Getting A Motion Passed – 2

By
11 · 17 · 16

During a meeting, try one or more of the following strategies to get a motion to pass:

  1. Make your motions promptly; sound enthusiastic.
  2. Have your motion written in advance; handing a written copy to the chair conveys momentum. A motion prepared in advance forces you to be precise.
  3. Arrange to have someone second your motion immediately–have the seconder sound like he’s joining a winner.
  4. Debate immediately to provide the rationale. Don’t let someone speak ahead of you to shoot your motion down (don’t let the opposition take the ball and run).
  5. Ask opponents questions during their discussion of the motion. Try to point out any unclear statements they may hive made.
  6. When opponents move to postpone indefinitely, speak against it forcefully and immediately.
  7. Compromise if the other side has solid points (it takes the wind out of their sails).
  8. If the opposition makes an amendment you can accept, support it . Al lowing them to amend your motion makes it hard for them to vote against something of which they are a part.
  9. If motions to delay (refer, postpone) are made, speak and vote against them, vigorously.
  10. When momentum seems to be going your way, attempt to resolve the matter immediately. If the momentum is going against you, delay action if possible (refer, postpone, recess, etc.) and reassemble the troops.
  11. If the vote is by voice, vote enthusiastically–encourage others to “jump on the bandwagon” by sounding excited.
  12. If the motion is defeated, move to reconsider if you can think of a new angle.

Next. Strategies for Defeating a Motion. . .

About the Author

Recent Posts

Get Newsletter Updates

Getting a Motion Passed – 1 (Before the Meeting)

If you want a motion you support to pass; try the following strategies before the meeting:  Have the facts! When you know what is needed you can be more persuasive in your arguments Line up support in advance make certain your supporters will be attending the...

read more

Unanimous (General) Consent

Question: I’ve heard the term general consent. What does it mean? How is it different than unanimous consent? Answer: First, general consent is just another name for unanimous consent. Unanimous consent is a method used when there appears to be little opposition to a...

read more

Notice – It’s more important than you think

This last week I was asked a question about notice — the communication that a topic/motion/bylaws amendment/etc. will be brought before the organization at a prescribed future time.  This is not to be confused with legal notices, although they serve much the same...

read more

Sine Die

Question: What does it mean when a meeting is adjourned sine die? Answer: When a meeting is adjourned sine die (pronounced SIGN-ee DYE-ee) it literally means that the assembly is adjourned without day, ie. the assembly is disolved. This happens when a delegate...

read more

Comments

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Subscribe

Join Our Newsletter

css.php

Be the First to Know!

Be notified when a new article or special information comes out.

 

 

NOTE: This form is in compliance with the European Union (EU) General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). By submitting this form and verifying your selection on the follow-up opt-in email, you are agreeing to submitting your informatiion under the GDPR.

 

Thanks for signing up! You will receive our opt-in verification and welcome emails shortly. If you do not see the email in 5-10 minutes, please check your spam/junk email folder.

Be the First to Know!

Be notified when a new article or special information comes out.

 

 

NOTE: This form is in compliance with the European Union (EU) General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). By submitting this form and verifying your selection on the follow-up opt-in email, you are agreeing to submitting your informatiion under the GDPR.

 

Thanks for signing up! You will receive our opt-in verification and welcome emails shortly. If you do not see the email in 5-10 minutes, please check your spam/junk email folder.