If your board is made up of elected members, or if it is a non-profit organization or similar public organization, there may be laws in place that require an open meeting. These laws, also referred to as Sunshine Laws or Open Meetings Acts are a requirement that board business be conducted in the public. Non-members are also permitted to attend and in some cases comment.
When the board is ready for the start of the member who presided over the last meeting should “call the meeting to begin”. This is typically done by saying “I call this meeting into order” or something similar, using a the use of a loud voice. This is usually followed by two taps on the gavel to indicate that the meeting has officially begun.
Before the meeting begins ensure that you have a an organized agenda. The agenda should be concise and clearly state the most important issues that the board must discuss, as well http://electronicboardportal.net/types-of-boards-and-board-members-categories as the decisions they have to make. Avoid putting too many topics on the agenda or using an agenda from a prior meeting.
Sidetracking your board with new topics of discussion can take up valuable time and distract them from the things you have on your agenda. You might want to consider adding a parking space at the end of your agenda. This is where you can include items that aren’t of high priority. You can also promise to revisit them in the future or add them to the following meeting.
Ask your board for feedback on how the meetings went, and what you could do to improve the quality of your meetings. This will make your board members more invested in the outcomes and engaged.
