Robert's Rules of Order

If you were at the Special town meeting last night, you know it ran long. Some people didn't make it through. There were many great questions and it seemed like most people supported the motion but not specific terms. I realized an hour or two in that none of us know the procedures and in particular, how to amend the motion. 

It is too bad there was no way to bring order to the disorganization. But wait, there is.  It's called Robert's Rules of Order. Town meeting runs under these rules. As citizens, we can make motions including a motion to move the question (call a vote) or a motion to amend. We are the legislature. If you search, there are many quick tutorials online like the following PDF.  http://www.portlandoregon.gov/oni/article/22969  I am printing one out for the next meeting so I know the rules. 

They are called Robert's Rules because almost 140 years ago an army officer Henry Robert wrote down the rules of parliamentary procedure for reference after trying (and failing) to run a local town meeting, and being hopelessly confused. (See, you're not the only one!) The handbook became so popular that the entire procedure is now known as Robert's Rules.  If you want full info on Robert's Rules, you can buy a quick handbook of the rules or you may be interested in the list of FAQs at the Robert's Rules site.