Learn as much as you can about the Senate by-laws. Knowing how the Senate works can assist you when you need to make a motion to change an aspect of an issue on the floor. While faculty members with more experience will answer your questions, no one trains you; you must learn the ropes yourself (see Ref. 2).
Learn parliamentary procedure. While most of the other Senators will be patient while you learn the protocol of ushering a motion from proposal to vote, you must learn to function in order to speak up about your concerns and the concerns of the department. You must learn Robert's Rules of Order to speak on the Senate floor.
Discuss issues with your department. When a major vote is on the floor, you must inform your department about the ins and outs of the proposal and get their feedback. Often this involves visiting other faculty members personally and asking them for their opinion (see Ref. 3).
Attend all faculty senate meetings and vote. You are not obligated to vote with the wishes of your department, but you should speak to their concerns before the vote so the voice of your department is heard (see Ref. 3).