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FBLA Parli.
Main types of motion:
Main - used to introduce a new piece of business/a proposal for consideration. Both debatable & amendable.
Subsidiary - used to modify/dispose of an undecided main motion, some main examples are lay on the tables (setting aside the motion), previous question (end the debate & proceed to voting which requires a ⅔ agreement), and amending (modifying the wording). See more ab examples in definitions.
Privileged -motions that aren’t related to the current motion, but are of such urgency and importance, they’re considered immediately. Basically, they’re privileged because the moment they occur the attention is on them. Examples are adjourning, calling for a recess, or a privileged question (concerns about noise level/room temperature)
Incidental - A motion that basically comes from another motion and has to be decided before proceeding with the current motion. Examples are a point of order (breach of rules), appeal (challenge the ruling alr made), and division of assembly (requesting a revote).
Restorative- allows reconsideration of a previous made decision. (examples are reconsidering (reopening discussion) rescinding (canceling a previous action), or take from the table (resume a motion that was laid on the table).
Order of precedence
Which motions take priority over others
Privileged—non-debatable and amendable
Fix the Time to Which to Adjourn: Sets a specific time to continue the meeting.
Adjourn: Ends the meeting.
Recess: Takes a short break in the meeting.
Raise a Question of Privilege: Requests immediate attention to an urgent personal or group matter (e.g., temperature, noise).
Call for the Orders of the Day: Demands the meeting return to the set agenda or schedule.
Incidental- nonamdendable and debateable
Point of Order: Challenges a breach in rules or procedure.
Appeal: Requests the assembly to decide on a ruling made by the chair.
Division of the Assembly: Requests a recount of votes.
Division of a Question: Splits a motion into parts for separate consideration.
Suspend the Rules: Allows for temporarily bypassing procedural rules.
Subsidiary- amenable→ postponing to a certain time+ limited, but no lay on table, no previous question, no postpone indefinitely
Lay on the Table: Sets the main motion aside temporarily.
Previous Question: Ends debate and moves directly to a vote.
Limit or Extend Debate: Modifies debate time or frequency.
Postpone to a Certain Time (or Definitely): Delays action on a motion to a specific time.
Commit or Refer: Sends the motion to a committee for further study.
Amend: Modifies the wording of a motion.
Postpone Indefinitely: Kills the motion without a direct vote.
Main
Multiple motions that are on the floor
When multiple motions are on the floor, it means several motions have been proposed, but not all have been resolved. Understanding how to handle such situations is crucial for effective parliamentary procedure
Only one motion is acted at a time
Motions are resolved in the order that they are proposed
Order of precedence matters
Meeting structure
Typical agenda:
Call to order - The presiding officer opens the meeting, establishing that it is officially in session.
Roll call - Attendance is taken to verify the presence of a quorum, ensuring the meeting can legally conduct business.
Read/approval of minutes - The secretary reads the minutes of the previous meeting (or distributes them), and members vote to approve them as read or amended.
Reports of officers & committees - Officers (e.g., treasurer, president) and committees present updates, financial reports, or recommendations, typically without requiring immediate discussion unless action is proposed.
Unfinished business - Items that were discussed but not resolved in a previous meeting are revisited for further discussion or decision-making.
New business - Members introduce new motions or topics for the assembly’s consideration and debate.
Announcements - Members share pertinent information, such as upcoming events or deadlines.
Adjournment - The presiding officer officially closes the meeting after all business is complete.
Handling interruptions
Privileged motions or point of order
Privileged motions are a category of motions that take precedence over all other business because they deal with matters of immediate importance, such as the rights of the members or the assembly. These motions are not related to the main motion and are often undebatable.
Characteristics of Privileged Motions
Highest Priority: These motions interrupt all other motions and are handled immediately.
Non-Debatable: Most privileged motions cannot be debated but may require a vote.
Non-Amendable: Generally, these motions cannot be altered.
Require Immediate Attention: These motions address urgent or procedural concerns that affect the meeting's structure or members' well-being.
Points of Order
A Point of Order is an incidental motion used to address a procedural error or violation of the rules. It ensures that the meeting follows proper parliamentary procedure.
Characteristics of a Point of Order
Interrupts a Speaker: A member can raise a Point of Order at any time if a procedural error occurs, even during another member's speech.
No Debate: Points of Order are not open for discussion.
