We've had some discussion regarding Robert's Rules of Order, and whether or not the president of an organization can vote.
The answer is yes. "The president has every right and privilege as all voting members. If the president is a member of the voting body, he or she has exactly the same rights and privileges as all other members have, including the right to make motions, to speak in debate, and to vote on all questions. So, in meetings of a small board (where there are not more than about a dozen board members present), and in meetings of a committee, the presiding officer may exercise these rights and privileges as fully as any other member.
However, the impartiality required of the presiding officer of any other type of assembly (especially a large one) precludes exercising the rights to make motions or speak in debate while presiding, and also requires refraining from voting except (i) when the vote is by ballot, or (ii) whenever his or her vote will affect the result.
"http://www.robertsrules.com/faq.html#1
There's no law mandating that nonprofits must make decisions using Robert's Rules.
The Friends of Maxwell use the consensus model for making decisions. Someone presents an idea. The idea is passed around. Comments and discussion are encouraged. The idea can be modified until there is a general consensus among the members in attendance.
For expenditures of more than $250.00, the Executive Board votes on the proposal after a general consensus has been reached at a meeting of the Friends.
