The motion to request to be excused from a duty is used when a member of a deliberative assembly wishes to be excused from, for instance, attending a certain number of meetings, preparing talks or papers, serving on committees, etc.

Explanation and Use

Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised

The motion to request to be excused from a duty is used when a member of a deliberative assembly wishes to be excused from, for instance, attending a certain number of meetings, preparing talks or papers, serving on committees, etc. A non-compulsory duty can be declined at the time the member is named to it (or first learns of it) but if he remains silent, he is regarded as accepting. At that point, if the member is unable or unwilling to discharge the duty, he generally submits a resignation in writing to the secretary or appointing power, and the chair assumes a motion that the resignation be accepted. Unlike the requests and inquiries, this motion is debatable and amendable.

References