chief representative orientation florida physical therapy association 2008 spring conference april...

CHIEF REPRESENTATIVE ORIENTATION

CHIEF REPRESENTATIVE ORIENTATION

Florida Physical Therapy Association

2008 Spring ConferenceApril 4, 2008

Bruce J. Anderson, PTChief Delegate, FPTA

The FPTA Assembly of Representatives: A Professional Democracy

The FPTA Assembly of Representatives: A Professional Democracy

In a democratic society, rules ensure freedom and respect for all

The FPTA Assembly of Representatives is analogous to other legislative bodies such as Congress or the state legislature

The Assembly, formally deliberates policy, has the power to charge the FPTA Board of Directors to

carry out activities on behalf of the Chapter

The Chief Representative is a:The Chief Representative is a:

Symphony conductor who must– Choose the music to be played– Follow a score – Allow each instrument its voice– Blend the voices into music– Bring creativity to the

performance

The conductor succeeds only with a blend of creativity and well-practiced skills

Necessary SkillsNecessary Skills

Blending of

– Communication and

– Knowledge of Resources

– Access to Resources

– Use of Resources

CommunicationCommunication

Chief Representative responsible– To represent the needs of member constituents and the profession

– To assure cooperation with the polices and procedures of the Assembly of Representatives

– Therefore must assure communication with:

Constituents Assembly Reps Fellow Chief Assembly Reps Chapter Board of Directors FPTA staff Nominating Committee Reference Committee

Assembly of Representatives Assembly of Representatives

It is the responsibility of the chief assembly representatives to orient ALL district representatives

Your contribution will help to shape the development of policies and positions that will direct the Chapters Activities & Budget

Membership in the Assembly of RepsMembership in the Assembly of Reps

The Assembly is a Representative Body (proportional representation of all members of chapter)

Total size is apportioned based on the number of members in the district

Reps are elected at the district level based on this apportionment–Serve a year long term

A Professional DemocracyA Professional Democracy

The FPTA Assembly of Representatives is analogous to other legislative bodies such as Congress or the state legislature

In a democratic society, rules ensure freedom and respect for all

Parliamentary ProcedureParliamentary Procedure

Assembly Business is conducted using Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised-10th Edition (RONR)

Robert’s Rules of Order (RONR)Robert’s Rules of Order (RONR)

Ultimately, it is the majority of reps in the Assembly who decide the general will, but only following the opportunity for a deliberative process of full and free discussion.

RONR is not concerned with the wisdom of a specific decision, but the process by which the group arrives at the decision.

Parliamentary ProcedureParliamentary Procedure

Resources to understand Parliamentary Procedures:

Robert’s Rules of Order (text) http://www.robertsrules.com/ APTA’s online PowerPoint presentation on Parliamentary Procedure– Developed by Steve Levine, PT, DPT, MSHA, RP, Speaker of the House, APTA

– Available through APTA web site: Membership and Leadership> APTA Leadership> House of Delegates> Delegate Materials

Parliamentary Procedure:Quick ReviewParliamentary Procedure:Quick Review

Motion–a formal proposal by a member

–before a subject can be considered it must be placed before the assembly in the form of a motion

Thirteen Ranking Motions: Lowest to Highest

Assembly ProcessAssembly Process The merits of a motion may be discussed as long as the deliberative body chooses to discuss it – Discussion should deal with the issue and concept at hand and never question motives or character of an individual

After discussion, motion is put to a vote

If adopted, motion becomes a chapter policy, position, guideline, or standard, or charge

If the motion is defeated, the next order of business is taken up and the process begins again

Assembly ProcessAssembly Process

For most motions, a simple majority vote of those present is necessary for adoption (others may require a 2/3 majority)

If a Bylaw change is necessary –Requires 2/3 vote to pass


Voting procedure – For Majority: Voice vote

Rising (standing) vote, if in doubt

– 2/3 Vote: Rising (standing) voteCounted Rising vote, if in doubt

– Division: If a delegate questions the ruling of the chair in a voice voteRequires standing (not counted) vote


Main motions, other than bylaw amendments, should direct– A course of action– A chapter stance or point of view– A goal the chapter wishes to achieve

In carrying out the actions of the Assembly, the process to achieve the outcome should then be determined by the FPTA BOD

Parliamentary Procedure RONR: The Basics Parliamentary Procedure RONR: The Basics

Ranking Motions Main Motion Subsidiary Motions Privileged Motions Procedure for Handling a Main Motion

Process of Amending

Incidental Motions

Motions that Bring a Question Again Before the Assembly

Motions Arising out of Committee Reports

Forms of Voting Previous Notice Bylaws Standing Rules Meeting vs. Session

RONR: Ranking MotionsRONR: Ranking Motions Thirteen (13) Ranking Motions So named because they have rank and are the only ones with rank

A lower ranking motion may not be made when a higher ranking motion is pending

Pending is the term used when a motion has been stated by the chair and is being discussed

