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.
- The member gains recognition from the Chair, and states the motion
- The Chair asks for a "second"
- The Chair restates the motion to the assembly
- The motion is debated (see Debate link)
- Debate is ended (see End_Debate link)
- A vote on the motion is taken (See Voting link)
- 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.'
