Since a motion is a powerful tool to make things happen, it's important to use the correct motion and to word it the best that you can. This doesn't mean that you have to sound like a senator or a parliamentarian, but that you watch your words and use the right motion for the right action you desire.

Motions were neatly classified by Robert in his Rules of Order. First and most important are the main motions, which include the original ones made by members and also the incidental main motions. Next in line are the secondary motions, which include subsidiary, privileged, and incidental motions. Finally, there are the motions that bring the question under consideration back to the forefront after a debate.

Why Classify the Motions?

It's important to classify the motions to better understand their order and importance. For example, a business has its president, vice president, and so on down the hierarchy. The main motion is like the president, holding the most importance, and everything should be done with the idea of serving the main motion. So, just as the vice president and others assist the president in achieving the goals of the company, so the motions classified beneath the main motion should assist its goal.

Let's say that the group has been looking for a way to raise funds. A member makes a motion to consider a fund-raising opportunity. There is discussion by the membership. Then another member might make a motion to have that original member do more research and get back to the group. This would be an example of an incidental motion — it serves the original motion.

In the Beginning…

Here's the order of making motions:

• First the main motion is made.

• That main motion may be postponed indefinitely, amended, or referred to a committee.

• There could be a motion to limit or extend limits or debate.

• Members could move on the previous question (vote on the motion).

• There can be a motion to lay the original motion on the table.

• Someone could call for the orders of the day if they have been scheduled at this particular time.

• A question of privilege could be raised. (“The room is too warm,” and so on. See Chapter 8.)

• There could be a call for a recess.

• There could be a motion to adjourn.

• Someone could want to fix the time to adjourn (so the meeting doesn't run over).

Now for the Voting

The order of voting on motions is the reverse of the above list. Members would vote on these motions in this order:

• Fix the time to which to adjourn

• Adjourn

• Recess

• Question of privilege

• Call for the orders of the day

• Lay on the table

• Previous question

• Limit or extend limits of debate

• Postpone to a certain time

• Refer to a committee

• Amend

• Postpone indefinitely

• The original main motion

An Important Rule to Remember

Some people think that there cannot be more than one motion being considered at a time. This isn't true. A main motion can be proposed, and another motion can be made to amend it. So then there are two motions on the floor.

Confused? Don't be. Just remember that only motions that further the main motion can be considered. A secondary motion might be to reword the main motion, to refer it to a committee for study, to place a time constraint on debate, and so on. If a member seconds the motion, it may then be debated and voted upon. Just remember that motions can't be made to address a new matter or digress into other areas while a main motion is before the membership. A more detailed explanation of main motions is located in Chapter 6, but for now, this serves as a good introduction to the important points.