agenda

When can you bring up a new topic during a meeting?

By Ann Macfarlane / June 11, 2021 / Comments Off

A hand holding a pen draws the red words "New Idea" on a white surface, with an illustration of a brain above the text, symbolizing brainstorming a new topic during the meeting.

At a recent council meeting I attended, the city issued a proclamation honoring efforts to assist the homeless. In responding to the proclamation, a local pastor asked the council to provide extra funding for their project. Before the mayor could move on to public comment, a council member made a motion to provide the funding.…

Essential tips for effective online meetings

By Ann Macfarlane / March 25, 2020 / Comments Off

A woman in a business suit participates in an online meeting with three colleagues on separate monitors.

Moving your meeting online presents special challenges. Here are our best tips for success. Make sure you can meet this way. Refer to state law and your bylaws to make sure you can meet by telephone or videoconference. Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, 11th edition, discusses this issue on pp. 97-99. According to…

Agenda in Robert’s Rules

By Ann Macfarlane / September 10, 2019 /

A blue clipboard with a checklist titled "AGENDA" meticulously lists four items: Item #1, Item #2, Item #3, and Item #4, each awaiting a checkmark.

Taking the time to construct a powerful agenda will make a big difference to your meetings. Avoid these agenda mistakes: An agenda that would take two days to get through, not two hours. An agenda that fails to assign suggested time limits for discussion. An agenda that is emailed at 6:00 am for a 7:00…

Consent agenda: great tool for speedier meetings

By Ann Macfarlane / September 5, 2019 / Comments Off

A man in a suit and glasses is holding a sign that says "YES" while making an OK gesture with his other hand, signaling approval of the consent agenda.

Updated July 19, 2021 One of the most useful tools for efficient meetings is a “consent agenda.” This is a single item of business on a regular agenda that includes several items bundled together. The items cannot be discussed or debated. They are approved with a single vote. To learn about agendas in general, read…