General members meetings – Woodsworth Housing Co-operative

Members’ Meeting Rules of Order — Quick Reference

General Members’ Meeting (GMMs) Rules — Quick Reference

Rules of Order Guidance Note

This document explains the provisions of the bylaws as an aid to chairs and participating members

When a members’ meeting is called, the board decides the format —whether attendance is in person, electronic, or a choice of both — while considering human rights and accessibility.

Quorum: Sixty (60) members is the minimum number that must be present for the co-op to hold a legal members’ meeting. A quorum must be present at the beginning of the meeting and at the time of any vote. Quorum inludes the chair if a member and those present electronically.

1. Chair

Selected by the Board; may be a member or non-member (non-member requires members’ approval).
If no selection, the President is chair.
Keeps order, ensures fairness, and rules on procedure (subject to appeal).
Must step aside to speak for/against a motion.
Voting by the chair:
- Only if a member and
  - On secret ballots, or
  - To break a tie.

2. Agenda and Motions

Approving the agenda

Members must approve the meeting agenda at the meeting.

The agenda may only include items listed in the meeting notice or in a proposed agenda distributed with the notice.

Members may only vote on items that appear on the agenda or notice of meeting, though they may discuss other matters without voting.

Business arising from the minutes

This is for updates on items recorded in the previous meeting’s minutes. Members should only address progress or completion of agreed actions. New topics and previously decided matters should not be raised here. New issues or unrelated matters should be discussed under the appropriate agenda heading.

How agenda items are handled

Items proceed either by motion or by discussion; the chair decides whether a motion is needed.
A motion must be moved and seconded before it can be debated.
Only one main motion may be before the meeting at a time.
Motions should be clear and, when practical, written and circulated in advance.

3. Speaking

Speak only after a motion is moved and seconded.
Address remarks to the chair.
Limit: 3 minutes per turn (unless changed).
Speak again only after others have had a turn.
The mover or seconder may respond to questions, with the chair’s permission.
Non-members can speak at members’ meetings only if the chair gives them permission. The members at the meeting can reverse permission to speak.

4. Amendments

Must be moved and seconded.
Same voting threshold as the main motion.
Must relate to the motion (chair may rule out of order).
Friendly amendments accepted by mover and seconder do not require a vote.
Motion may be withdrawn with seconder’s consent.

5. Amendment Procedure

Debate only the amendment until resolved.
Return to main motion after vote.
One amendment at a time (normally).

6. Voting

Votes are called by the chair when debate ends, time expires, or the question is called.
Motions must be worded identically for all voters, in the room and online.
The default voting method is show of hands unless a ballot is required.
Procedural items (e.g., approval of agenda, minutes, chair) can use negative voting (members indicate only opposition).
Moving and seconding are done by raising hands, in person or virtually.
Non-procedural votes should use virtual polls where possible to reduce counting errors.
Where multiple members share one device, only one vote may be cast from that device.
Results from in-person and virtual voting are combined and announced.
A simple majority is more than half of the votes cast.
A two-thirds majority is at least two-thirds of the votes cast.
- A simple majority is more than half of the votes cast.
  A two-thirds majority is at least two-thirds of the votes cast.
  Abstentions do not count as votes cast.

Recounts

Immediate upon request; ballot recounts require support from four additional members.

7. Procedural Motions

Call the question: End debate; needs seconder + 2/3 vote.
Postpone: Defer, refer, or table; simple majority.
Take from table: Resume; simple majority.
Chair may rule dilatory motions out of order.

8. Interruptions (allowed only for:)

Point of order (rules breach / quorum)
Question of privilege (comfort/safety)
Point of information (clarification)
Appeal chair’s ruling (needs seconder; no debate; tie = chair upheld)

9. Unacceptable Behaviour

- Members may vote (no debate) to eject a disruptive person (simple majority).
- Refusal to leave = by-law breach; further action may follow.

Based on Organizational Bylaw #83, especially Schedule A: Rules of Order. As specified in the bylaw, the rules replace any other rules such as Robert’s Rules of Order.