Chair's Decision: The chair rules on the Point of Order immediately.
May Be Appealed: If a member disagrees with the chair's ruling, they can appeal, which brings the decision to the assembly for a vote.
How to Raise a Point of Order
The member rises and states: “I rise to a Point of Order.”
The chair recognizes the member and asks them to explain the perceived error: “State your Point of Order.”
The chair rules on the issue: “The Point of Order is well-taken” or “The Point of Order is not well-taken.”
Examples of Points of Order
Speaking Out of Turn:
Member: “I rise to a Point of Order. The speaker was not recognized by the chair.”
Chair: “The Point of Order is well-taken. The speaker will wait to be recognized.”
Violating Time Limits:
Member: “I rise to a Point of Order. The speaker has exceeded the time limit.”
Chair: “The Point of Order is well-taken. Please conclude your remarks.”
Improper Motion:
Member: “I rise to a Point of Order. The motion to adjourn is out of order because there is pending business that cannot be postponed.”
Chair: “The Point of Order is well-taken. We will continue with the business at hand.”
Debate rules
Who may speak and when
Members: Any member of the assembly has the right to speak during discussion, provided they follow the rules.
Guests/Non-Members: Only allowed to speak if granted permission by the chair or assembly.
Chairperson: Generally refrains from entering the debate to maintain neutrality, except to clarify rules or procedures.
Committee Members: If reporting on a committee's work, they may have specific rights to speak about the report.
Rules of motions (i.e. time limits, # of times member can speak)
Recognition by the Chair:
Members must address the chair (e.g., “Mr./Madam Chair”) and wait to be recognized before speaking.
The chair ensures members speak in turn.
When the Floor Is Open:
Members can speak only when no other member has the floor.
Privileged motions, like a Point of Order, may interrupt a speaker but must pertain to procedure.
Priority Speaking Rights:
The motion's maker has the first right to speak during debate.
Members alternating for and against the motion are given preference to ensure balanced discussion.
Interruptions:
Members can only interrupt with specific motions, such as:
Point of Order (procedural errors)
Question of Privilege (urgent matters)
Call for the Orders of the Day (agenda enforcement
Number of time member can speak:
During Debate:
Each member may speak twice per motion on the same day, unless rules are altered.
The second speech is allowed only after everyone wishing to speak has had a chance.
Exceptions:
For privileged or incidental motions, such as a Point of Order or Appeal, the rules may allow multiple responses without formal limits.
Chair’s Role:
The chair enforces time and speaking limits.
A member exceeding time may be reminded and asked to yield the floor.
Role of chair in moderating discussion
Neutrality:
The chairperson remains impartial, facilitating the discussion without favoring one side. They only vote to break ties or when their vote will change the result (e.g., make or break a two-thirds majority).
Recognition:
The chair decides who speaks and ensures orderly participation:
Acknowledges members in turn.
Alternates between those supporting and opposing the motion.
Ensures no one monopolizes the discussion.
Maintaining Order:
Rule Enforcement:
Ensures all participants follow time limits, stay on topic, and avoid personal attacks or inappropriate comments.
Calls for a Point of Order or steps in if rules are broken.
Clarifying Procedures:
Explains complex rules or motions when asked.
Example: “This motion to limit debate requires a two-thirds vote.”
Restating Motions:
Reiterates motions clearly so everyone understands:
“The motion on the floor is to allocate $500 for the event.”
Ensuring Fairness:
Prevents interruptions unless allowed by procedure.
Stops one member or faction from dominating the discussion.
Managing Votes:
Summarizes the discussion before the vote.
Conducts the vote in an orderly manner (e.g., voice vote, hand-raising).
Voting procedures
Types of votes (voice, rising, roll call, ballot, general consent)
Voice - members say “aye” or “no” (used for non-controversial votes with a clear outcome)
Rising - members stand/raise hands to indicate vote (when the results of a voice vote are unclear, and for decisions requiring more certainty, such as a ⅔ vote).
Roll call - each member’s vote is recorded individually (for important/controversial decisions where transparency is needed, when required by bylaws, or when there is a smaller group)
Ballot - written votes, confidential (for elections and voter anonymity, when dealing with sensitive and pressuring decisions).
General consent - if no one objects, the motion is accepted without a formal vote (for routine/non-controversial matters & when no member objects to a motion).
