Robert’s Rules of Order Cheat Sheet for Nonprofits Written by Toni Hoy
Robert’s Rules of Order is a lengthy manual of parliamentary procedure that governs most boards of directors, which was first created in 1876 by Henry Martyn Robert as an adaptation of the rules and practices of Congress. With the latest versions of the manual totaling around 700 pages, a Robert’s Rules of Order cheat sheet is useful for highlighting the most common processes used by today’s boards.
To help simplify Robert’s Rules of Order, we’ll provide an overview of the following topics:
- The basics of Robert’s Rules
- 6 categories of motions
- Steps for making a motion
- How to handle points of order
- Robert’s Rules of Order cheat sheet
- Tips and reminders for board chairs
What are Robert’s Rules of Order, and What Is It Used For?
Robert’s Rules is a framework that is comprised of a set of codes and rules of ethics that helps groups hold orderly meetings that allow the majority to rule while allowing minority voices to be heard. There are four primary types of motions in Robert’s Rules of Order:
- Main motions
- Subsidiary motions
- Incidental motions
- Renewal motions
Robert’s Rules of Order for meetings is the general standard for how nonprofit boards, committees and
other established groups govern discussions and decision-making. Most nonprofits and groups use Robert’s Rules because it ensures order and creates a ripe environment for productivity.
Parliamentary Procedure
A parliamentary procedure can be any set of rules and guidelines a group formally establishes to govern themselves, with Robert’s Rules of Order being the most common type. The goal of the parliamentary procedure is to set forth the order of discussions and ultimately get to a place where all group members can agree on what they want to accomplish or how to move forward. By using an established set of rules and guidelines, members of the group can reach a consensus in a respectful, collegial manner.