Meeting Agenda
Who sets the agenda? The organizer or secretary or chair could do it, but it’s better to do it democratically. One thing we’ve tried is to get people to contact the upcoming meeting’s facilitator at least a day ahead if they’re going to need time at a meeting, but people often bring things up at the last minute, and the meeting runs over. Try to make some time during the meeting to gather ideas for the next meeting’s agenda.
Communication Problems
The best kind of communication is when people trust each other, both to say what’s on their mind and to listen to others and let them speak. This way, you can say something once, trust that it was heard, and not have to repeat it. Try to communicate in a way that doesn’t oppress people. In particular:
- Don’t interrupt.
- Pay attention to what the speaker is saying, and think about it. Don’t just think about what you’re going to say next.
- If somebody else already made the point you were going to, just take that hand down or pass.
- Don’t repeat yourself. Did we mention that you should not repeat yourself? If you’ve had your say and the group disagrees, sit back and deal with it. But don’t repeat yourself.
- Do share your knowledge, experiences, and ideas—don’t be shy. Every time a good idea doesn’t get heard because you didn’t speak up, an acre of rainforest gets chopped.
- Even if you think what somebody said is completely stupid, treat them with respect. Deal with the content of what they’re saying, rather than just putting it down or labeling it. Don’t attack people in your group. Ever.
- Regard discussions as cooperative rather than antagonistic affairs, with the common goal of reaching agreement and taking action.
- BE INCLUSIVE IN YOUR LANGUAGE. If you haven’t learned yet to say “woman” instead of “girl,” he or she” (or “she or he”) instead of “he,” and “humanity” or something instead of “mankind,” please do it now.