Majority vs 2/3 vote req. (mainly majority) - majority is mainly used for routine decisions whereas ⅔ vote is required for important decisions.
Majority vote is required for:
Adopting main motions
Amending a motion
Postponing a motion
Adjourning a meeting
Electing officers when allowed by bylaws
⅔ vote is required for:
Ending a debate (previous question)
Limiting or extending a debate
Suspending rules
Expelling/disciplining a member
Rescinding/amending a previously adopted motion
Amending bylaws
Handling tied votes - a tie typically denotes failure of a motion because typically more than half is required to pass a motion. The chair may cast a vote to break a tie if they haven't already voted (can vote either to break the tie or to create a tie). If a motion fails due to a tie, a member who originally voted against the motion can move to reconsider, the motion can be amended and reintroduced, and the issue could be brought up at a future meeting as a new motion.
There are exceptions to this rule where a tie does not mean a failure.
When bylaws give a way to handle a tie, such as an additional debate or a revote. Some may allow reconsideration later into the meeting
If a supermajority is required (⅔) and the vote ties, it automatically fails (yeah no shit).
In elections, a runoff vote between candidates can occur or the winner can be decided randomly by pulling lots or a coin flip. The chair can also vote.
Amendments
Types of Amendments
Additions (adding new words/phrases)
Striking (removing words/phrases)
Substituting (replacing a portion of the motion w/ smth else)
Combining (merging two amendments or parts of amendments into one)
How propose and handle amendments to motions - Proposing amendment:
Wait for the main motion to be on the floor
Before proposing, the motion must be under consideration. A member must first make a main motion.
Get the floor
Wait for recognition from the chair before speaking.
Propose the amendment
“I move to amend the motion by (inserting/striking/changing) (part of the motion).
Second the amendment
Needs a second from another member unless made during the debate or is simple
Handling the Amendment:
Chair states the Amendment
After the motion is seconded, the chair restates the amendment “It has been moved and seconded to amend the motion…”
Debate the Amendment
Members may debate the amendment, but debate is restricted to only merits of the amendment, not the motion itself.
Vote on the amendment
Once debate on the amendment ends, the chair will call for a vote on the amendment itself.
Could be a voice vote, rising vote, or other appropriate methods.
Outcome
If the majority votes for the amendment it will become a part of the amendment.
If the majority votes against the amendment the motion will remain unchanged.
Once the amendment has been added, the group returns to discuss the amended main motion.
Limits on amending (i.e. no amending privileged motions) -
Incidental Motions
No Amendments because they are about issues to procedure and must be resolved quickly without modification.
Main Motions
Limited Amendments allowed
Amendments must be relevant to content of main motion (no new topics introduced)
No Amendments that conflict with the ideas of the main motion
Cannot be proposed after the main motion has been finally adopted or rejected
Motions to reconsider
No amendments because they are strictly procedural. The purpose is to revisit a previous discussion and amendments would undermine the original purpose of the motion.
Privileged Motions
No amendments to privileged motions because they are typically urgent and procedural which undermines urgency.
Duties of officers
Chairman
Presiding officer specifically focused on conducting meetings.
Primary focus: Managing and facilitating efficient and orderly meetings.
Responsibilities -
Ensures meetings follow proper parliamentary procedure
Recognizes speakers, moderates debates, and rules on points of order.
Keeps meetings on track with the agenda and announces decisions.
Often seen as a neutral facilitator rather than a decision-maker.
President
The chief executive officer of an organization.
Primary Focus: Administrative and leadership duties beyond meetings.
Responsibilities -
Represents the organization in all official capacities and decisions.
Oversees the implementation of the organization’s mission, goals, and strategies.
Ensures the organization complies with its bylaws and policies.
Often has a broader scope, including long-term planning and external representation.
Secretary
Record keeper and correspondent for the organization.
Responsibilities -
Prepare and distribute the agenda, as directed by the chair.
Record detailed minutes of meetings, including motions, decisions, and vote outcomes.
Maintain and safeguard official records, reports, and documents.
Read minutes from the previous meeting for approval.
Treasurer
Financial manager of the organization.
Responsibilities -
Maintain accurate financial records, including income and expenses.
Collect dues, fees, and other funds owed to the organization.
Provide financial reports at each meeting.
