What is an Amendment?


In corporate meetings, an amendment is a motion to make a formal change or addition proposed to an existing policy, procedure, or decision. Typically, a motion to amend grants members the authority to update or correct the existing records or agreements. 

Amendments are crucial for organizations as they allow adapting to changing circumstances. Specifically, these allow organizations to adapt to trends, market conditions, or regulatory changes, ensuring decisions made are effective and relevant. Additionally, amendments are used to refine proposals, incorporate additional insights, and correct mistakes before making final decisions.

Types of Amendments

According to Robert’s Rules of Order, members can make a motion for:

What is an amendment example?

Here are some instances where amendments are made in board meetings.

How to propose an amendment?

The amendment process can be segmented into phases.

  1. Proposal of Amendments — The process of making a motion to amend begins with a proposal. The proposal can be made by any member of the organization — raising their hand and stating “I move to amend the motion…” Another member seconds and the chair opens the floor to debate.
  2. Discussion and Debate — Once a proposal is on the table, the members can discuss and evaluate the amendment. 
  3. Approval Requirements — For an amendment to be adopted, it typically requires approval through a voting process. The specifics of this process can vary depending on the organization’s rules, but it generally involves a majority vote. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if an amendment is not approved?

If an amendment is not approved, the original policy or decision remains in effect. The board may need to address the pressing issue through alternative means.

Who is responsible for implementing approved amendments?

The responsibility typically falls to the relevant departments, committees, or individuals affected by the changes. Updates to the documents and records should be done upon approval.

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