1. Does Robert’s Rules of Order apply in committees?
Some rules can be set aside for committees (small groups of 12 or less).
- No seconds are required.
- No debate limits apply.
- Discussion can happen before making a motion.
2. Does a group have to take a vote to adopt or receive a committee report?
No. Once a committee report has been presented or officially distributed in print/online, it is considered “received.” No separate motion or action is needed. But the reporting committee member should make a motion regarding adoption of any committee recommendations, presenting them one at a time. And, if a larger group wants to adopt an entire committee report (which is a motion to endorse every word of the report—including all underlying facts, reasoning, and conclusions), a non-reporting member should make this motion, and a second is needed.
3. Can the chair of the committee vote?
Yes. The chair can always vote in a small board or committee (i.e., a group of 12 or less).
4. Do all committees have to give a verbal report at each meeting?
No. Streamline committee reporting by asking each committee to submit (ahead of the meeting) (1) an official written report and (2) a completed Committee Activities Form—a one-page summary including the committee name, members, a summary of activities since the last meeting of the entire group, and a list of action items for the larger group to consider. Then, give dedicated space on the agenda only to committees that have action items to present to the larger group. The official written reports can be distributed to be read later.
5. What should you do if something is “dying” in a committee?
If a committee fails to report back on the business it was charged with considering, use the motion called Discharge a Committee. (Avoid this problem by always including a time for reporting back when drafting a motion to refer business to a committee.)
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