What action should a member take when they wish to speak during a meeting?

When a member wishes to speak during a meeting, the appropriate action is to raise their hand and wait to be acknowledged by the chair. This process is essential for maintaining order and decorum within the meeting. It allows the chair to manage the discussion effectively, ensuring that all members have an equal opportunity to contribute without interruptions. By waiting to be acknowledged, the member shows respect for the meeting's structure and allows for a clear and organized conversation.

Other methods, like standing up to speak or sending a text message to the Secretary, can disrupt the flow of the meeting and may not adhere to the rules of parliamentary procedure that govern formal meetings. Additionally, waiting until the meeting ends to express thoughts or questions misses the opportunity for immediate engagement and contribution to the discussion at hand. Thus, raising a hand for acknowledgment is the correct and most effective approach.