Effective Meetings

Staff and volunteers involved in agriculture and rural organizations spend a great deal of time planning for and participating in board meetings. Time is a valuable resource and it must be used in an efficient manner. Here are some resources to enhance the effectiveness of your next board meeting.
 
LeadershipTalk Webinar Effective Meeting

 

Preparing an agenda

Running the meeting

Documenting the meeting with accurate minutes

Annual general meetings

Preparing an agenda

Normally, the chairperson and the secretary prepare a new agenda for each meeting and circulate it to all board members before the meeting. The agenda sets out the items for discussion, tasks to cover and time allotted for the meeting.
 
A typical agenda contains:
      • call to order
      • adoption of the agenda
      • reading and adoption of the minutes of the previous regular meeting
      • treasurer's report
      • business arising from the minutes
      • reading of correspondence and discussion
      • committee reports and discussion
      • new business
      • adjournment
This relatively simple document can set the tone for a meeting if used in a creative way.
 
At your next meeting use your agenda to:
      • Remind board members of important information such as the mission statement, upcoming event dates or deadlines.
      • Allow time for a chairperson to comment on the organization's status or the focus of the meeting.
      • Uncover hidden talents within your board by making time for each board member to speak about the organization's work.
      • Keep board members and staff accountable and engaged by reviewing tasks assigned to them in previous meeting minutes.
Here is an agenda template (DOC 18 KB) you can modify and use for your next meeting. Information on preparing agendas can be found on pages 8 to 11 in Effective Meetings (PDF 1.51 MB) and pages 4 to 5 in Running Effective Meetings Guidebook (PDF 802 KB)
 
LeadershpTalk Webinar Agendas
 

Running the meeting

Parliamentary Procedures are a commonly adopted set of rules and order of business to follow when carrying out a meeting. These procedures will:
      • give all members an opportunity to speak and have their opinions recognized by the group
      • allow business to be conducted with ease and in a timely manner
      • assist in accurate record keeping
Parliamentary Procedures (PDF 898 KB) and Running Effective Meetings Guidebook (PDF 802 KB) both describe how to make motions and how to vote on them. How to Make and Handle Motions (PDF 163KB) explains how to make a motion, lists common motions and defines common meeting terms. When the agreed to procedures are not followed an individual or their action may be Out of Order (PDF 127KB)
 
When voting methodology is not prescribed in the bylaws, the method of voting on any one motion or candidate is usually determined by the presiding officer or chairperson. Before the vote is taken the assembly may determine the method of voting by majority vote.
Common voting methods:
      • General or unanimous consent – used for routine or noncontroversial matters with an aim to save time. Unanimous agreement to use this method must be in place. The chairperson is required to ask, "Is there any objection?" If there is objection, a formal vote takes place.
      • Voice vote – measured by the volume of voices. The presiding officer calls for the affirmative vote first. A negative must be called following the response on the affirmative.
      • Rising vote – a show of hands or a standing vote where members stand to have their vote counted.
      • Roll call – each individual eligible to vote is called and asked to state their vote.
      • Ballot (secret ballot) – vote is done privately using ballots. After the vote is taken, the chairperson will request a motion to destroy the ballots. This motion requires a member to second it and a vote.
      • Counted vote – the number of members in favour, opposed and abstained is recorded in the minutes.

LeadershipTalk Webinar Alternative Voting


Committee work is a vital part of an organization and keeping the board up to date with committee activities is important for decision making purposes.
 
Committees should:
      • include members with abilities and interests that fit the task
      • include new and experienced members
      • have an appointed chairperson
      • notify the board chairperson of all meetings
      • know if they can take action or if they must report to the board executive first
      • submit written reports to the secretary at a board meeting
      • circulate reports to the board members prior to the meeting
A list of items to be included in a committee report can be found on page 14 of Effective Meetings  (PDF 1.51 MB).
 
The treasurer is responsible for providing a financial report to the board monthly or a week before each regularly held meeting. This ensures board members know the financial status of the organization so they are able to make informed decisions. Financial reports do not need to list all transactions or represent the complete financial record keeping system. Summaries are easier for all members to understand.
 
Here is a financial report template (DOC 15 KB) for meetings.
 
LeadershipTalk Webinar Financial Statements
 
 

Documenting the meeting with accurate minutes

Minutes should be:
      • accurate
      • specific
      • objective
      • consistent in detail and format
      • reflective of the level of deliberation at a meeting
      • securely filed with the organization

Minutes should not:
      • record all details verbatim
      • identify particular board members stating a particular point
      • record sidebar conversations
      • be kept by members in draft form once the minutes are approved

The Meeting Minutes Checklist (PDF 155KB) provides a list of items that should be included in the minutes of a board meeting. Pages 6 to 8 in Running Effective Meetings Guidebook (PDF 802KB) provides sample meeting minutes.

It is important to keep an accurate record of meetings so actions and policies approved at meetings can be referred to later. Meeting minutes also serve as the legal record of the decisions made by an organization and are therefore admissible in court. Proper documentation of meeting discussions can be the first step in mitigating risk to the organization.  The Meeting Minutes Template (DOC 44 KB) can be modified for use for your next meeting.  The Motion Form (DOC 23 KB) and Report Form (DOC 22 KB) can be helpful in the recording and organizating of minutes. 

Meeting Minutes: Build Your Organization's Effectiveness (PDF 578 KB) outlines the importance of good record keeping.

LeadershipTalk Webinar Meeting Minutes

Top of Page

The annual general meeting (AGM) is held after the organization’s fiscal year end, as outlined in the bylaws. The purpose of an AGM is to:
      •  present executive and committee reports, as well as financial statements, to the membership
      • allow the opportunity for comments and questions from the members
      • elect a board of directors
      • make any changes to the bylaws
      • appoint an auditor
      • pass any resolutions that the membership wishes the board to act upon
      • acknowledge the contributions of staff, volunteers and funders
 
Organizations incorporated in Manitoba must hold their AGMs no later than three months after the end of their fiscal year. An organization’s bylaws may indicate specific requirements for when the AGM is to be held and what procedures are to be followed. For more information on bylaws, visit starting an organization.
 
Preparing information for the AGM is the responsibility of the board members and chair and not the executive director. However, it is appropriate to ask the executive director for information and reports.
 
Things to remember when planning your meeting:
      • ensure your AGM is planned in accordance with your bylaws
      • bring a current membership list to help record numbers for quorum
      • request reports from committee chairs well in advance of the meeting date
      • prepare a call for nominations for the board and/or receive the report of the nominating committee
      • prepare voting materials and confirm voting methodology with nominating committee
      • allow sufficient time on the agenda for board members and shareholders to voice thoughts/concerns
      • consider inviting a guest to speak on a topic of interest to the organization’s members

As with regular business meetings, an AGM agenda (DOC 19KB)  should be circulated to board members at least two weeks prior to the meeting along with the minutes from the previous AGM. Other documents that may be provided include:
      • listing of proposed motions or special resolutions
      • executive and committee reports
      • audited financial statements
      • positions up for elections
      • nomination and proxy forms
      • other documents as required by bylaw
 

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