PLC Procedures

PLC

What is the Patrol Leaders’ Council

The patrol leaders’ council is made up of the senior patrol leader, who presides over the meetings; the assistant senior patrol leader, all patrol leaders, and the troop guide. The patrol leaders’ council plans the yearly troop program at the annual troop program planning conference. It then meets monthly to fine-tune the plans for the upcoming month.

How does the PLC Work?

“The patrol is the heart of the Patrol method, but the brain that guides it is the Patrol Leaders Council.” When you become a leader in a patrol you also become a leader in the troop. In the patrol leaders council you will get a chance to express the hopes and desires of your patrol. Here, also, you will receive the guidance and help you need to conduct your patrol affairs and train your patrol members.

In the patrol leaders council you will pick up inspiration for making your patrol the best possible.

  1. WHO?
    1. All patrol leaders are members of the council.
    2. The Senior patrol leader acts as the chairman of the patrol leaders council.
    3. The Scoutmaster serves as advisor to the council.
    4. The only members of the council with a vote are the patrol leaders. The Senior patrol leader can vote in case of a tie.
    5. In the absence of the patrol leader his assistant can attend and vote.
    6. Quartermaster, Scribe, Junior Assistant Scoutmasters, and other may attend but have no vote.
  2. WHAT?
    1. The patrol leaders council plans the activities of the troop and assigns the responsibility for carrying out the plans for such things as:
      • Meetings Hikes Camps
      • Service projects
    2. Reports are made on progress of activities underway.
    3. The council also acts as a clearing house for special problems that might arise:
      • No advancement
      • Can’t control group
      • No patrol meetings
    4. The schedule for the year is planned.
  3. WHEN?
    1. The patrol leaders council should meet once a month and at other times when necessary.
    2. In many troops they meet briefly after each troop meeting.
  4. HOW?
    1. Call to order – Senior Patrol Leader
    2. Roll Call
    3. Reading of minutes – Scribe
    4. Patrol Leaders reports – Patrol Leaders
    5. Unfinished business
    6. New business
    7. Next months program
      • Troop meetings
      • Hikes
      • Campouts
      • Advancement
      • Service projects
      • Recruiting new members
    8. Announcements
    9. Leaders minute
    10. Adjurnament

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METHOD OF BUSINESS

  1.  The method used by members of the PLC to express themselves, is in the form of motions. A motion is a proposal that the entire PLC membership take action or a stand on an issue.
    1. Obtaining the floor
      1. Wait until the last speaker has finished.
      2. Rise and address the SPL by saying, “Mr. SPL NAME”
      3. Wait until the SPL recognizes you.
    2. Make Your Motion
      1. Speak in a clear and concise manner.
      2. Always state a motion affirmatively. Say, “I move that we …” rather than, “I move that we do not …”.
      3. Avoid personalities and stay on your subject.
    3. Wait for someone to “Second Your Motion”
    4. Another member will second your motion or the SPL will call for a second.
    5. If there is no second to your motion it is lost.
    6. The SPL States Your Motion
      1. The SPL will say, “It has been moved and seconded that we …” Thus placing your motion before the membership for consideration and action.
      2. The membership then either debates your motion, or may move directly to a vote.
      3. Once your motion is presented to the membership by the SPL it becomes “assembly property”, and cannot be changed by you without the consent of the members.
    7. Expanding on Your Motion
      1. The time for you to speak in favor of your motion is at this point in time, rather than at the time you present it.
      2. The mover is always allowed to speak first.
      3. All comments and debate must be directed to the SPL.
      4. Keep to the time limit for speaking that has been established.
      5. The mover may speak again only after other speakers are finished, unless called upon by the SPL.
    8. Putting the Question to the Membership
      1. The SPL asks, “Are you ready to vote on the question?”.
      2. If there is no more discussion, a vote is taken.
      3. On a motion to move the previous question may be adapted.
      4. The Scribe records all motions regardless of outcome
    9. Vote on a Motion

Summary

Parliamentary Procedure is the best way to get things done at your meetings. But, it will only work if you use it properly.

  • Allow motions that are in order.
  • Have members obtain the floor properly.
  • Speak clearly and concisely.
  • Obey the rules of debate.
  • Most importantly, BE COURTEOUS.