Prepare an annual budget and financial statement.
Parliamentarian
Procedural advisor to the chair and members.
Responsibilities -
Ensure the meeting adheres to Robert’s Rules of Order and the organization’s bylaws.
Provide guidance on motions, amendments, and procedural issues when requested.
Help maintain fairness and efficiency during discussions.
Does not actively participate in debate or vote, except in advisory roles.
Parliamentary terminology
Quorum - The minimum number of members required to be present for the assembly to legally conduct business. If a quorum is not met, only limited actions, such as adjourning or recessing, can occur.
Adjourn - A privileged motion which is to call for the end of the meeting if all business is concluded.
Recess - A short break during the meeting, called from a privileged motion.
Point of order - An incidental motion raised by a member to alert the chair of a breach in procedure or rules. The chair rules on the point immediately.
Call for the question - making a motion to immediately end debate on the current topic and force a vote on the matter at hand; essentially, it's a request to stop discussion and vote now, requiring a two-thirds majority to pass.
Lay on the table - A subsidiary motion to temporarily set aside a matter to address more urgent business. It requires a second, is not debatable, and passes by a majority vote. The motion must be resumed later or it dies at the end of the session.
Procedural Question
Steps for resolving Rule Violations:
Understanding Rule Violations in Parliamentary Procedure- Rule violations can occur due to an inefficient understanding of rules, and these can constitute as: failure to follow proper order (i.e. speaking out of turn), improper motions, disrespectful behavior, failure to follow time limits, & voting irregularities
Steps for Resolving Rule Violations in Parliamentary Procedures
Point of Order: Formal way to address a rule of violation during meeting, used when a participant believes a rule has been violated (in which they raise a pt. of order and specify the rule violation that they are addressing), chair reviews situation & consults rules + agenda (if necessary with group), if a violation has occurred, they direct group to correct it
Ruling from the Chair: After a pt. If order is raised, the chair makes a ruling. THis is final, but can vary by organization. If a participant disagrees with the ruling, they appeal the decision. If an appeal is upheld, the decision is overturned. If not, the ruling stands.
Point of Privilege: used to address issues that affect the personal comfort or participation of the members, used when a participant experiences a personal issue (i.e. logistical matter that affects participation) (it can sometimes be used to address more serious disruptions, like inappropriate behavior), participant states pt. of privilege and explains issue, results in an solution to issue
Raising a Point of Information: allows a participant to ask for clarification on a point of procedure or content, if a participant is unclear about a point being made or a rule being applied, they raise a pt. of info to request clarification, results in the participant addressing the chair and asks a question
Motion to Suspend the Rules: used to temporarily set aside certain rules or procedures if the group agrees that doing so is necessary for a specific purpose (e.g., to address an urgent issue), if violation seems to be in exceptional circumstances, or if adherence could disrupt progress, a motion to suspend the rules made me used as an solution, it happens when a member can move to suspend rules temporarily (requires majority vote), results in temporary suspension of rule if passed.
Adjourning the meeting: if a rule violation is severe, the chair may choose to adjourn the meeting, used when the violation significantly disrupts the meeting or creates an unsafe or unproductive environment, adjourning may be necessary to restore order, happens when the chair calls for a motion to adjourn the meeting and majority vote occurs
Steps for Resolving Rule Violations in FBLA and RLC Events: immediate intervention (by organizer, chair, or facilitator), documentation of violation, private discussion (to ensure understanding of violation + avoiding situations like this in future), penalties or disqualification, & appeals process
Handling Conflict/Unclear Questions:
Identify rule violation: recognition of when violation occurs
Raise a point of order: identify violation by pt. of order (i.e. “‘Point of Order: The motion is out of order because it hasn’t been seconded.’”
Chair’s Ruling: chair reviews issue and makes ruling based off of procedural rule, chairs ruling is usually final but members can appeal (Appealing Chair’s Decision: appealing decisions lead to vote made to sustain or overturn chair’s decision)
Using Points of Information or Privilege: A point of information can be raised if clarification is needed, can also address personal discomfort or disruptions hindering participation
Suspending the Rules: If strict adherence to rules hinders participation, a member can propose suspension of rules temporarily, requires majority vote
Private Resolution or Warnings: for minor violations/misunderstandings, a private discussion or warning may resolve the issue without formal action
Enforcing Penalties or Disqualifications: penalties or disqualification may be enforced based on event rules, violations could include unethical behavior, failure to follow competition guidelines, or serious disruptions.
