Before the lecture/workshop, we we’re invited by our speaker
to secure permission from the Vice Mayor’s for the use of the facility. The
request was granted. On the day, the staffs have been very accommodating and
the hall was so fitting for the said lecture. The facility and total ambience
welcomed the participants for the lecture’s invitation of a healthy mental
calisthenics.
We had an awesome time with more than 30 young people, prospective
SK Officials and students, and guests.
Basic Principles in Parliamentary Procedure.
- Every member has equal right, whether to vote or discuss.
- Majority, i.e., Simple Majority (1/2+1), always rules;
however,
- Minority must be heard and rights be protected.
- There should be singularity of subject having one subject at
a time.
- Debate and free discussion is allowed, must be allowed.
- Motions are to be voted upon.
- The Presiding Officer must be impartial, fair.
- Courtesy to others during meeting, decorum, is observed in
any proceedings.
But what is “decorum”?
In
Mrs. Mondido’s words, “In parliamentary parlance,
the term decorum refers to the propriety of conduct and decency of words or
speech of members in a deliberative body or assembly.”
The Rules of Decorum…
…should be known by any participant of a Parliamentary
Procedure. Remember to observe:
- Impersonal and formal reference to the Presiding Officer
- Impersonal and formal reference to another member.
- Pertinence of statements to issue discussed.
- Remarks, questions, or answers are coursed to the Chair.
- Speaking against own motion is not allowed.
- Time limit! As how Mrs. Mondido [link] suggested, only 2
minutes for each speaker.
- Civility of conduct is expected – on all members.
- No monopoly of discussion or debate.
- Changing of votes may be made by members.
- Seeking recognition first before speaking.
- Timing of “motion to adjourn”. It must not be done if
someone is speaking or has the floor.
- That motion of reporting committee chairman or member needs
no second.
- Impartiality of the Chair.
- That exercise of right has limit.
Interpellation Rules!
- Be honest in asking questions
- Avoid embarrassing questions
- Avoid fault-finding questions
- Avoid questions that tend to cross examine or interrogate.
- Avoid asking more than two successive questions at a time.
- Graciously acknowledge the answer.
- Never argue with the respondent.
Any more words?
Glory be to God in all of these feats! There are other things that we have learned. I may post it
soon. I’ll link the two posts for review.
Tomorrow will be last session for this program, SK Budgeting. This ought to be fun!
Also, have time to click
this link for the schedule
and program of the Kal’ton Festival.
Happy 3rd Kal’ton Festival
Fatima!
