Legal Definitions - create a blank

In parliamentary procedure, to "create a blank" is a specific method of amending a motion or proposal. It involves removing one or more existing words or phrases from a text and replacing them with an empty space, or a "blank," rather than immediately inserting new, specific text.

The purpose of creating a blank is to allow a group to consider and vote on several different alternative proposals for that specific part of the motion simultaneously. Instead of having a series of separate votes on each proposed change, this method enables members to offer various options to fill the blank, and the group can then decide which option receives the most support.

• Example 1: A University Senate Meeting

  Imagine a university senate is debating a new policy regarding student support services. The original motion states: "The university will allocate additional resources to enhance mental health counseling for students." Some senators believe that academic tutoring is a more pressing need, while others advocate for career development workshops.

  A senator could move to "create a blank" by striking out the phrase "mental health counseling." The motion would then read: "The university will allocate additional resources to enhance _________ for students." This allows senators to propose "mental health counseling," "academic tutoring," or "career development workshops" as options to fill the blank. The senate can then vote on which of these specific services should receive the additional resources, effectively considering all competing ideas at once.

• Example 2: A Homeowners' Association (HOA) Board Meeting

  Consider an HOA board discussing improvements to the community common areas. An initial proposal is: "The HOA will install a new children's playground in the central park area." However, some board members believe a dog park is more needed, while others suggest a community garden.

  To address these differing views efficiently, a board member might propose to "create a blank" by removing "children's playground." The motion would then become: "The HOA will install a new _________ in the central park area." Now, the board can entertain proposals for "children's playground," "dog park," or "community garden" to fill that space, allowing the board to collectively decide on the most favored amenity.

• Example 3: A Professional Organization's Annual Resolution

  A professional organization is drafting its annual resolution outlining its advocacy priorities. One clause in the draft states: "The organization will lobby for policies that promote technological innovation within the industry." Some members argue that "ethical practices" or "workforce development" are more critical areas for advocacy.

  To allow for a comprehensive discussion and decision, a member could move to "create a blank" by striking out "technological innovation." The clause would then read: "The organization will lobby for policies that promote _________ within the industry." This enables members to propose "technological innovation," "ethical practices," or "workforce development" as the primary focus for the organization's lobbying efforts, and the group can then vote on the preferred option.