Prepare for meetings

1. Compose an agenda and distribute it to members well in advance of the meeting. See:

   1. Guidelines for Meeting Agendas and Minutes

   2. Agenda and minutes template (example)

2. When distributing the agenda, bring to members' attention any exceptional preparation requirements. (e.g., “Read the proposal to…”)

3. Ensure that all resources required for members to prepare are available to them (e.g., prior meeting minutes).

Conduct meetings

1. Start on time.

2. Take the agenda seriously.

3. Vote properly on business that requires voting (motion, second, discussion, in favor, against, abstain, outcome).

4. Don’t vote on business that doesn’t require voting. Use terminology other than “vote” when testing consensus on non-vote-required matters.

5. The meeting chair adjourns meetings. Voting is not required.

Follow-up meetings

1. Distribute minutes.

2. Remind members when the next meeting is scheduled.