Before Meetings

Plan the meeting carefully: when, where, what, why, who?
Prepare a timed agenda in advance. Allow adequate time for the items listed.
Ask staff to mail/distribute the agenda, related reports, statistics, etc., at least ten days in advance.
Ask staff to publish or post public notice of meetings.

Begin Meeting

• Start on time with roll call.
• Introduce visitors and/or new board members.
• Discuss action from previous meeting.
• Review, revise, and approve agenda.
• Approve minutes.

During Meeting

• Focus on issues at hand.
• Follow agenda and established order of business as stated in the by-laws.
• Establish action items: who, what, when.

End Meeting

• Review and evaluate meeting progress, decisions, etc.
• Announce next meeting and develop preliminary agenda.
• Adjourn meeting officially.

After Meeting

• Ensure that minutes are compiled and sent to board members.
• Follow up on action items.
• Begin planning for next meeting.