Parliamentary Strategy
To SUPPORT a motion	To OPPOSE a motion
1. Second it promptly and enthusiastically.	1. Speak against it as soon as possible. Raise questions; try to put proponents on defensive.
2. Speak in favor of it as soon as possible.	2. Move to amend the motion so as to eliminate objectionable parts.
3. Do your homework; know your facts; have handouts, charts, overhead projector slides, etc., if appropriate.	3. Move to amend the motion to adversely encumber it.
4. Move to amend motion, if necessary, to make it more acceptable to opponents.	4. Draft a more acceptable version and offer as amendment by substitution.
5. Vote against motion to table or to postpone, unless delay will strengthen your position.	5. Move to postpone to a subsequent meeting.
6. Move to recess or postpone, if you need time to marshal facts or work behind the scenes.	6. Move to refer to committee.
7. If defeat seems likely, move to refer to committee, if that would improve chances.	7. Move to table.
8. If defeat seems likely, move to divide by question, if appropriate, to gain at least partial victory.	8. Move to recess.
9. Have available a copy of the organization's standing rules; its bylaws, and The Standard Code, in case of procedural dispute.	9. Question the presence of quorum, if appropriate.
10. If motion is defeated, move to reconsider, if circumstances warrant it.	10. Move to adjourn.
11. If motion is defeated, consider reintroducing it at a subsequent meeting.	11. On a voice vote, vote emphatically.
	12. If the motion is adopted, move to reconsider, if you might win a subsequent vote.
	13. If the motion is adopted, consider trying to rescind it at a subsequent meeting.
	14. Have available a copy of the organization's standing rules; its bylaws, and The Standard Code, in case of procedural dispute.