1. What is a friendly amendment?
A friendly amendment is a proposed change to a main motion, made to clarify or improve the wording of the motion. Though “friendly amendment” is common business meeting jargon, it is not an official Robert’s Rules of Order term.
The idea of “friendly” is used for an amendment which, if made at the proper time (see question #2), can be handled a little less formally and without much process (see questions #3 and #4).
2. When can a friendly amendment be made?
A friendly amendment, proposing a change in the wording of a main motion, must be made before the Chair repeats the motion (the fourth step in the lifecycle of a motion). This means that a friendly amendment must be proposed immediately after the motion is first presented, or as someone is seconding the motion.
Here is the reasoning on the timing “rule” for a friendly amendment: Before the Chair repeats a main motion, it “belongs” to the person making the motion, so that person is allowed to adjust the wording. But once the Chair has repeated the motion, it “belongs” to the whole group. And if a group has begun to spend time discussing the motion, this rule honors that investment by prohibiting any “informal” changes based on an off-to-the-side discussion of only two members (motion-maker and amendment-maker).
3. Can you debate a friendly amendment?
No. A friendly amendment is not discussed by the group. The person making the motion simply rewords the motion if she agrees with the proposed amendment(s).
4. Do you need a vote on a friendly amendment?
No. A friendly amendment is not voted on.
5. What if the person making the main motion does not like the friendly amendment?
The person who has presented the motion may change the wording if they want to—as long as the Chair has not yet repeated the motion. But if they don’t want to amend the motion, then it stands as is and the motion lifecycle continues.
If an amendment is proposed after the Chair has repeated the motion, it doesn’t matter if the person who made the motion does or doesn’t like the amended wording. The proposed amendment is handled via the normal amendment process.
Where to Learn More
- From Civility
- Other Sources