For more information:

Rules of Order for Board and General Members’ Meetings

Member meeting process guide (GMM, AGM)

Member Meeting Process Guide for GMMs and AGMs

Version 1.0 – Approved by Woodsworth Co-op Board of Directors on July 24, 2025

1. About this process guide

1.1 Organizational Bylaw

This process guide is an explainer alongside Woodsworth’s Organizational By-law #83. Where there is a conflict, Organizational By-law #83 governs. To fully understand the meeting process, members should navigate to the Woodsworth webpage for Organizational By-law #83 and review, especially the following:

o Schedule A: Rules of Order

o Article 5: Procedure for Members Meeting

1.2 Applicability

This process guide is applicable in full to Annual General Meetings (AGMs) and General Members Meetings (GMMs) and is generally not relevant to Forums, Committee, or Board meetings.

1.3 Relevance to external chair

Meetings may be chaired by a Cooperative Housing Federation of Toronto (CHFT) representative if approved by members. In such cases, Woodsworth will send this process guide and related resources to CHFT in advance.

2. Prior to Meetings

2.1 Scheduling and Planning

• Meeting dates and times for the upcoming year will be determined by the Board and communicated to membership by January. Notice of each individual member meeting will be sent as per Organizational By-law #83 Section 3.3.

• Committees may request time, or be assigned time, to present at meetings. Such requests will go through a Committee’s Board liaison.

• The proposed agenda will end with 15 minutes as an open forum for questions.

• Staff will set up any non-procedural motions as virtual polls prior to meetings.

• Members must opt in to receive electronic communication, such as meeting packages. Members may review the Woodsworth Electronic Communications Agreement webpage for more information.

• Members who plan to join virtually via Zoom, Woodsworth’s current virtual meetings platform, must:

o Ensure their devices can access Zoom.

o Have a basic understanding of how to use Zoom. Members may review the “Getting Started with Zoom Meetings” webpage for more information.

• Members who plan to join via Zoom are recommended to visit the Zoom Download Center webpage and install Zoom on their device.

2.2 Additions to the agenda

• If members or committees wish to add to a meeting agenda, they must submit a Members Meeting Agenda Item Submission Form to the office at least 4 weeks in advance. The form can be found on the Co-op Forms used by Woodsworth webpage.

• The Board will make the decision on items being added to the proposed agenda. Staff will inform members if their item was added, and the reasoning if not.

• Members should note that anything they wish to add to the agenda must be within the powers of the members as per Organizational By-law #83 Section 6.1, Member Control: Co-op Act Requirements.

2.3 Meeting Packages

• Meeting packages include the proposed agenda and will be sent either electronically or printed to each member.

• Staff will send electronic meeting packages to each member who has opted in to receive electronic communication.

• Staff will send meeting printed meeting packages to each member who has not opted in to receive electronic communication, up to a maximum of 2 per unit. Extra printed copies can be requested through the office if required.

• Packages will have page numbers throughout, formatted as Page X of Y.

• Packages will include full motions (i.e. not just summaries).

2.4 Penthouse Setup and Equipment

• The in-person portion of meetings may be held at the Woodsworth penthouse. In such cases the following will be scheduled:

o Set up of audio-visual equipment. The microphone should be in the middle of the chair placement so it can pick up all speakers.

o Set up of chairs (e.g. in a semicircle around the audio-visual equipment). Maintenance can do this with proper notice.

o Assignment of facilitator to run audio-visual equipment from the penthouse.

3. During Meetings

3.1 Attendance

• Members may join meetings by attending in person or via Zoom.

• The following attendance options are not currently offered as they do not allow reasonable participation (e.g. accessibility and voting):

o More than one member per device (i.e. on the same Zoom account).

o Dialling in to the meeting via phone.

• Members who wish to join in person have a responsibility to follow instructions for in person meeting technology (e.g. use of microphones).

3.2 Role of Staff

• Staff are responsible for running the meeting from the Woodsworth Zoom account including starting the meeting, admitting members, and promoting relevant attendees to host or presenter.

• Staff will establish a quorum by audible roll call at the beginning of the meeting and share the total for both virtual and in person.

• Staff will keep an ordered speakers list, grant ability to unmute, and revoke ability to unmute when members are done speaking.

• Staff will turn on the Q+A function when discussion opens or a speakers list is being gathered. Once discussion has closed, staff will turn off the Q+A function.

• Staff will monitor the chat and Q+A when applicable.

3.3 Role of Members

• Members joining in person must sign in via presented sign-up sheet.

• Members joining via Zoom must sign in by changing their name to the following format: (Member Full Name) from (Unit #). This should only be one member’s name as additional members are not counted for attendance. Members can review the “How to change your name on Zoom during a meeting” webpage.

