Kinds of Assemblies: Deliberative Assemblies 

•  Convene Meetings

• Group of people who come together with a common agenda

The different types deliberative assemblies are:

• Mass Meetings

> Mass meetings are publicized gatherings open to the general public

> They typically follow a "town meeting" format to prepare for larger assemblies

> Participants choose a chairperson and secretary during the meeting

> The agenda is established through a "Call for the Orders of the Day"

> Minutes are recorded, detailing attendees, motions, and outcomes

> Business is conducted through recognized motions and discussions

> Reports from officers and committees may be presented

> The meeting concludes with adjournment, often deciding the next meeting's date

• Conventions

> Conventions are assemblies of delegates representing a larger group or organization

> They are authorized by the organization's bylaws to address specific issues or conduct business

> A credentials committee verifies delegate eligibility and manages registration

> A program committee plans the schedule and events for the convention

> Rules for conducting business are established by a standing rules committee

> Quorum requirements must be met for the convention to proceed

> Voting members participate in decision-making processes during the convention

> Reports from officers, boards, and committees are presented for discussion

> Resolutions and main motions are screened and debated before voting

>Conventions conclude with adjournment, often summarizing outcomes and future actions

• Legislative Bodies

> Constitutionally established public body of representatives chosen by an electorate for a term of office

> Each body is specific to its own laws, procedural rules, and decorum

> Therefore RROO does not delve into the parliamentary procedure of legislative bodies

• Legislative Bodies

> Boards consist of elected or appointed members responsible for overseeing specific functions within an organization

> Officers are individuals holding specific roles, such as president, treasurer, or secretary, with defined duties

> The executive board typically includes key officers and may have > additional members for broader representation

> Boards and officers are accountable for implementing policies and managing day-to-day operations

> Regular reports from officers are presented to the assembly to inform members of progress and issues

> Elections for officers are conducted according to established procedures, often requiring a majority vote

> Officers assume their roles immediately upon election unless otherwise specified in the bylaws

> Boards may form committees to address specific tasks or projects, enhancing organizational efficiency

• Committees 

> Committees are groups of elected or appointed individuals tasked with considering, investigating, or acting on specific matters

> Types of committees include ordinary committees, committees of the whole, standing committees, and special committees

> Committees are created through bylaws or motions and follow parliamentary procedures similar to larger assemblies

> They conduct meetings to discuss issues, propose recommendations, and report findings to the assembly

> Membership can be established through elections, nominations from the floor, or appointments by the chair

> Committees may dissolve after completing their assigned tasks, as seen with special committees

> Reports from committees provide formal statements and recommendations for the assembly's consideration

> Committees play a crucial role in organizing and streamlining the decision-making process within an organization

• Committees of the Whole

> A Committee of the Whole is a procedural device allowing the entire assembly to consider matters in-depth.

> It is typically used in larger assemblies, where voting results serve as recommendations rather than final decisions.

> The assembly must close or limit discussions before entering a Committee of the Whole.

> Committees of the Whole cannot order roll call, impose bills, or adjourn/recess.

> They focus on discussing and reporting facts to the assembly without making binding decisions.

> The procedures followed in a Committee of the Whole mirror those of the larger assembly.

> Members can raise secondary motions for clarity or completeness during discussions.

> This format encourages thorough debate and consideration of complex issues before formal voting.