Prior to the House of Delegates meeting, the Reference Committee considers each submitted resolution in conjunction with member-submitted commentary and the existing policies and strategic priorities of the Academy.
The Committee then recommends (makes a motion) that the House take one of the following actions for each resolution.
During the House of Delegates meeting, the House discusses the Committee’s motions and ultimately votes to take one of the following actions for each resolution.
- Adopt – Recommends the Academy act on the findings, opinions and recommendations contained within the resolution as submitted.
- Adopt as amended – Adopt a slightly reworded version of the resolution that maintains the intent of the original language.
- Adopt as substitute resolution – Adopt a substantially reworded version of the resolution that more accurately reflects the majority view of the House but maintains the intent of the original language.
- Not adopt – Not endorse the resolution (no further consideration needed).
- Refer to the board of directors – Not commit the Academy to the resolution at this time and instead ask the board of directors to explore the topic and report back to the House in the future.
- File for information – Take no action at this time. (Filed resolutions are available for information and may be considered again at any time.)
Motions = Actions
Motions are actions in parliamentary procedure that are used to conduct business fairly.
Main motions get things done.
- Make a motion: “I move that we…”
- Requires someone to “second” the motion (unless the motion came from the Reference Committee)
Helpful tools to use as motions:
“I move that we…”
- Amend. “I want to change it.” (requires a majority vote to pass)
- Limit debate. “I want to put rules on talking.” (requires a 2/3rds vote to pass)
- Close debate. “I want to make a decision now.” (requires a 2/3rds vote to pass)
- Postpone to a certain time. “I want to talk about this later.” (requires a majority vote to pass)
- Table. “I don’t want to talk about this anymore.” (requires a 2/3rds vote to pass)
- Refer. “I want someone else to look at this.”
You can also…
- Make a parliamentary inquiry. “I’m not sure what’s going on or how to do something.”
- Make a point of order. “I don’t think you can do what you just did.”
- Move to divide the question. “I want to talk about each resolved clause separately.”
- Move to withdraw a motion. “I decided I don’t want you to do what I suggested.”
Thank you to the University of Minnesota for hosting our 2024 House of Delegates meeting!
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