What is Robert's Rules?

Robert’s Rules of Order, also known as Robert’s Rules, serves as a reference manual to govern boards of directors. Developed by Henry Martyn Robert in 1876, this guide contains a set of parliamentary procedures adapted from the Congress. Today, most boards use this framework to ensure that board meetings are conducted in a fair and orderly manner. This also helps discussions to be productive and for stakeholders to eventually reach a consensus.

Robert’s Rules states that there are six stages of a meeting:

1. Call to Order – The chairperson makes a call to order to signal the start of the meeting.

2. Reading and Approval of Minutes – The minutes from the previous meeting are read and approved.

3. Reports – Reports are made by concerned participants.

4. Unfinished Business – Any unfinished tasks or discussions from the previous meeting are resumed.

5. New Business – A members introduces a new matter to be discussed.

6. Adjournment – The chairperson makes a motion to end the meeting.

Robert’s Rules also introduces six types of motions:

1. Main Motion – Initiates a new topic to be discussed

2. Secondary Motion – Provides a chance for the board to amend or end the main motion

3. Privileged Motion – Relates to a pressing and immediate issue unrelated to the business at hand

4. Incidental Motion – Involves procedures related to current discussions

5. Motion to Table – To temporarily delay a discussion for a later time during the meeting

6. Motion to Postpone – To suspend the motion for a separate meeting later

These motions will go through six steps:

1. Motion – A member raises a hand to signal a new discussion.

2. Second – Another member seconds the motion.

3. Restate Motion – The chairperson restates the motion.

4. Debate – The members discuss the motion.

5. Vote – The chairperson restates the motion, then asks for affirmative and negative votes.

6. Vote Announcement – The chairperson announces the results and any other instructions.