Making a Motion

A Main Motion is a motion that brings business before the assembly. Main motions are in order only when no other business is pending. When a member wishes to introduce business via a main motion, it should be handled via the following steps.

1. The member gains recognition from the Chair, and states the motion
2. The Chair asks for a "second"
3. The Chair restates the motion to the assembly
4. The motion is debated (see Debate link)
5. Debate is ended (see End_Debate link)
6. A vote on the motion is taken (See Voting link)
7. The Chair announces the result of the vote

See the following annotated example of handling a Main Motion. The example used is a motion to donate $50 to XYZ Charity.

Stating the Motion

Brother A raises his hand and is recognized by the Chair

Brother A: "I move that we donate $50 to XYZ Charity."

Seconding the Motion

Chair: "A motion has been made to donate $50 to XYZ Charity. Is there a second?"

Brother B: "I second the motion." (or simply 'second')

If No Second is Given

If the motion does not receive a second, then the motion is lost and cannot be debated or voted upon.

Chair: "Seeing no second to the motion to donate $50 to XYZ Charity, we will move on to other business."

Restating the Motion

If the motion receives a second, the Chair restates the motion to bring it before the Assembly.

Chair: "A motion to donate $50 to XYZ Charity has been made and seconded. We will now move to a period of debate on the motion.

The motion is now on the floor and the meeting will move into a period of debate.

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