Hi Gilbert,
I apologize for my delay in posting. I was in the midst of writing a lenghty post last weekend & I lost my connection. I was too tired to start over. So here goes...
There are some really great ideas here! I'll add several more. We not only have an agenda, but it is timed. (ex, 7:00-7:10 Welcome; 7:10-7:15 Approval of minutes from prior meeting, etc...) It works well for us!
Even if you don't use Roberts Rules, it pays to be familiar with it. For instance, there is a limit to the number of times one person can speak on a given topic. I am also a new pres. and have trouble remembering that I AM IN CONTROL of the meeting, noone else. I can diplomatically interrupt someone who has already made a point (& is merely repeating it over & over...) by summarizing what they've said & recommend what be done about. Most often it tends to be something out of the PTO's control, so I can recommend that they speak with the principal. Unfortunately, I'm not very good at actually doing this yet. But after the last meeting dragged on a little too long, I am definitely going to make an effort to be more assertive.
There are 2 helpful websites I've used for RR. Try
www.parli.com
or
www.robertsrules.com
As far as minutes, we have copies for everyone at our meeting. We take 5-10 minutes to read them silently. We then ask for corrections. In the past I don't believe they've been saved, but we plan to this year.
Hope this helps
Hang in there!
Jo
[ 11-25-2001: Message edited by: MightyJo ]</p>