• Members who wish to speak to a motion, can raise their hand (in person or using the virtual raise hand function) to be recognized by the chair. Members joining virtually will need to be granted permission to unmute themselves.

• Once members are recognized by the chair and able to speak, they should introduce themselves as (Full Name) from (Unit #) before raising their point.

• Members should only use the Zoom chat function for small talk (i.e. for saying hello, not for official questions).

3.4 Role of Board Members

• Board members joining virtually will be promoted to Host. Due to Zoom settings Hosts cannot vote in polls, so Board members must vote via chat.

• A Board member joining electronically may volunteer to be chat moderator, monitoring the chat and Q+A where applicable.

• At least one Board member will join in person.

3.5 Voting

• The question asked and response required of those voting in person and those voting electronically should be the same.

• After a vote the results for both in person and virtually will be totalled and announced to the meeting.

• Negative voting will be used for procedural items such as approval of agenda, minutes, or chair. Negative voting is a term used for when one is only asked to vote against or opposed to a motion.

• Moving and seconding will be done by raising of hands, virtually or in person.

• Virtual polls will be launched for all non-procedural votes. This is due to the virtual raised hand function leading to error and confusion for complex votes.

• As additional members joining from the same device is not offered as an option, there is no way for these members to vote virtually via chat or otherwise.

There is also a bylaw summary about general meetings.

Rules of Order for Board and General Members’ Meetings

From Organizational Bylaw #83, Schedule A: Rules of Order

Updated by Bylaw #87, 2024

These are the rules of order for both Board and members’ meetings.

These rules replace any other rules such as Robert’s Rules of Order. There are also comments that explain the meaning of some of the rules. The comments are part of the rules.

Rule 1: Chair

In these rules of order, the “chair” means the person chairing the meeting at the time that the rule applies.

1. Choosing chair: The chair is chosen as stated in section 5.1 of the By-law (Chair).

2. Role of chair: The chair makes sure that meetings run smoothly. The chair tries to make sure that members have a chance to discuss every item on the agenda fully and fairly and that the meeting comes to a clear conclusion.

3. Participation by chair: A chair who wants to discuss a motion must step down until the meeting has dealt with all matters concerning the motion. Another person approved by the members can chair the meeting in the meantime. This applies whether the chair is a member or non-member.

4. Voting by chair: Section 5.3(d) of the By-law (Voting – Voting by chair) states when the chair can vote. For directors’ voting at Board meetings, see article 11.6 in this bylaw.

Rule 2: Motions

1. How to deal with things: A meeting can deal with an item of business on the agenda in three ways:

The member who asked that the item be put on the agenda can ask the members to approve a proposal by “moving” it. If the member does not want to make a motion, another member can make one.
The chair can present an item on the agenda and ask if any member wishes to make a motion.
A member can present an item on the agenda for discussion without making a motion. The chair decides if a motion is needed. If so, the chair asks for a motion.

2. Seconder needed: Another member must “second” a motion. If there is no seconder, members cannot discuss the motion.

3. One motion at a time: Members can only discuss one main motion at a time.

Comment: A main motion tells members what the proposal is. It’s helpful if the motion can be written and sent to members before the meeting. If possible, get motions written, given to the chair, and written on a flip chart for members. The secretary reads the motion to the members before a vote is taken.

Rule 3: Speaking

1. Speaking on a motion: Members can discuss a motion after it has been moved and seconded. The chair controls the discussion. Members speak as follows:

They can ask questions for information. The chair or the member who moved the motion can answer the questions.
They can speak for or against the motion.
They speak to the chair.
Each speaker speaks for 3 minutes or less. The chair can set a longer or shorter time limit.
Members can speak more than once on an item only after all others who want to speak have done so. The chair can make exceptions.

Comment: All those who want to speak should raise their hands or indicate through an electronic message.
. The chair may keep a speakers’ list and call members to speak in order if they have not already spoken. The chair may rule speakers “out of order” if their comments are off the point. Speakers must stop speaking when their time is up.

Rule 4: Amendments

1. Motion to amend: When a member is speaking, the member can suggest a change to a main motion. The member does this by moving an amendment. The motion to amend must be seconded like any other motion.

2. Majority needed: An amendment must have the same majority as the motion that it amends. This means that an amendment to a proposed by-law requires a two-thirds majority vote to pass.

