Unanimous Consent: Good Presiding Officers Use It!
Sure, you can use formal procedure to handle routine, noncontroversial matters in board and membership meetings. But why would you? Let’s look at a typical meeting example: Chair: Is there a motion to approve the minutes?[uncomfortable silence, finally followed by]Member: I move to approve the minutes.Chair: Is there a second?[uncomfortable silence, finally followed by]Member: Second! Chair: It is moved and seconded to approve the minutes. Is there any discussion?[no, there isn’t]Chair: The question is on the motion to approve the minutes. Those in favor of approving the minutes, say ‘aye.’ . . . Those opposed, say ‘no.’ The minutes are approved.[FYI, everyone … Continue reading