What does three taps of the gavel from the president instruct members to do?

Three taps of the gavel from the president typically signals members to stand up or sit down. This practice is rooted in parliamentary procedure, where the president's gavel taps serve as a way to capture the attention of all members and to establish order within the meeting. By signaling members in this manner, it indicates a need for a specific action or to signify the beginning or end of a session.

In this context, the action of standing up or sitting down helps maintain the decorum of the meeting and ensures that participants are focused and attentive. It's a clear, non-verbal cue that facilitates smooth transitions during the proceedings. Understanding this convention is essential for effective participation in formal meetings and organizations, such as BPA.