Robert's Rules of Order
Source: Wikipedia
Rules of Procedure for conducting meetings
Robert's Rules of Order
Model United Nations (MUN)
Model EU (MEU)
Purpose of Rules of Procedure
- Maintain order
- Majority rules
- Minority rights protected
- Guarantees equality within participants
- Conduct business effectively
Content of Rules of Procedure
- Readings
- Organisation of the debate
- Formal debate
- Informal debate
- Note passing
- Order of speakers
- Points and Motions
- Votings
Source: Flickr
Readings
- Introductory statements and general debate
- debate on amendments/resolutions
- voting on amendments/resolutions
Informal Debate
- unmoderated
- with time limit
- members stay
in the room
Formal Debate
- moderated by chairperson
- raise placard to speak
- only speak when recognized by chairperson
- with Speakers’ List
Conduct of the Debate
Note Passing
- no cross-speaking during Formal Debate
- text notes can be passed within deputies/delegates
- notes should have at least a recepient
- privacy of correspondence
- for larger distances: dedicated note passers
- do not disturb speakers
Votings
- during the vote:
- no note passing or speaking
- doors stay closed (be punctional!)
- procedural votings (motions):
yes / no - substantive votings
(discussed matters):
yes / no / abstain - simple majority: 50% +1
Source: Flickr
Points and Motions
- use placard to pass points or motions
- only the Point of Personal Privilege
might interrupt a speaker
Points
- of Personal Privilege
- of Order (procedure issue)
- Right of Reply
- of Information
(question, MEU: Blue Card) - Verification of Quorum
Motions
- to set the agenda order
- to be added to Speakers' List
- to move to an Informal Debate
- to extend/limit speaking time
- to close/open the Speaker’s List
- to close the debate
(requires voting)
Mock Debate
- Worker Protection:
"All countries will put in place a two day long weekend during which workers are paid 5 times more per hour." - Climate Change:
"Every country agrees to spend 5% of its domestic gros product to direct actions limiting the Climate Change in order to ensure food safety." - Nutrition:
"In order to improve the overall health, public food stores and food serving stores shall offer beer or whine."