In this article we’ll touch on the mechanics of meetings. Known as parliamentary procedure, it’s a set of rules by which business is conducted. Any large assembly, such as Parliament (where the name originates), Congress, or a corporate board meeting, follows a set process. A standard parliamentary procedure has been codified in Robert’s Rules of Order, first published by US Army General Henry Robert in the 1800s, revised many times since, and in nearly universal use in deliberative bodies around the world. Continue reading “Parliamentary procedures”
Effective committee meetings: Introduction
How many times have you been asked to attend a meeting but you had no idea what the meeting was for? It’s like being ambushed or held hostage – you don’t know who’s going to be there, how long it will take, what’s going to be discussed, or – worst of all – what you’ll be asked to be prepared to contribute. It’s an unsettling feeling, something you may dread looking forward to, and certainly that sense of the unknown will be remembered more than what, if anything, was accomplished at the meeting. Sometimes you just walk away and say to yourself, “did we actually do anything?” Continue reading “Effective committee meetings: Introduction”
Calling All Committee Chairs
If you’re the committee chair of a troop or pack and you’re anywhere near Southeastern Michigan, you’ll not only want to plan on attending Great Lakes Council’s University of Scouting on November 6, you’ll want to make sure you’re signed up for the first period class Strictly for Committee Chairs. Continue reading “Calling All Committee Chairs”
Summer camp: after you’re home
Now that summer camp is over, you’re rested and have your dirty laundry (and your son’s) all washed and put away, it’s time to tidy up the odds and ends needed to close out your camp experience and lay the groundwork for next year. Continue reading “Summer camp: after you’re home”
Getting ready for summer camp, part 3
In the first two parts of this series, we talked about the troop committee’s function in helping the troop and its scouts get ready for the annual trip to summer camp. Now it’s time to put it all together for the actual summer camp week. Continue reading “Getting ready for summer camp, part 3”