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fixed membership

Refers to the number of memberships established in the bylaws. If the bylaws established a board of 9 and there were currently 2 vacancies, a majority of the fixed membership would be 5, a majority of the entire membership would be 4.

floor

A member has the floor when he has been recognized by the chair to speak. A member is “assigned the floor” by the presiding officer. During that time no one else is to speak until the floor is assigned to another. A motion is considered on the floor when it is in Step 4 of the processing of a motion; when it is pending.

forum

An informal meeting or portion of a meeting that allows the members to openly discuss issues.

friendly amendment

A proposed Amendment that is perceived to be acceptable to the entire assembly. This Amendment should be processed just like any other Amendment, following the steps of any other motion, even if the maker of the motion “accepts” the Amendment. If it is obvious all members are in agreement with the minor change, it can be adopted by unanimous consent.

frivolous motion

A motion proposed that is not significant or is dilatory (intended to delay or obstruct business).

fundamental principle of parliamentary law

Rules in parliamentary procedure that protect the basic rights of the individual member. These rules cannot be suspended. An example is that the right to vote is limited to the members as defined in the bylaws. Therefore, the rules cannot be suspended to allow nonmembers to vote.