PA DeMolay Resources -Parliamentary Procedure

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Point of Information

When a member is unclear on what was said by someone debating a motion, or wants clarification about what a motion means or how it would impact the group, he may ask for a simple point of information. This is really just asking a question. It may not be used as a "sneaky" way of getting into a debate. It should only be used to ask genuine questions to get information needed for the decision.

Here's how it works:

What to say:	"Point of information."
May you interrupt the speaker?	Yes.
Do you need a second?	No.
Can the motion be debated?	No.
Can the motion be amended?	No.
What vote is needed to pass?	No vote.
Can it be reconsidered?	No.
Example:	CHR: "... so the committee moves that we use XYZ Web Solutions as the server to host our web site." PRES: "The motion came from committee, and needs no second. Is there any discussion?" MEM1: "Point of information." PRES: "Go ahead." MEM1: "I'm just wondering if the committee checked out any other companies, and how their prices compared." CHR: "We priced services from these four companies, and XYZ made us the best offer based on the level of service provided. We'll be happy to provide specific details of the other companies' offers if you'd like." MEM1: "Thank you. That's sufficient." PRES: "Any further discussion?" [If the member had been unsatisfied with the answer, he could have asked to see the additional information, or if needed, to table or postpone the motion until such information was available to the group.]

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