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Conference Business

Business sessions are official meetings during which delegates conduct the formal business of Conference. The decisions we make will set the course for the future of OSEA.

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Conference Floor

Inside the Grand Ballroom, you will see a rectangle marked around delegate tables. That is the perimeter of the Conference floor. Only credentialed delegates may be on the floor during business sessions – this is to ensure decisions are made by members’ elected representatives, without outside interference.

Seating: The Conference Committee assigns each chapter’s delegates to a specific table on the Conference floor. Your table will have a sign with your chapter number on it. Conference Committee members can help you find your seat. Please do not move your chapter to a different table. See staff at the registration table if you have questions about seating or if you need an accommodation.

Quiet on the floor: Side conversations can be distracting to your fellow delegates and those on the stage. Please be respectful during business sessions and refrain from talking unless you have been acknowledged by the Conference chair. Delegates should abide by the “QUIET” signs whenever they are displayed by Conference Committee members.

Don’t block the view: Avoid placing decorations anywhere that could block the view of your fellow delegates.

Business Sessions

OSEA is a democracy, and we make decisions by debating and then voting on ideas. A typical business session may run as follows:

  1. The chair announces the next resolution coming before delegates.
  2. A member of the resolutions committee will read the resolution in full.
  3. The member who submitted the resolution will speak about their idea.
  4. Delegates will debate and ask questions about the resolution.
  5. The chair calls a vote on the resolution.

Microphone Etiquette

There are three microphones on the floor and it is important to go to the correct one. (Delegates with disabilities may use whichever microphone is closest or easiest to access.) The microphones are labeled for their intended use:

  • Microphone 1 – PRO (on the left as you look at the stage) is for speaking in favor of a resolution or motion.
  • Microphone 2 – CON (in the middle) is for speaking against a resolution or motion.
  • Microphone 3 – Questions (on the right) is for asking for more information about a resolution or its impacts.

When you wish to speak, bring your chapter sign (found on your table) and line up behind the appropriate mic. The chair will call on you when it is your turn. Begin by saying your full name, chapter name and chapter number. Speak slowly and clearly and spell your last name for the secretary. Use the following format:

“(Madam/Mister) President, my name is (first and last name, spelled A-B-C...) from (Chapter name and number), I wish to...”

When speaking on the Conference floor, we always address the chair, rather than any other delegates. This keeps debate from becoming too personal.

You may wish to say more than one thing during debate on a resolution. For example, you may wish to ask a question and share your opinion about an issue. You must move to the appropriate microphone for each comment, going to the back of the line. No delegate may speak twice about a resolution or motion until everyone who wishes to speak has had an opportunity.

Basic Parliamentary Procedure

The structure of debate follows parliamentary procedure, adapted by the Conference rules. (The proposed rules are shared with delegates before Conference; voting to adopt them is our first order of business each year.)

Share your opinion about a resolution or motion: When you wish to speak in favor of or against a resolution, line up behind the appropriate mic. When you are recognized by the chair, introduce yourself as per above, then explain your opinion.

Ask a question: Microphone 3 on the right is for questions. All questions must be germane, i.e., relevant to the issue currently being discussed. You may request more information about a resolution or its impacts (“What is the fiscal impact?”) or get advice on the correct procedure to follow (“How do I propose an amendment?”).

Point of order: A delegate may call a point of order if they believe the Conference rules have been broken. To call a point of order, stand and raise your chapter sign and point of order card, then proceed to the front of the line at the nearest microphone. Say “Point of order, (Madam/Mister) President,” and explain the issue. The chair will determine if you are correct about the procedural issue; their decision may be appealed.

Motions: You may also make a motion to impact a resolution or the way business is running. Motions can be made at mic 1 or mic 2. The most common motions are listed below; see OSEA’s Simplified Parliamentary Procedure and Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised for more. Most motions require a second (another delegate who supports discussing the idea) to move forward; you do not need to identify a second yourself before making the motion. Once a motion is made and seconded, delegates will debate and vote on the motion before returning to the resolution.

  • Amend – Use an amendment form (provided at your table) to write out your amendment clearly. Give one copy to a member of the Conference Committee, who will bring it to the chair. Bring the other copy with you to the microphone to read. Begin by saying “I move to amend the resolution by (striking/adding/etc.)...”
  • End debate – To prompt a vote, say “I move to end debate.” If the motion passes, delegates will then vote on the main motion or resolution without any further discussion.
  • Postpone – Say “I move to postpone this discussion until (the next business session,” to delay debate on a resolution until a specific time or until more information is available.
  • Limit or extend debate – Say “I move that debate on this motion ends at (4 p.m.),” or “I move to extend debate (for 30 additional minutes)” or “I move to allow (5 more minutes for each side to speak).” This motion requires a two-thirds majority to pass.
  • Refer – If a resolution needs more consideration, study or re-writing, it may be referred to a committee. Say “I move to refer this resolution to (the Resolutions/Constitution Committee).”
  • Recess – To take a short break before returning to business, say “I move to recess for (10 minutes).” This does not end the meeting. A recess is usually held for a specific purpose, such as preparing for a roll call vote.

Voting on the Conference Floor

Delegates vote during business sessions by raising green “yes” placards or red “no” placards, which are found on your table. Wait until the chair calls for votes by saying “All those in favor, raise your green ‘yes’ cards,” followed by “those opposed, raise your red ‘no’ cards.”

For clarity, we vote one position at a time. Don’t raise your red card during the ‘yes’ vote or your green card during the ‘no’ vote.