Piya Wiconi Okolakiciye Meeting

Robert’s Rules of Order Training

w/ Anthony Fresquez

January 9, 2009

 

STAFF PRESENT:                                        FACULTY PRESENT:                                STUDENTS PRESENT:

Leslie R. Mesteth,Chair                            Crystal Paulson                              Paula Nelson

Sylvia Hollow Horn                                      Craig Howe                                      Olowan Martinez

Mia Albers                                                                                                                        Anna Respects Nothing

 

Absent:                                                               Absent:                                               Absent:

Georgia Rooks                                               Suzie White Thunder, Sec.      Katherine Black Crow

                                                                                Lori Broberg,Vice-Chair            Paulina Fast Wolf

 

This meeting was requested by several of the committee members in order to familiarize ourselves with the process of running a meeting.

 

1:26  Tony started with prayer and brief background information about himself.

 

He then handed out an information packet with some short exercises and gave a brief presentation regarding parliamentary procedure (robert’s rules of order).  Not a legal document but only intended to provide guidance for a productive meeting and consistent protocol.  Boards or committees don’t work unless we make an effort with a strategic plan with objectives.

 

The following was discussed:

Always have an agenda, make sure that the ex-officio members get their reports to you.  Any member always has a right for clarification, no one should speak more than twice until everyone has had an opportunity to speak once, but they don’t have to.

A board chair only votes in case of a tie generally true unless we allow them.

Only decisions on policy need a motion, discussion after the 2nd or can be called out of order.

If the vote is 2-2, the motion is defeated unless the chair chooses to vote

Only the person that made the motion can withdraw the motion w/consensus but the committee could choose not to agree and continue.

We may choose to limit the length of discussion on a motion by consensus of the committee.

The chair can rule a motion out of order which is undebatable but explanations are always necessary.

The chair is required to facilitate the debate and does not enter into debate unless chair yields to the vice-chair.

Anyone can ask for an agenda item to be postponed to the next meeting for action with consensus.

Unanimous vote is not the same as consensus.  If you abstain in a vote then you support the majority.  If the chair is aware of any conflict of interest they can ask the member to remove themselves from the room.  They do not count but are only excused and should be on record as such.

A motion to adjourn need not wait until the agenda has been completed.  You do need a 2nd with consensus and you cannot interrupt the speaker.

If a member leaves or excuses themselves we still have a quorum and their vote is counted in the majority.  Can nominate that all members are on the ballot, give them time to decline but cannot withdraw after nominations cease.  Meeting ended around 2:30.