Documenting Violations: crucial in competitive settings to ensure transparency and fairness
Formal Appeals process: if participants feel decision was unjust, they can utilize formal appeals process to contest penalties, approved by higher authority or committee
Correcting or Addressing Errors in Procedure:
Identify the error (incorrect motions, improper voting, etc.)
Raise a point of order to call attention to the mistake
Chair’s ruling to address the error
Correct the error (restating motions, restarting votes, etc.)
Motion to reconsider or rescind if the error involves a previous decision
Clarify rules with a point of information if needed.
Appeal the chair’s ruling if there’s disagreement with the correction
Document the correction for fairness
Ensure education and training to prevent future errors
Bylaws & special rules
Definition: Bylaws are the foundational governing document of an organization, establishing its structure, purpose, and operational rules.
Bylaws vs. Parliamentary rule :
Bylaws
Tailored to the specific needs of an organization.
Establish the organization’s legal and operational framework
Permanent unless formally amended following procedures outlined within the document.
Parliamentary Rules:
General procedural guidelines to manage meetings and ensure orderly conduct.
Provide a standardized approach for motions, debates, and voting.
Act as a supplement to bylaws, filling in gaps where bylaws are silent.
Key Difference - Bylaws govern the organization as a whole, while parliamentary rules govern meeting conduct. If a conflict arises, bylaws take precedence.
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Procedures for suspending rules or making expectations
Suspending the rules:
A member makes a motion to suspend a specific rule.
The motion is seconded (if required)
No debate is allowed on the motion
A vote is taken, requiring a two-thirds majority to pass.
Making Exceptions:
Certain organizational exceptions, like bypassing a quorum requirement or altering election procedures, may require formal amendment to bylaws.
Permanent changes to rules typically require advance notice and a higher threshold (e.g., two-thirds vote or more).
Committees
Standing Committees (i.e. finance, membership, rules & bylaws): permanent (ongoing and continuous operation), tackle specific purpose (event planning, membership recruitment, etc.), established by bylaws, members which are usually appointed and changed periodically, takes on responsibilities (budget & finance, event planning, rules, etc.).
Special Committees/Ad Hoc Committees (i.e. event planning, nominating, rules revision, emergency response): temporary (for specific purpose over a period of time), task-specific (one-time unique project/special issues), formed as needed, includes members based on expertise or interest, submits final report/recommendation based off of completion of tase
Committees are usually appointed by the following:
Appointment of Committee Members in Parliamentary Procedures
By the presiding officer (chair or president), chair may consult with other members before appointing individuals for balanced representation or expertise
By assembly/body: can be elected by an entire assembly/body during a meeting, started by a motion & vote is made to approve members (democratic)
By standing rules/bylaws: some are automatically made by org.’s bylaws, which say how they need to exist and how members are chosen (communities examples: nominating, finance, or rulers)
Appointment of Committees
By event organizers through conference chapters or chapter officers
Event chairs or conference organizers based on needs of events
Volunteering and nominations come into play when participants volunteer to serve on committees. They may be formed through a nomination process where leaders individual members for roles.
Delegate or officer election can occur when committees are elected through formal vote or conference
The Role of Committees in Meetings
General Role in Parliamentary Procedures:
Preparation before hand (preparing reports, reviewing documents, solving issues beforehand) helps assembly focus on discussion rather than procedural details
Making recommendations such as actions or decisions to the larger body
Delegating on specific tasks (assigned by larger assembly or presiding officer) (include organizing events, investigating complaints, or conducting research) (a rule committee in a procedure might review and propose changes to bylaws/standing rules)
Presenting reports to the assembly during meetings (findings, proposals, or updates on projects), conducted verbally to committee chair/designated member
Decision making independence is given to some committees
Role of Committees in FBLA
Event planning and coordination: committees play an important role in organizing events (conferences, competitions, networking events, etc.)
