COVID-19

When public pressure is intense, what can you do?

By Ann Macfarlane / January 21, 2021 /
A woman in a green turtleneck holds her glasses and touches her temple, appearing to have a headache or be stressed, likely due to public pressure, with a blurred background.

At a recent workshop, a director from a school board split by pandemic-related decisions asked me what board members can do in the face of intense public pressure. These are tough times for local non-partisan government bodies, for sure. Here are some thoughts about what can be done. Download PDF Listen to your constituents, while…

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Essential tips for effective online meetings

By Ann Macfarlane / March 25, 2020 / Comments Off on Essential tips for effective online meetings
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…

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When COVID-19 cancels your meeting

By Ann Macfarlane / March 23, 2020 /
A large red button with the word "Emergency" written in white letters, reminiscent of the urgency felt when COVID-19-cancels-meeting notices disrupt our plans.

  Updated 5/11/2020   We’re having to adjust to a different world right now. In general, it’s always best to have an in-person meeting on matters of great importance. This provides the fullest opportunity to discuss, debate, consider alternatives, and come to agreement. When that’s impossible, you have to look at alternatives. This article lays out…

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