When someone says 'I move' in a meeting, what are they doing?

• A. Making a motion
• B. Casting a vote
• C. Seconding a motion
• D. Calling to order

Answer: (A)

Making a motion is the act of proposing a formal action for the group to consider. When someone says “I move,” they are initiating a proposal that the meeting should take a particular action, which then becomes open to discussion and, if approved, a vote. After a motion is made, it’s common for another member to second it to show there is interest in discussing the proposal; without a second, the motion may not proceed in many settings. Casting a vote is what happens when the group decides on a motion after it’s been debated, not the initial proposal. Seconding a motion is the act of indicating support for bringing the motion to discussion, and calling to order is raising a procedural issue about how the meeting is being conducted. So, the phrase “I move” is best understood as making a motion.