Leadership Selection: committees often handle leadership elections (ex. A nominating committee may review applications to select officers/candidates)
Conference management: committees are responsible for managing workshops, sessions, and competitionsHandling disputes or issues: special committees (often formed ad hoc) may be created to handle disputes (such as appeals of results or violation of rules) and are used to address specific issues and provide recommendations or decisions
Facilitating Discussions & Deliberations: committees often serve as a forum for brainstorming & reviewing issues
Adjournments
Proper motions to end the meetings
In parliamentary procedure, there are three main motions related to ending or pausing a meeting: Adjourn, Recess, and Fix the Time to Which to Adjourn. Each motion has a unique purpose and application.
Adjourn
Purpose: To end the meeting immediately.
Usage: This motion is used when no further business needs to be conducted, or the assembly has reached the end of its scheduled time.
Characteristics:
Non-debatable.
Non-amendable.
Requires a majority vote.
Example: "I move to adjourn."
Procedure:
A member makes the motion.
Another member seconds it.
The chair immediately calls for a vote.
Important Notes:
If there are pressing matters that need resolution, the motion to adjourn is out of order.
If adjournment is approved, the meeting ends, and no further business is conducted.
Recess
Purpose: To take a short break during a meeting without ending it.
Usage: This motion is used to allow members time to rest, confer privately, or attend to other matters before resuming business.
Characteristics:
Not debatable.
Amendable (only for length of the recess).
Requires a majority vote.
Example: "I move to recess for 10 minutes."
Procedure:
A member makes the motion, specifying the duration of the recess.
Another member seconds it.
The chair puts the motion to a vote.
If approved, the meeting pauses and resumes after the break.
Important Notes:
A recess does not adjourn the meeting; the agenda remains in progress when the meeting reconvenes.
It’s often used during lengthy discussions or when members need time for informal consultation.
Differentiate between adjourn, recess, & (fix the time to which to adjourn)
Special procedures
Handling nominations & elections
A nomination is a formal proposal to consider someone for an office or position.
Methods of Nomination:
From the Floor: Members verbally propose candidates during a meeting.
Example: "I nominate Jane Smith for president."
No second is required, though a second can show support.
By a Committee: A nominating committee presents a slate of candidates, often after vetting them for eligibility.
This is common for larger organizations like FBLA.
By Ballot: Members write their nominations on a ballot.
By Petition: A certain number of signatures nominates a candidate.
By Self-Nomination: Members may nominate themselves.
Ballot counting & announcing results
Tabling or postponing decisions
Rules for Nominations:
Nominations are not debatable.
A member can decline a nomination.
The chair asks, “Are there any further nominations?” before closing the nomination process.
Closing nominations:
Motion: "I move to close nominations."
Requires a second, is non-debatable, amendable (only for timing), and requires a two-thirds vote.
Elections:
The voting process for choosing among nominees.
Elections can be by:
Voice Vote: Members say "aye" or "no" (not secret, used for uncontested positions).
Show of Hands/Rising Vote: Visual count of votes.
Ballot: Anonymous voting, used for fairness.
Roll Call Vote: Members' votes are recorded individually (rare in FBLA).
Ballot Counting & Announcing Results
Ballot Counting:
The tellers (appointed members) handle the counting of ballots to ensure accuracy and transparency.
Steps for Ballot Counting:
Collect ballots in a secure manner (e.g., ballot box).
Verify eligibility of voters (to avoid duplicate or invalid votes).
Count ballots under supervision to prevent disputes.
Record results on a tally sheet.
Ties and Majority:
A majority vote is more than half of the votes cast.
If no one receives a majority, there may be:
A re-vote.
A runoff between the top two candidates.
Ties:
If tied, additional rounds of voting may occur, or the chair may cast the deciding vote.
Announcing Results:
The chair or tellers announce results in a formal and transparent manner:
State the number of votes cast, number needed for majority, and each candidate's vote total.
Declare the winner officially.
Example: "With 35 votes, Jane Smith is elected president."
The election results are entered into the meeting minutes.
3. Tabling or Postponing Decisions
These motions are used to delay consideration of an item of business. While both involve delaying action, they serve distinct purposes:
Tabling (Lay on the Table)
Purpose: To set aside a motion temporarily due to more urgent business or lack of time.
Rules:
Requires a second.
Not debatable or amendable.
Requires a majority vote.
Effect:
The motion can be "taken from the table" (reconsidered) at the same or next meeting.
If not brought back by the next meeting, the motion dies.
Example:
Member: "I move to lay the motion on the table."
Chair: "It has been moved and seconded to lay the motion on the table. All in favor say 'aye.'"