3. When not permitted: An amendment cannot in the opinion of the chair:

be unrelated to the main motion; or
be contrary to the meaning of the main motion.

Comment: Members cannot amend a motion by moving a whole new motion, or by an amendment that is directly against the meaning of the main motion.

A member who wants something contrary to the main motion can

speak against the motion
ask the mover and seconder to withdraw the main motion
ask the members to defeat the main motion so a different motion can be moved.

4. Friendly amendments: A member can ask that the mover and seconder of the main motion accept a change to their motion. If they accept the change, it becomes part of the main motion.

5. Withdrawal of a motion: The member who moved a motion can withdraw it at any time during the discussion if the seconder agrees. If any members still want to vote on the motion, they can move and second the same motion themselves.

Comment: The mover might decide that this is not the right time to make a decision, or might feel that someone else has a better motion to present.

Rule 5: Procedures for Amendments

1. Discussion on amendments: After an amendment has been moved and seconded, speakers can only speak about the amendment. They continue to do so until the amendment has been voted on. The chair will keep a separate speakers’ list for the discussion on amendments.

2. After amendment: After the amendment has been voted on, discussion can continue on the motion as amended or the original motion if the amendment was defeated.

3. Only one amendment: Only one motion to amend can be on the floor at one time. After the meeting deals with that amendment, members can move other amendments if they wish.

4. Chair can authorize more than one: Despite the above, the chair can authorize more motions to amend before earlier ones have been voted on. This would only apply if the later amendment would change the terms of the first one. Amendments are discussed and voted on in reverse order from when they were moved. This means that only the current amendment can be discussed until it is voted on.

Comment: Usually only one amendment at a time should be under consideration. Members can easily become confused if there are several amendments being discussed at once. If the chair decides there can be more amendments, there should be great care taken to see that members understand what the current amendment is.

Rule 6: Voting

1. When to vote: The chair calls for a vote

after every member who wishes to speak has spoken
at a fixed time that the members decided the vote would take place
after the members pass a motion to call the question

2. How to vote: Voting is by show of hands unless the Co-op Act or the co-op’s by-laws say that a vote will be by secret ballot. See section 5.3(c) of the By-law (Voting – Secret ballot).

Comment: A vote by ballot may be better if the item is a sensitive one. But it often takes a lot of time.

3. Counting: The chair counts the votes and rules on whether or not the motion has passed unless the co-op’s by-laws say something different. See By-law sections 8.1 (Election Officer or Committee) and 8.2 (Election Procedures).

4. Recount: For election of directors, recount rules are stated in section 8.3 of the By-law (Recount). In other cases, a member can request a recount immediately after the results are announced. If a quorum is no longer present, the results that were originally announced will stand. If a quorum is still present, then

if the vote was by show of hands, there must be an immediate recount.
if the vote was by ballot and four other members support the request, there must be an immediate recount with scrutineers.

5. Majority: Motions are decided by simple majority unless the Co-op Act or the co-op’s by-laws say something else. See section 5.4 of the By-law (Majority Required).

Comment: A simple majority is more than half of the votes cast. A two-thirds majority is at least two-thirds of the votes cast. Abstentions and spoiled ballots are not considered votes cast. Examples:

ï Simple majority:

ï 31 members present and 25 vote

ï a simple majority is 13 (more than 25/2 = 12 1/2)

ï it is not 50% plus one (more than 12 1/2 + 1 = 13 1/2), which would be 14.

ï Two-thirds majority:

ï 31 members present and 26 vote

ï a two-thirds majority is 18 (at least 2/3 x 26 = 17 1/3)

ï it is not 17, because it has to be “at least” 17 1/3

Rule 7: Motions About Procedure

1. Calling the question (Vote immediately): When a member is speaking, the member can ask for an immediate vote by saying “I call the question” or “I move to end the debate”. There must be a seconder. The chair will immediately ask the members to vote on whether they want to finish the discussion at this point. A two-thirds majority vote is needed. The vote is by show of hands.

If the motion to call the question is carried, the members then vote on the main motion or amendment.
If the motion to call the question is defeated, members can continue the discussion.

Comment: A motion to call the question should be used when members seem to be ready to vote and when speakers are not saying anything new. It should be used carefully because it may take away someone’s right to speak.

