What is a motion?

A motion is defined as a formal proposal made in a meeting or assembly for consideration and decision. Understanding this term is essential, particularly in the context of meetings governed by parliamentary procedure, which is often used in various organizations and associations, including those related to memberships and decision-making processes.

When a motion is presented, it usually includes a specific action that the group is being asked to consider, whether it's to approve a budget, implement a new policy, or undertake a new project. This contrasts with informal discussion points or summaries of past decisions, which do not require a formal vote and do not actively call for a decision. While a recommendation to adjourn may also be a formal statement, it is not a proposal for action in the same sense as a motion, which seeks to inspire a decision rather than merely concluding a meeting.

Therefore, recognizing that a motion serves as a critical mechanism for facilitating structured decision-making within a group reinforces its importance in organizational settings.