Lowest rank: Main Motion Highest Rank: Fix The Time To Which To Adjourn

RONR: 13 Ranking MotionsRONR: 13 Ranking Motions

1. Fix the Time to Which to Adjourn2. Adjourn3. Recess4. Raise a Question of Privilege5. Call for the Orders of the Day6. Lay on the Table7. Previous Question8. Limit or Extend the Limits of Debate9. Postpone to a Certain Time (Postpone

Definitely)10.Commit or Refer11.Amend12.Postpone Indefinitely13.Main Motion

Questions to be Addressed for Main Motions, Incidental Motions, and Motions that bring a question again before the assembly

Questions to be Addressed for Main Motions, Incidental Motions, and Motions that bring a question again before the assembly

1. Can someone wishing to make this motion interrupt someone who already has the floor?

2. Does this motion require a second in order to be heard?

3. Is this motion debatable?4. Is this motion amendable?5. What kind of vote does it take to

pass this motion?6. Can the motion, as passed or failed,

be reconsidered at a later time?

RONR: Main MotionRank = 13RONR: Main MotionRank = 13

1. In order when another has the floor: No2. Requires a Second: Yes3. Debatable: Yes4. Amendable: Yes5. Vote required for adoption: Majority

Exceptions: Main motions that require a 2/3 vote

Motion to adopt or suspend rules of order Amend something previously adopted

without notice Amend bylaws

6. Can the vote on this motion be reconsidered: Yes

RONR: Subsidiary MotionsRONR: Subsidiary Motions

A subsidiary motion assists the assembly in treating or disposing of a main motion and sometimes of other motions

A form of secondary motion

RONR: Subsidiary MotionsPostpone Indefinitely Rank: 12

RONR: Subsidiary MotionsPostpone Indefinitely Rank: 12

Purpose: To kills the main motion and avoid a direct vote on the question

Criteria:1. In order when another has the floor:

No2. Requires a Second: Yes3. Debatable: Yes

Debate can go into the merits of the main question

4. Amendable: No5. Vote required for adoption: Majority 6. Can the vote on this motion be

reconsidered: Yes Only if the vote was in the

affirmative

RONR: Subsidiary MotionsAmendRank: 11

RONR: Subsidiary MotionsAmendRank: 11

Purpose: To modify the wording and (somewhat) the meaning of a pending question


No2. Requires a Second: Yes3. Debatable: Yes

Only when the question to which it applies is debatable

4. Amendable: Yes Unless pending question is a

secondary amendment5. Vote required for adoption: Majority 6. Can the vote on this motion be

reconsidered: Yes

RONR: Subsidiary MotionsCommit or Refer Rank: 10

RONR: Subsidiary MotionsCommit or Refer Rank: 10

Purpose: To send a pending question to a relatively small group (Board, Committee, etc.) so that the question may be carefully investigated and put into better condition for the assembly to consider

Criteria:1. In order when another has the floor: No2. Requires a Second: Yes3. Debatable: Yes4. Amendable: Yes5. Vote required for adoption: Majority 6. Can the vote on this motion be

reconsidered: Yes Only if the committee has not begun

consideration of the question referred

RONR: Subsidiary MotionsPostpone to a Certain Time (Postpone Definitely) Rank: 9

RONR: Subsidiary MotionsPostpone to a Certain Time (Postpone Definitely) Rank: 9

Purpose: To put off action on a pending question, within limits, to a definite day, meeting, or hour, or until after a certain event


No2. Requires a Second: Yes3. Debatable: Yes4. Amendable: Yes5. Vote required for adoption: Majority 6. Can the vote on this motion be

reconsidered: Yes

RONR: Subsidiary MotionsLimit or Extend Limits of Debate Rank: 8

RONR: Subsidiary MotionsLimit or Extend Limits of Debate Rank: 8

Purpose: To exercise special control over debate on a pending question or in a series of pending questions

Criteria:1. In order when another has the

floor: No2. Requires a Second: Yes3. Debatable: No4. Amendable: Yes5. Vote required for adoption: Two-

Thirds (2/3) 6. Can the vote on this motion be

reconsidered: Yes

RONR: Subsidiary MotionsPrevious Question Rank: 7

RONR: Subsidiary MotionsPrevious Question Rank: 7

Purpose: 1) To bring the assembly to an immediate vote; 2)To close debate, and 3)To stop amendment of the immediately pending question and such other questions as the motion may specify


No2. Requires a Second: Yes3. Debatable: No4. Amendable: No5. Vote required for adoption: Two-Thirds

(2/3) 6. Can the vote on this motion be

reconsidered: Yes Can be reconsidered before any vote

has been taken under the order for the previous question

RONR: Subsidiary MotionsLay on the Table Rank: 6

RONR: Subsidiary MotionsLay on the Table Rank: 6

Purpose: To lay the pending question aside temporarily when something else of immediate urgency has arisen

Criteria:1. In order when another has the

floor: No2. Requires a Second: Yes3. Debatable: No4. Amendable: No5. Vote required for adoption:

Majority 6. Can the vote on this motion be

reconsidered: No

RONR: Incidental MotionsNo RankRONR: Incidental MotionsNo Rank

Point of Information A request directed to the chair, or through the chair to another officer or member, for information relevant to the business at hand but not related to parliamentary procedure

