Participation in a Virtual Region Assembly
These rules take precedence over Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised with which they may conflict. They may be suspended by a two-thirds vote using a Motion to Suspend the Rules.
The Standing Rules will be published 45 days in advance of any business meeting and may be amended at any time during a meeting through a motion from the floor; it requires the motion to be seconded, debated, and the majority vote. Proposed amendments may be submitted in advance and then voted on at the assembly.
b. The proposed representative must confirm that they:
i. Are a member of a meeting, intergroup or service body of OA, as defined in OA Inc., Subpart B Article V Sections 1 and 2 as well as Article VI.
ii. Have a minimum of six months of current continuous abstinence as defined by Overeaters Anonymous, while practicing the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of OA to the best of their ability.
9. One MOTION TO EXTEND the meeting by up to 30 minutes may be considered. The motion is not debatable, it is amendable as to the length of the extension. A 2/3 vote in the affirmative is necessary to extend.
10. No part of the meeting may be recorded and no screen shots may be taken of the assembly, except that the secretary may make an audio recording in order to ensure accurate minutes.
11. Anyone who wishes to address the assembly must contact the center mic monitor (CMM), who will manage the queue, notify the chair and notify the member when it is time to raise their hand for the chair to recognize them.
12. After being recognized by the chair, a person shall state their name and service body.
13. A Minutes Review Committee will be appointed at the beginning of each Assembly.
14. Visitors may have a voice at the discretion of the chair.
15. Should a voting member, service member or visitor become abusive or disruptive during the Assembly, the presiding officer will
a. Remind them that there is an expectation of courtesy towards all in attendance.
b. If they continue to be disruptive, the members will be placed in the waiting room or a breakout room until they have had time to collect themselves.
c. If they desire to speak with someone about what is upsetting them, the presiding officer will appoint a non-voting member, with first preference being the Trustee, to discuss the matter with them and to act as an advocate in resolving the issue.
d. The business of the Assembly will continue during this time.
16. At an assembly, all attendees must display their credentials as follows:
Role | Format Example |
Board Members | B First Name Last Initial – Position |
Committee Chairs | C First Name Last Initial – Committee Name |
Service Members | S First Name Last Initial – Position |
Representatives | R First Name Last Initial – Service Body Name |
Parliamentarian | P First Name |
Center Mic Monitor | CMM First Name |
Visitors | V First Name |
Interpreters | I First Name - Language |
17. The secretary shall make a credentials check by taking a roll call at the beginning of each day, and as requested by the chair.
18. If a Consent Agenda is used, any voting member may request that an item be removed for separate consideration.
19. The voting body is comprised of registered representatives, board members and committee chairs. Each member is entitled to one vote. Proxy voting is not permitted
20. During a vote, members will appear on camera unless an exception has been granted by the chair.
21. Should a member be unable to cast their vote in the primary manner due to limitations of the device they are using, they will be given directions on how to cast their vote during the meeting.
22. At the Chair’s discretion, all visitors will be moved to a separate location during the voting process. After the vote, visitors will be returned to the main location, and the results will be announced.
23. All elections will be held by Zoom polls that have the anonymous function enabled. The Zoom Poll report will be attached to the minutes.
24. No main motions other than emergency motions will be taken from the floor at the assembly.
25. Emergency motions must be submitted to the chair, who will determine if such a motion is considered an emergency.
26. A voting member may not speak on two consecutive motions or amendments unless the maximum number of speakers has not been reached, or they are the maker of the motion.
27. Members may speak once on each motion for a maximum of 2 minutes. At the chair’s discretion, additional time to speak in debate will be granted to those with special considerations.
28. Debate will alternate between pro and con.
29. Debate is limited to three pro and three con speakers for each motion with a maximum of two pro and two con speakers for amendments.
30. Debate is followed by seven minutes for questions. One motion to extend questions will be permitted. The motion to extend is not debatable.
31. Debate ends when
The motion to close debate is in order only after 5 minutes of questions.
32. Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised,(12th ed.) will be followed unless it conflicts with these rules, applicable legislation or the bylaws and policies and procedures of OA Virtual Region.