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Meetings
Bring people together to create positive change.
Holding a meeting is all about bringing a group together to share their ideas and build support around a cause or issue. However, organising and holding a good meeting can be nothing short of head wrecking and requires a little bit of planning and some leadership skills. It is a skilful balancing act between making sure everyone gets a chance to speak, while keeping the main reason for the meeting from wandering off track!
Agree a time, date and meeting place.
Sounds simple but very important. Set a time and place which suits most people. If you are in secondary school/college, consider lunchtime, after classes or even Saturday. Organise a free room or quiet area to meet in somewhere. Try and get it for free and don't use the pub, as people get distracted.
Spread the good word!
Try and attract those who show a real interest in your cause. Speak to them in person and invite them to come along. Then get them and group members to spread the word. If you wish to attract new people, get someone to do up posters and flyers and advertise around the public areas/bulletin boards.
Be fast and friendly
Set a time limit of one hour per meeting. Everyone will appreciate that! Thank everyone for coming and welcome any new people. Get everyone to give a simple introduction and keep things upbeat and positive. You will get more things done and you won’t be speaking to yourself at the next meeting!
Set an agenda
Briefly introduce and discuss the main issue and set an agenda, so no one can go off on a rant. Cover key questions such as: Why are we having this meeting? What are we trying to achieve? How can everyone get involved?
Get a notepad and note taker
This might sound like a pain in the neck but get someone to take notes and record them on a hardback notepad. Buy one especially. Record the main ideas and tasks to carry out and who is responsible for doing what. If no one in the group likes keeping notes, then take turns every meeting.
Involve group and plan action
The more people you involve, the stronger your campaign will be. Value everyone’s suggestions and encourage creative ideas. Agree on a plan of action and make sure that tasks are shared equally among the support group. Swap e-mails and mobile numbers to keep in regular contact.
Arrange update meeting
This will help set a time limit and help make sure individual tasks are done on time. Keep meetings to once a week or once a fortnight if possible. This will prevent meeting ‘burn out’! Try and arrange a regular place/room, time and day for future meetings so that people can get used to where and when you meet.