2. Motion to postpone: When a member is speaking on a motion or amendment, the member can make a motion to postpone any decision. There must be a seconder to the motion to postpone. A simple majority is needed. The vote is by show of hands. There are three kinds of motion to postpone.

(a) Defer the motion: This means to put off discussion to another time. The motion can be discussed before voting on it. The motion must state the time or how the time will be decided. Examples:

• until 9:30 p.m. during the same meeting

• until after item … on the agenda for the same meeting

• until the next meeting

• until a special meeting to be called by the board.

(b) Refer the motion: This means to refer the motion to the board or a committee for a recommendation. They will bring the issue back to the members at a later time. The motion can be discussed before voting on it.

(c) Table the motion: This means to put off the motion for an indefinite time. It is usually used when members don’t want to discuss something, or to express their opinions. There is no discussion or debate before voting on the motion.

3. Motion to take from the table: When a motion has been tabled, it can be brought back to the members by a motion “to take from the table”. This must be on the agenda if it is at a different meeting. There must be a seconder to the motion to take from the table. It can be discussed before voting on it. A simple majority is needed. The vote is by show of hands.

4. Motions that waste time: The chair can rule a motion out of order on the grounds that it is absurd or wasting time and not worth the members’ attention.

Rule 8: Interruptions

1. Limits: Members cannot interrupt another speaker or speak out of turn except in the specific situations stated in this rule. In all cases the interruption must be as brief as possible and not part of a debate. Members who want to interrupt under this rule should stand up and politely say what their interruption is about.

2. Point of order: Members can raise a point of order if they think that the meeting is not following the correct procedure or there is not a quorum at the beginning of a meeting or at the time of a vote. The chair rules on the point of order and takes any action that is necessary.

3. Question of privilege (point of privilege): Members who feel that there is a risk to the rights, safety or comfort of the members (or of one member) can raise a question of privilege. It may be a simple thing, such as the need for better ventilation, or for the use of a microphone. The chair rules on the question of privilege and takes any action that is necessary.

4. Point of information: Members can raise a point of information if they have an important piece of information or question and dealing with it will save time in the discussion. A point of information must be very brief. The chair rules on whether it is a point of information and what action should be taken.

5. Appeals from the chair: Members can appeal when they think a ruling of the chair is not correct. The appeal must be made immediately after the ruling. There must be a seconder. Both the member who appealed and the chair can give their reasons. There is no other debate or discussion. The chair does not step down. The question: “Do we confirm the decision of the chair?” is put to the vote. The chair does not vote. If the vote is tied, the chair’s ruling is confirmed.

Comment: The chair does not have to resign if an appeal is supported by a majority of members. Members have the right to decide how their meetings should run. An appeal is not a vote of confidence. It is simply a way for members to control their meeting.

Rule 9: Unacceptable Behaviour

. Vote of members: If a member’s behaviour is unruly or inappropriate in a significant way that interferes with the conduct of a meeting, the member may be ejected from the meeting or disconnected electronically by vote of the members present. There is no discussion or debate. A simple majority is needed.

2. With or without motion: The chair can put the question to the members without a motion. A motion can also be made by anyone who is speaking on a motion or amendment, but only if the chair permits it. The motion needs a seconder.

3. Refusing to leave meeting: If a member does not leave the meeting after a motion has been passed to eject the member and cannot be disconnected electronically, the member will be considered in breach of the Organizational By-law. Repeated breaches are grounds for eviction under the Occupancy By-law. In addition, the chair or the meeting may take any other measures that are appropriate to remove the member from the meeting.

Source: Organizational Bylaw #83, Schedule A.

Member meeting process guide (GMM, AGM)

Approved by Woodsworth Co-op Board of Directors on July 24, 2025

This document outlines the process of preparing for and holding hybrid meetings in Woodsworth. It is based on Woodsworth’s experience with hybrid meetings since first allowed by Ontario.

It also has a strategy for voting at hybrid meetings in Section 3: During meetings.

Section 3.5 Voting

• The question asked and response required of those voting in person and those voting electronically should be the same.

• After a vote the results for both in person and virtually will be totalled and announced to the meeting.

• Negative voting will be used for procedural items such as approval of agenda, minutes, or chair. Negative voting is a term used for when one is only asked to vote against or opposed to a motion.

• Moving and seconding will be done by raising of hands, virtually or in person.

• Virtual polls will be launched for all non-procedural votes. This is due to the virtual raised hand function leading to error and confusion for complex votes.

