OASIS Open Document Format for Office Applications (OpenDocument) TC

  • 1.  Unanimous Consent

    Posted 02-20-2009 20:43
    A few quick words on these subjects.  I know I went over these on a 
    meeting once a while back, but it was some time ago and we have new 
    members who may not be familiar with it.
    
    With full formality, approving a motion according to the full form of 
    parliamentary procedure would follow a script something like this:
    
    1) A member seeks recognition from the Chair
    2) The Chair recognizes the member, giving them permission to speak
    3) The member makes a motion:  I move that ODF be renamed "Open Duck 
    Formula"
    4) Another member seconds the motion
    5) The Chair gives the question over to debate, e.g, The motion has been 
    made and seconded that ODF be renamed "Open Duck Formula"
    6) Members then individually seek recognition from the Chair to speak on 
    the motion
    7) Members may make subsidiary motions, such as motions to amend the main 
    motion.  This introduces a bit of internal looping/recursion back to step 
    3.
    8) A member makes a motion to end debate, "I move the previous question".
    9) The Chair calls for a vote on a motion to end debate, which then must 
    pass by 2/3 majority
    10) The Chair announces the results of the vote to end debate
    12) The Chair then calls for a vote on the main motion
    12) The Chair announces the results of the vote, "The vote was 13-3, the 
    motion passes and ODF is renamed 'Open Duck Formula'"
    
    As you can see, we wouldn't get much done if we used the full form of 
    Robert's Rules for all TC business. 
    
    Some items, like approving the agenda, approving minutes, or approving 
    other business, at the discretion of the Chair, may be adopted by 
    unanimous consent.  Unanimous consent, sometimes called "general consent" 
    is a labor saving device. This means that instead of going through the 12 
    steps outlined above, the Chair simple says:
    
    "If there is no objection, ODF is renamed to 'Open Duck Formula'"
    
    or
    
    "Without objection, ODF is renamed to Open Duck Formula'"
    
    or
    
    "Is there any objection to renaming ODF to Open Duck Formula"?