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Youth-Friendly Parliamentary Procedure

Tips and tricks for teaching youth how to conduct a 4-H business meeting.

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Program Contact

Amy Alder, 4-H Program Manager
Phone Number509-962-7565 Email Address • amy.alder@wsu.edu

Introducing Parliamentary Procedure to Youth

A simplified version of parliamentary procedure for middle to high school youth may include just using a repeated pattern of motions (“I move…”), seconds (“I second that motion…”), calls for discussion (“Any discussion before we vote?”), and voting (“All in favor..”).

A simplified version of parliamentary procedure for elementary school youth may include just using a repeated pattern of sharing ideas (“I think…”), seconds (“Who else agrees?”), calls for discussion (“What other ideas do we have?”), and voting (“All in favor..”).

If your club is using a system, simplified or not, it’s vital that all youth members have an interactive opportunity to learn how it works!

Activities for Practicing Parliamentary Procedure

  • Parli-Pro-Trail-Mix
    Youth (and adults) will learn how to make, discuss, and vote on motions using parliamentary procedure in a fun, hands-on way.
  • Order of Business
    Participants will learn how a business meeting is organized and determine how they might want to organize their own club meeting agenda.
  • Parliamentary Procedure Printables (PDF)
    Use this PDF printable to remind club members what phrases they use to propose motions, second motions, and amend motions. It includes a page of reminder phrases for presiding officers as well.
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