, the president; and the officers.

Call to Order

When the other members arrived and had been seated, John rose and said, “The meeting will please come to order. Becky will lead the pledge/cheer/song/etc.” Becky asked all members to rise and do so. When the members were seated again, John asked, “Will the secretary call the roll?”

Roll Call

“Instead of answering ‘Present,’ “questioned Bill, the secretary, “will each member stand and tell the delegation about the progress of his or her bill/project since the last meeting?”

Reading Minutes (if applicable)

After each member reported, John rose and said, “The secretary will now read the minutes of the last meeting.”

Approving Minutes

When Bill finished, John asked, “Are there any additions or corrections to the minutes?” He paused. “If not, they stand approved as read.” (Had there been additions or corrections, they would have been made; and John would have said, “The minutes are approved as corrected.”) “We will now have the Officer’s Reports.”

Officer’s Report

The treasurer announced the amount of expenditures for the past week and stated the balance in the treasury. Then the president asked, “Will the chairperson of the recreation committee now report?”

Committee Report

Susie, the chairperson, rose. “Mr. President.”

Recognition from the chair: “Susie,” said John.

An enthusiastic discussion followed. Finally, one of the members who wanted the delegation to vote on the motion, called, “Question.” Then John asked, “Are the members ready for the question?”

Oral Vote

Since no one seemed unready to vote, he said, “All those in favor of the motion signify so by saying ‘aye.’”

“Aye,” chorused all the members.

“All those opposed, by saying ‘no,’” continued John. Since there were no opposing votes, John said, “The motion is carried.”

Unfinished Business

When the other committee reports were given, John asked, “Is there any unfinished business to come before the meeting?”

New Business

Since none was introduced, John continued, “Is there any new business to come before the meeting?”

Out of Order

Tom began to speak without first addressing the president. “Tom, you’re speaking out of order,” said John. “You’re addressing the meeting without recognition from the chair.” This time, Tom stood and said, “Mr. President.”

“Tom,” replied John.

The Motion

“I move that we have a new delegation logo,” said Tom. After the motion was seconded, Sally rose and was recognized.

Amending the Motion

“I amend the motion to read ‘that we have a new delegation logo and sweatshirt.”’ After the amendment was seconded, the members held a short discussion. Then the president brought the amendment to vote: “All those in favor of this amendment signify so by saying ‘aye.”’

“Aye.” “All those opposed by saying ‘no.”’

Voting on a Motion as Amended

Since there were no opposing votes, John said, “The amendment is carried. We’re now ready to vote on the amended motion. Is there any discussion?” Since there was none, John said, “The motion was made, seconded and amended that we have a new delegation logo and sweatshirt. All those in favor signify by saying ‘aye.’” “Aye,” answered all the members. “Those opposed, ‘no.’ “There being no opposing votes, John said, “The motion is carried. Is there any other business to come before the meeting?” Cathy stood and was recognized. “I move that we invite the Delegation from Townsville to our party Friday,” she said. When the motion was seconded and discussed, John conducted an oral vote in the usual way. Since there were many opposing votes, however, he couldn’t tell whether the motion was carried or lost.

Standing Vote

Therefore, he said, “All those in favor of the motion please stand.” After counting the votes he said, “All those opposed to the motion please stand.” Since there were more votes against than for, he announced, “The motion is lost.”

Adjournment

When all the business was finished, John said, “If there is no further business, a motion for adjournment is now in order.”

“Mr. President,” said Bill.

“Bill,” replied John.

“I move that we adjourn until Thursday, the x of month y.” When the motion was seconded, John said, “All those in favor, say ‘aye.’” “Aye,” answered all the members. “Those opposed, ‘no.”’ John paused. “The motion is carried,” he concluded, “and the meeting stands adjourned until Thursday, the x of month y.”