Council meetings are undertaken according to Robert’s Rules of Order. These may appear complicated at first, but will become clearer as you gain experience in the meeting process.
Overview of Roberts Rules
Format for Speaking to Council and for Presenting a Motion to Council:
Raise hand to be recognised by the President and ask to speak.
Announce name and country e.g. “Mary Snow, Ireland”
State your comment, ask a question, make a “point of order” or make a “motion” or “second a motion”.
“Mary Snow, Ireland……….”
“Mary Snow, Ireland, I move that………”
“Mary Snow, Ireland, I second the Motion”
“Mary Snow, Ireland, Point of Order……..” (to point out lack of information, point of information, discussion not pertinent to the topic or issue, incorrect process of motion, lack of a “second”, two motions on the “floor” at once….)
“Mary Snow, Ireland, Point of Information……” (to ask a question, to clarify an item, to present information regarding the process
“Mary Snow, Ireland, I Call for the Question” (to terminate discussion and vote).
Note: Following a discussion, a Motion is made by a Delegate, then Seconded by another Delegate, and then a Formal Discussion is open to all Delegates. Then, a Call for the Question is asked for by another Delegate or the President asks the Delegates if they are ready for the vote. Only one Motion may be discussed “on the floor” at a time, however, the Motion may be amended. Each amended Motion must be voted upon unless it is given as a “friendly amendment” i.e. to make a change to clarify the Amendment or Motion.
WFOT provides Council Meeting information in electronic format prior to the meeting. Delegates must be prepared to take important information back to Member Organisations and to work with the WFOT during the next two years.
Voting
The Delegate takes the responsibility for representation of the Member Organisation, with request for verbal participation or vote by an Alternate (one vote per country). Alternate Delegates are seated beside or behind their Delegate. They can participate but not vote (if the Delegate is in attendance).
A Delegate may act as a proxy to vote for another Member Organisation if the organisation is not represented by a Delegate, with prior arrangement and approval by the WFOT Executive.