Point of Order When a member thinks the rules of the assembly are being violated, this is used to call upon the chair for a ruling enforcing the rules

Request for Permission to Withdraw a Motion Required after the motion to which it pertains has been stated by the chair as pending

RONR: Procedure for Handling a Main Motion


I. Obtaining and assigning the floor1. A member rises when no

one else has the floor and addresses the chair

2. The Chair recognizes the member by announcing his name or title



II.How the motion is brought before the assembly1. The member makes the motion

(“I move that…..”)2. Another member, without needing

to rise, seconds the motion (“I second the motion”, or

“second”)3. The chair states the question on

the motion(“It is moved and seconded that…”)



III.Consideration of the motionA. Members can debate the motion

1. Before speaking in debate, members obtain the floor

2. The maker of the motion has first right to the floor if he claims it promptly

3. All remarks must be addressed to the chair

4. Debate must be confined to the merits of the motion

5. Debate can be closed only by order of the assembly (2/3 vote) or by the chair if no one seeks the floor for further debate



III.Consideration of the motionB. The chair puts the question (puts it to

a vote)1. The chair asks: “Are you ready for

the question?”2. If no one rises to claim the floor,

the chair proceeds to put the question

3. The chair states:1. “The question is on the adoption of

the motion that….”2. “As many as are in favor, say ‘Aye’3. “Those opposed say ‘No’.”

C. The chair announces the result of the vote

RONR: Process of AmendingRONR: Process of Amending

The adoption of the motion to amend does not adopt the motion thereby amended; that motion remains pending in its modified form

A member’s vote on an amendment does not obligate him to vote on a particular way on the motion to which the amendment applies

An amendment must always be germane—that is, closely related to or having a bearing on the subject of the motion to be amended

RONR: Process of AmendingRONR: Process of Amending

There are three basic processes of amendment, the third of which is an indivisible combination of the first two:1. To insert or add

To insert words, or if they are placed at the end of the sentence or passage being amended, to add words (or a paragraph)

2. To strike out To strike out words or a paragraph

3. To strike out and insert, or to substitute To strike out and insert applies to words To substitute applies to striking out an

entire paragraph, or the entire text of a main motion, and inserting another

RONR: Forms of VotingRONR: Forms of Voting Voice Vote

– The most commonly used form of voting– Chair puts the question and calls for the “Aye” votes and “No” votes

Rising Vote– The normal method of voting on motions requiring a two-thirds vote for adoption.

– Used to verify a voice vote– Can be ordered by the chair, or by a single member who calls for a “Division” of the assembly

Counted Vote– Can be ordered by the chair or ordered by a majority vote of the assembly

RONR: Previous NoticeRONR: Previous Notice Requirement of previous notice means the announcement that the motion will be introduced, including its exact content, must be included in the call of the meeting

Motions that have the effect of changing or nullifying the previous action of the assembly require previous notice if they are to be adopted by only a majority vote

The adoption or amendment of bylaws or special rules of order require previous notice and a two-thirds vote

The notice becomes invalid if the motion is amended beyond the scope of the notice

RONR: BylawsRONR: Bylaws Bylaws have an important bearing on the rights and duties of members within the organization, and on the degree to which the general membership is to retain control of, or be relieved of detailed concern with, the society’s business.

Except as the rules of a society may provide otherwise, its assembly has full and sole power to act for the entire organization, and does so by majority vote

Any limitation or standing delegation of the assembly’s power with respect to the society as a whole can only be by provision in the bylaws

Bylaws should be made no more restrictive nor more detailed in specification than necessary

RONR: BylawsRONR: Bylaws Bylaws and special rules of order (which deal with parliamentary procedure) contain the provisions of a society that are expected to have stability from session to session, and to represent the judgment of the whole society as distinguished from the members voting at any one session

These bylaws and rules require both– Previous Notice, and– Two-Thirds vote for amendment

Rules of order require a two-thirds vote for suspension

Bylaws cannot be suspended

Assembly LogisticsAssembly Logistics

Be in the room early so that business may begin on time

Assure you have been recognized when seeking to speak

Provide copies of motions/ amendments on NCR paper to the Speaker and Secretary ahead of time


The Speaker makes an attempt to alternate debate between opposing viewpoints so that discussion can flow and all views may be heard

For most motions, a majority vote of those present is necessary to adopt a motion (others require 2/3)

If adopted, the motion becomes an Association position, policy, guideline, or standard.

If the motion is defeated, the next order of business is taken up and the process begins again


The Speaker of the Assembly (Speaker) conducts the proceedings of the Assembly in accordance with Chapter and Association Bylaws, Standing Rules and our parliamentary authority

The merits of a motion may be discussed as long as the deliberative body chooses to discuss it.

“Where there is no law, but every man does what is right in his own eyes, there is the least of liberty.” …..Henry M. Robert

“Where there is no law, but every man does what is right in his own eyes, there is the least of liberty.” …..Henry M. Robert

THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!

chief representative orientation florida physical therapy association 2008 spring conference april...

Documents

assembly of repsthe

chief assembly representatives

state legislaturethe

parliamentary procedures

fpta board of directors

apta available

democratic society

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