Postponing (Postpone to a Certain Time)
Purpose: To delay discussion of a motion until a specific time or date.
Rules:
Requires a second.
Is debatable (only about the postponement, not the main motion).
Is amendable (to adjust the time/date of postponement).
Requires a majority vote.
Effect:
The motion is guaranteed to be considered at the specified time.
Example:
Member: "I move to postpone this motion until the next meeting."
Chair: "It has been moved and seconded to postpone the motion until next Thursday. Is there any debate?"
FBLA Bylaws
Article 1 - Name
The name of this division of FBLA is “Future Business Leaders of America High School Division” and it may be referred to as “FBLA High School Division”
Article 2 - Purpose
Providing additional opportunities for students in business to develop vocational/career related skills and promote civil and personal responsibilities.
Goals of FBLA:
Develop competent, aggressive business leadership;
Strengthen the confidence of students in themselves and their work;
Create more interest in and understanding of American business enterprise;
Encourage members in the development of individual projects which contribute
to the improvement of home, business, and community;Develop character, prepare for useful citizenship, and foster patriotism;
Encourage and practice efficient money management;
Encourage scholarship and promote school loyalty;
Assist students in the establishment of occupational goals; and
Facilitate the transition from school to work.
Article 3 - Membership
Membership consists of members of chartered local chapters. They shall hold membership in state and national chapters. Individual members are only recognized by the state chapter of FBLA except when there is no state chapter, then the member will be recognized by the national office.
National FBLA as well as state and local FBLA is open for these classes of members:
Active members - secondary students who have become members while enrolled in business/business-related fields, who accept FBLA’s purpose and creed, demonstrate good school-community relations and have qualities for employment. Active members must pay dues and may participate in national events (in accordance with the National Awards Program), serve as voting delegates to the National Leadership Conference, hold national office (see article VI) and otherwise represent local and state chapters as approved by their respective authorities.
Honorary Life Members - may be elected to state/local chapters by a majority vote. Assist in advancement of business/office education & have rendering/outstanding service to FBLA. Do not vote or hold office but do not pay dues.
National Honorary Life Members - may be recommended by membership and must be accepted by FBLA Board of Directors. They make significant contributions to the field of business/office education &/or the growth of FBLA. Do not vote, hold office, or pay dues.
Article 4 - Dues and Finance
National Dues are determined by a majority vote of the national board of directors based on the fiscal reports by the national center.
Affairs and property are managed by the board of directors, which shall have all powers and duties of a board of directors.
Association president and chief executive officer administer all FBLA finances and are required to submit an annual budget to the board of directors for approval and provide the board of directors with an annual audit.
The fiscal year of FBLA shall be August 1 through July 31.
Article 5 - Organization
FBLA will comprise state and local chapters, each operating in accordance with an FBLA charter. Only chapters that are in good standing and have been issued numbers and a charter may be referred to as FBLA.
The Board of Directors will serve as policymakers and derive authority from the Articles of Incorporation of FBLA and the laws of the District of Columbia. Members will be nominated by the state chairmen and elected by the local FBLA chapters of their regions for three- year terms in accordance with the nominating and voting procedures determined by the board of directors.
Administration is up to Chief Executive Officer and association president
There will be a National Executive Council which makes recommendations to the BOD (Board of Directors) and performs other duties stated in the bylaws.
Administrative regions will be managed using a policy from the Governance Committee which is approved by the BOD.
State chapter charters are issued by the BOD. The State Chapter will have at least 5 local chapters with all members holding national membership in FBLA High School division and hold at least one annual meeting to elect state officers and conduct business to qualify as a charter. Each state chapter shall have a state committee composed of professional educators in the areas of business and office occupations.
State committee chair is recommended by association president and chief executive officer and approved by the BOD.
Each local chapter will have an advisor who is a faculty member who believes in the FBLA mission and goals. Local chapters may have special-emphasis groups under the chapter charter to meet the interests of all students. The local chapter of FBLA High School Division assumes full responsibility for coordinating these special programs for these interest groups.
The 5 FBLA regions:
Eastern
Mountain Plains
North Central
Southern
Western
Understand how regional divisions affect conferences and competitions.
Article 6 - Officers and Elections
It is about the rules of officers in FBLA, including what they do and how they are chosen.
