Parli-Pro Trail Mix

Program Contact

Autumn Britt, 4-H Program Manager
Phone Number509-588-7817 Email Address • autumn.britt@wsu.edu

Adapted from an unknown author by Alison White, Extension Regional Specialist, Washington State University, March 2024.

Description

Youth (and adults) will learn how to make, discuss, and vote on motions using parliamentary procedure in a fun, hands-on way.

Materials

You will need:

• An assortment of food items that can be combined into a trail mix (do not pre-mix them). Ingredients may include: Chex cereals, candy-coated chocolate, chocolate chips, gummy bears, mini pretzels, goldfish crackers, raisins, dried fruits, freeze-dried berries, banana chips, nuts, seeds, etc. Check with families beforehand to avoid any food allergies.
• Two or more items that might cause debate as to if it is suitable to include in a trail mix, such as pop rocks, fresh fruit, or other ingredients not commonly found in trail mix.
• Large bowl and spoon for mixing and serving.
• Paper cups, bowls, or snack bags for serving.
• Printed parliamentary procedure sign(s) – a large club may benefit from multiple copies.

Always check your member enrollment forms for food allergies or speak with parents/guardians before gathering food supplies, especially nut products.

Procedure

1. Read or paraphrase the following introductory text:
   Parliamentary procedure is a way to make decisions in meetings in a fair, orderly way. Our 4-H club will use it to share and discuss ideas and vote on decisions relating to club business, such as what we we will spend club money on or what activities we will do.
2. Next, show participants the ingredients spread out on a table and describe the activity – read or paraphrase:
   Today you are going to make a trail mix together, but you will have to decide on what ingredients to include using parliamentary procedure. Making a decision involves multiple steps.
   • A 4-Her will move to add an ingredient, but before any discussion is made, another 4-Her must second the motion.
   • Once it has been seconded, the club president will ask “Is there any discussion?” The member who made the motion first explains their position – why is this a good idea? Other members then add their thoughts in favor or against the motion.
   • After the discussion, the president restates the motion and leads a vote on the motion – they may say something like, “We have a motion to add [name the ingredient] to the trail mix. All those in favor, say ‘aye.'” Anyone who wants to include the ingredient should respond with ‘aye.’ The president will then ask, “All those opposed, say ‘nay.'” and those who do not want to include the ingredient should respond with ‘nay.’
   • Based on the results of the vote, the president will then declare if the motion passes or fails. If it passes, you add the ingredient to the bowl. If it doesn’t, it is left out.
   • The president can then ask to entertain another motion. Repeat these steps until you have a finished trail mix to share.
3. To illustrate different outcomes, the activity facilitator may want to make motions to add items to the trail mix that will generate different results, such as moving to add five paper clips to the trail mix, or to add applesauce. This may result in motions that don’t get seconds, that spark lively debate, or that fail to pass.
4. Printable parliamentary procedure signs (PDF) may be used as table tents at club meetings as reminders to use this process to conduct club business. This activity can be repeated at the start of the 4-H year to help educate new members and remind returning 4-Hers of the basic rules.
5. Older youth members or those already familiar with parliamentary procedure can practice making amendments to motions. In this case, after a motion is made, seconded, and discussed, a member would move to amend using language such as, I move to amend the main motion to add [a different amount of the ingredient].” This motion must also be seconded and then discussed in the same way the original motion would be. The amendment is voted on. If it passes, the president should restate the motion as amended so it can be voted on. If it fails, the original motion without the amendment must still be voted on.

The goals of 4-H club governance (youth empowerment, youth engagement, youth voice in decision-making, and fun) are more important than perfect use of parliamentary procedure. Use the version of parliamentary procedure that fits the needs and ages of your club’s membership.