Can You Change the President’s Agenda?

In deliberative assemblies that follow Robert’s Rules of Order the President is not the organization’s dictator! The main basis of parliamentary procedure is the application of principles and rules that allow for group decision-making.

Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised (11th edition) has protections against the President dictating the items of business without consulting the rest of the board. Page 372 states, “Unless a precirculated agenda is formally adopted at the session to which it applies, it is not binding as to detail or order of consideration.” Adopting an agenda requires a majority vote, and it can be amended prior to or after its adoption (RONR 11th ed., page 372-373).

Amending the Agenda Prior to Adoption

Agendas are typically presented at the beginning of the meeting for informational purposes or a vote of approval. At this stage, it can be amended by a majority vote. Example motions to accomplish this include:

• “Mr. President, I move to amend the proposed agenda by inserting ‘Sale of Building’ under New Business.”
  
• “Madame Chair, I move to amend the proposed agenda by striking ‘Consultant Presentation’ and re-inserting it after Approval of Minutes.”

Amending the Agenda After Adoption

Even after an agenda has been adopted, it can be amended by 1) a two-thirds vote, 2) a majority of the entire membership (this is different than a majority vote), or 3) unanimous consent. The form of the motion is the same as if you were amending the agenda prior to adoption, just the vote threshold is increased.

Conclusion

Don’t allow this situation to trip you up! If you have any questions, leave a comment below or contact us. LastMinuteMeetings.net also offers consulting services for corporations, associations, and bodies of all sizes.