The organization makes group decisions by agreeing to "motions." A motion is a proposal made by a member that the organization does something. Only one motion is to be considered at a time, although while one motion is under consideration, some secondary motions can be made if urgent or relevant to the pending motion, in which case consideration on the original motion is suspended until the secondary motion is dealt with.

The normal life cycle of a main motion is:

• A member seeks permission to speak by standing and saying, "Mr. President" (Mr./Madam <title>/chairman).
• The chair recognizes the member, giving them the floor (permission to speak).
• The member will "move that (the organization does something)."
• Another member seconds the motion: "I second it," without recognition or rising.
• The chair states the motion for all to hear.
• The members debate the motion, speaking for or against it; see rules below.
• The chair puts the question on adopting the motion to a vote. E.g., all in favor say "aye"; all opposed say "no."
• The chair announces the vote result. E.g., the "ayes" have it, the motion is adopted, and we will (what the motion said to do).

Rules for debate (RONR ):

• The maker of the motion can speak first.
• Debate alternates between pros and cons.
• First time speakers on the motion get to speak before those seeking to speak a second time.
• At most 10 minutes are allowed per speech.
• Each person can give at most 2 speeches per motion per day.
• Debate must be germane (pertinent).
• Debate must address the merit of the proposal rather than attack the people of the opposing side.

To obtain the floor, stand and say, "Mr. (Madame) President (use official title, or Chairman if title is unknown)." The chair will respond, "For what purpose do you seek recognition?" Say, "My name is _________. I rise to make a motion." If in order, the chair will respond, "The member (delegate) is recognized to make a motion."

To make a motion, obtain the floor and say, "I move that _________." E.g., "I move that the bylaws be posted on our website." Give a written copy of the motion, with your name, to the chair.

To second a motion, say, "Second!" from where you sit or stand, loud enough for the chair to hear. Most motions need to be seconded; nominations do not. You need not obtain the floor before seconding a motion.

To speak for (or against) a motion in an effort to persuade others to vote for (or against) it, obtain the floor by indicating that wish to speak in favor of (or, in opposition to) the motion (or amendment). After being recognized, make your remarks. Confine remarks to the merits of the pending question; do not question the motives of other members; address remarks to the chair and not to other members.

To amend a motion (change the wording), move to amend by striking words, inserting words, or both: "I move to amend the motion by striking __ and inserting __." Or, "I move to amend the motion by adding '__' at the end."

To end debate and amendments to a motion: stand, obtain the floor, and say, "I move the previous question." This takes a two-thirds vote.

To nominate someone, obtain the floor and say, "I nominate _______." You can nominate yourself. Nominations need not be seconded.

Confused on parliamentary procedure? Say, "Parliamentary inquiry!" After obtaining the floor, say, "Please explain _____." E.g., "Is it in order at this time to move an amendment?" Or, "Please repeat the motion we are currently discussing." Or, "I don't like ____ in the current motion. How do I go about changing it to _____?"

Confused about facts relevant to the motion being debated? Say, "Madame Chairman, point of information." After obtaining the floor, say, "Please explain ________." Or, "Could the member please explain _________."

To call for a voice vote to be verified by a standing vote, say, "Division!"