FBLA has national officers, including a president, Vice Presidents, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. They basically lead, organize, and make decisions.
Qualifications
Has to be an active member
Have to be present at the National Leadership Conference and be officially certified by the OSC - Officer Screening Committee - Once done they are eligible for a nomination.
To be considered for the position
Already had prior experience holding a position in local or state chapter
Be recommended by higher rank people, such as chapter adviser. Also endorsed by their local/state chapter.
Must submit an application by the deadline.
Nomination of Officers
Candidates are nominated at NLC
They must meet all qualifications before being nominated.
Elections
Officers are elected at NLC by voting delegates from each chapter.
Voting happens by a secret ballot, the candidate with the most votes wins.
If there’s a tie, the delegates vote again.
National officers serve for one year or until new officers are elected.
They begin their duties at the end of NLC
Vacancies : If the president can’t serve, the vice president from the president’s region takes over.
If other positions become vacant, the national President appoints someone to fill the position. THEY HAVE TO HAVE THE APPROVAL FROM THE FBLA BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
Article 7 - Duties of FBLA National High Schools Officers
The National President leads the National Executive Council, presides over meetings, is a board member, appoints committees and their chairs, and helps promote FBLA.
Regional Vice Presidents assist in promoting FBLA in their regions, help plan regional conferences, and preside over regional meetings at the National Leadership Conference.
The National Secretary keeps meeting records, shares minutes and reports, and works with state officers to contribute to national publications.
The National Treasurer tracks national officer travel expenses and presents an annual financial report at the National Leadership Conference.
The National Parliamentarian advises on the parliamentary procedure, because it also helps teach it to the state officer and is a non-voting member of the National Executive Council.
General duties: They perform their duties outlined by bylaws or as assigned by the President, CEO , or Board of Directors.
Article 8 - NLC
NLC is held every year and the date and location is decided by national staff and approved by the BOD.
Each chapter can send two voting delegates and one alternate to NLC
If the chapter is under 50 members than it can send 2 VDs
50-100 members : 3 VDs
Over 100 members : 4 VDs
All voting delegates must be certified by their advisers and submitted to the national office at least 20 days before the NLC.
Proxy voting is not allowed. State delegates can vote in the general session.
A majority of registered voting delegates is required to have a quorum for all business meetings at the NLC.
Article 9 - National Executive Council
The National Executive Council consists of national officers (voting) and ex-officio, non voting members like the Chair of the Board, Association President and CEO, and a state committee person for each national officer.
Duties:
Have a three-fourths vote, subject to board approval
They approve committee appointments and create new ones
Approve appoints to fill vacancies
Review proposed amendments
Presents approved amendments to VDs at NLC
Meetings are called by the National President or by request from three voting members, with approval from the Association President and CEO.
Business can be conducted by email with a three-fourths vote of eligible members, and the results will be recorded at the next meeting. Email voting requires approval from the Association President and CEO.
Article 10 - Committees
Advisory committees are present in order to help catalyze the growth and development of the FBLA highschool division.
Recommendations for these advisory positions are recommended through state chapters
The national president of the division can establish committees and appoint members when they have the approval of the national executive council.
Basically officer screeners are nominated by the national presidents, and these officers approve candidates for nomination
Committee business may be conducted by email. Action requires a majority vote.
Article 11 - Emblem of Colors
The Official symbol is copyrighted so basically don’t wear shit with it don’t yap about it online claiming it’s yours to use blah blah blah copyright stuff we all know what copyrighting is.
Emblems are uniform, and only those in good standing in FBLA can wear them.
Colors are blue(navy) and gold
Article 12 - Parliamentary Procedure
The rules in Robert’s Rules of Newly Ordered revisions are applied across the FBLA organization.
Article 13 - Amendments
Proposed amendments→submit local/state chapters →April 1 due date →Governance committee of the board of directors look over it by april 15th→approval May 1st → created may 15th→national executive council show amendments in national leadership conference →2/3 ppl vote →can be implemented
President and chief officer fix grammatical errors and technical issues of the updated bylaws to make sure it makes sense.
Adopted:
July 1, 1969
Amended:
December 1988
July 8, 1989
April 1997
January 1999
July 3, 1999
June 28, 2002
June 28, 2005
July 2, 2016
May 6, 2019
July 2, 2021
March 24, 2022
June 26, 2023
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