Laramie First Friday Club Debate Rules

 Two-month sprint format • One motion per two-month cycle • Civility first

 1. Club Basics (applies to every meeting)
     i.	Facilitator: Walter D. Clapp (or any member elected by simple majority at the start of the night). The facilitator keeps time, recognizes speakers, and rules on points of order.
     ii.	Quorum: Whoever shows up. No minimum.
   	Decorum: Address the facilitator (“Mr. or Ms.”). No personal attacks, no yelling, no interrupting. One warning, then you lose the floor for the night. Coffee refills encouraged.
     iii.	Speaking: Stand when you have the floor. Keep remarks germane (on-topic). No reading pre-written speeches.
     iv.	Timing: A big visible timer on Walter’s phone or laptop. Gentle 30-second warning knocks on the table.
     v.	Voting: Show of hands or the club polling site. Simple majority wins unless stated otherwise. Ties = motion fails.
     vi.	Minutes: Walter (or a volunteer) will post a one-paragraph summary + final motion text here within 48 hours. Month 1 is not video or audio recording. Month 2 is recorded and streamed live.

 2. Month 1 – Motion Workshop Night (45-minute debate + voting)
Goal: Draft and lock in the exact wording of the motion + choose two champions for next month.
    i.	Opening (5 min) Facilitator reads the proposed motion (drafted with club input). Everyone gets 30 seconds for quick “I like / I’m worried about…” comments if they want.
    ii.	General Debate (30 min total)
            o First round: 2 minutes per speaker, round-robin order (starting with anyone who wants to go first - line up at the mics).
           o  Second round (if time): 1 minute per speaker, anyone who hasn’t spoken yet gets priority. Goal: Improve the motion, spot problems, test arguments.
     iii.	Amendment Phase (remaining time up to 10 min)
           o  Any member may offer a friendly amendment (changes wording or topic).
           o  Facilitator reads it aloud. 2-minute debate per amendment (pro/con).
           o  Vote by show of hands or app. Simple majority adopts the amendment.
           o  Only one amendment at a time; no amendments to amendments.
      iv.	Final Adoption - Vote on the motion as amended (or original if no changes).
           o  Yes = adopt and move forward.
           o  No = motion dies and we pick a new topic next month.
       v.	Electing the Two Representatives (5 min)
           o Volunteers or nominations from the floor.
           o Each candidate gets 30 seconds to say why they want to argue the motion next month.
           o Everyone votes for up to two people (plurality wins). The two with the most votes become the official “Pro” and “Con” reps for Month 2 (or both on the same side if the vote was lopsided).

 3. Month 2 – Staged Debate & Final Vote Night
 Goal: Public showcase + binding decision. Audience members (friends, students, whoever  wanders in) are encouraged to watch and vote.
     i.	Opening (5 min) Walter reads the final adopted motion and introduces the two Representatives.
   ii.	Staged Debate (30–35 min)
        o	Rep 1 (Pro side) – 7-minute opening speech
        o	Rep 2 (Con side) – 7-minute opening speech
        o	Alternating rebuttals: 4 minutes each (Rep 1 → Rep 2 → Rep 1 → Rep 2)
        o  	Open floor questions (10 min): Audience or other members may ask questions; reps alternate answering. Facilitator chooses questioners (30 seconds per question).
        o	Closing statements: 2 minutes each (Rep 2 closes first, then Rep 1).
   iii.	Final Vote (5 min) Everyone present (including the two reps) votes Yes / No / Abstain using the polling webapp or show of hands. Simple majority decides: the motion passes or fails. Winner announced, applause, coffee refills, and we pick next month’s topic on the spot.

 4. Between Meetings
       i.	The two elected Representatives may prepare but cannot change the motion wording.
      ii.	Walter will post the exact motion text and any research links in the group chat one week before Month 2.
      iii.	Anyone can switch sides or volunteer for future cycles .
These rules should run the entire evening in 60–75 minutes with time for socializing before/after.