• As additional members joining from the same device is not offered as an option, there is no way for these members to vote virtually via chat or otherwise.

– Member meeting process guide (GMM, AGM)

Member meetings at Woodsworth – a summary of the bylaws

Member meetings are at the heart of Woodsworth’s democratic life. They are where members make important decisions together, review finances, set the budget, elect directors, and guide the future of our co-op.

Our bylaws and Rules of Order set out how meetings are called, how they operate, and the powers members have. This document is a summary of our bylaws relating to member meetings.

There is also another document on how Woodsworth sets up meetings – the Member Meeting Process Guide for GMMs and AGMs. This document explains the process of setting up meetings and how to operate a hybrid meeting (in person and online meetings.)

1. Attendance

- Mandatory: All members must attend General Members’ Meetings (GMMs), as required in the Occupancy Bylaw.

The Occupancy Agreement that members must sign upon Board approval of membership says: You agree to obey all co-op by-laws and decisions made by the board and co-op members.
Under the Co-operative Corporations Act and the co-op’s by-laws, the co-op can change the terms of membership and occupancy. You are entitled to a notice of all general meetings where members will decide on these changes. You are also entitled to attend and vote at these meetings. You will be bound by these changes even if you do not agree with them.

Typical Meetings:

- Annual General Meeting (AGM): Held in November. Members review audited financial statements, elect Directors, and appoint the auditor for the coming year.
- Budget Meeting: Usually in May. Members approve the operating budget and housing charges (effective the third month after approval). The Capital Budget may be approved at the same meeting or separately.
- Other GMMs: Called as needed to decide on bylaws, policies, or proposals.
Forums / Town Halls: Informal meetings for discussion only (no binding decisions).

2. Notices and Agendas

Timing: Notice must be sent at least 10 days before a meeting (but not more than 49 days).
Who Gets Notice: All current members (membership is complete once the occupancy agreement is signed).
Contents: Date, time, and place of the meeting plus the agenda (or general nature of the business).
Special Cases:
- Financial statements & auditor’s report must be sent at least 10 days before the AGM.
- Proposed bylaws or budgets must be mentioned in the notice, with a full copy provided at least 5 days before the meeting.
Adding Items: Members may submit written requests at least 15 days before a meeting. The Board must include them if they fall within member decision-making powers. (As stated in section 6.1 of this By-law
(Co-op Act Requirements). See also Amendments in Schedule A Rules of Order, Section 4.)
Other Business: May be discussed at the meeting but not voted on unless it was included in the notice.

3. Quorum

At least 60 members (including those attending on Zoom or other live streaming service) must be present for a meeting to have legal standing. Without quorum, no votes can be taken.

4. Participation

Non-Members: Staff or other non-members may attend or speak only with the Chair’s permission. Members may overturn this permission. Non-members cannot vote or make motions.
Speaking: Members may speak for up to 3 minutes (unless extended by the Chair). Everyone gets a turn before anyone speaks again.
Amendments: Must be relevant and consistent with the original motion. If the mover/seconder accepts, it becomes a “friendly amendment.” Otherwise, it is debated and voted on separately.

5. How Meetings Operate

Meetings follow Woodsworth’s Rules of Order.
The Chair keeps discussion fair and orderly. The Chair rules on procedure, but members may appeal the ruling.
Motions & Debate: Discussion begins only after a motion is moved and seconded.

6. Voting

Chair’s Vote: The Chair may vote only if they are a member and only in two cases:
- On a secret ballot (with no second vote in case of a tie).
- To break a tie in other votes.
Simple Majority: More than half the votes cast (abstentions not counted). Required for most decisions, including the operating and capital budgets. A tie defeats the motion.
Two-Thirds Majority: Needed to confirm bylaws, bylaw amendments, and special resolutions (such as Articles of Incorporation changes or Major Commitments – see Organizational Bylaw, Article 24.1(a) ).
Examples: See Rule 6 of the Rules of Order for details on calculating majorities.

7. Member Authority

The Board manages the day-to-day affairs of the co-op, but members have final authority in key areas, including:

Electing or removing Directors
Approving housing charges
Approving operating and capital budgets
Appointing the auditor
Approving major commitments (Article 24.1)
Confirming bylaws and bylaw changes

The official Rules of Order have many examples to help meeting chairs and participants.