The Basics of Effective MeetingsNewly Elected Officials Orientation

www.masc.sc

Arrive On Time

Put Away/Silence Cell Phone

Avoid Side Conversations

Body Language

At the end of the day, the body is the ultimate decider of all parliamentary decisions. The chair is the servant of the assembly, not its master.

All Members Are Equal

Written Agenda

• Now required under FOIA for all meetings• Provides a guide for issues to be discussed• Ensures transparency• 24 hour notice

• The Home Rule Act does not specify who has responsibility for making an agenda or what it must contain.

• Who decides what items are placed on agendas is a question often debated. Clear rules of procedure can avoid this debate.

Written Agenda

Rules of Order

• Robert’s Rules of Order • A quorum is a majority of

members of Council; any time a quorum (telephone, text, email, social media?, etc.) is present it’s a meeting

Maintain Civility

Public Engagement

Public Engagement

• Not mandated for all meetings• Council should decide rules for public

participation• Maintain order

Summerville Clock