Notes from workshop “How To Ensure An Effective Meeting”
Group 1
What they likeWhat they don't like
Having an agendaFines/Sheriff
Good speakersLate/long meetings
Positive atmosphereNo speakers
Light laughterInappropriate jokes
Start with a jokeUnprepared (Pres) meeting
Progressive 50/50
Stay on track
Time management
Happy/Sad $$
Member involvement/participation
Socializing
Input from Town/Community
Ralph Edwards' "This Is Your Life"
Guest introductions
Know your speakers
Group 2
What they likeWhat they don't like
Good speakersLack of organization
Welcoming atmosphereLack of time management
Keeping on trackDisruption
Good food
Secret Greeter (to create more interaction with members)
Interactive members
Fun rip offs - like "Right" Marbles
Invite other club members in community with theme
Group 3
What they likeWhat they don't like
Speakers
Efficient time management
Humor
Raffles, 50/50, Aces
Happy/sad dollars (piggy bank)
Lucky K
Meals
Knowing everyone's name
Rotating Tables
Fines
Group 4
What they likeWhat they don't like
Good speakersNo/long speakers
Start and end on timeSide conversations
Have an agenda
Sticking to the agenda
Happy dollars
Service projects at meeting
Being flexible
Positive recognition for good work
Group 5
What they likeWhat they don't like
Start on timeInterruptions, side conversations
Speakers (with time limit)How to settle conformation projects
Make it fun
Service projects
Recognition
Stand to speak
Include SLPs
Good location
Networking
Agenda
Group 6
What they likeWhat they don't like
Joke (clean, convey message)
Thought for the day
Happy/sad dollars
E-club - online - 1 hr - chat/discussion with agenda
Member profile
Communications: New members on committees
Speaker
Lunch/breakfast meeting
Projects
Fines
Birthday and anniversary recognitions (cake, etc)
Group 7
What they likeWhat they don't like
AgendaSide conversations
Captivating speakerBoring speaker
Theme (interesting/relevant)Speaker that talks too long
"Lunch & Learn" in the summer (no speaker/workshop)No agenda
Location (separate room) and good mealDry induction
Secret greeterToo much singing
50/50 raffle
Humor
Inspiration of the day
Invocation
Song
Group 8
What they likeWhat they don't like
Positive feelingNo program
Service projects (also at meetings)Rut, same routine
CommunicationLack of communication
Strong speakerNot strong mentorship
Positive feedback from communityAbsenteeism
Networking with club members & community Not open to change (e.g. mtg time)
New/younger members who are energizedNo set location for meeting
"Corporate" knowledge, historic
Fun group of people
Summary
Looking at the lists that were pulled together, it seems most Kiwanians would like to have a fun, positive atmosphere at their meetings. How do we do that? Well, from what you all said you would like to see more of, it means doing things to get to know your members (new and old) a little better and having good speakers. Getting to know your members better could involve small service projects at your meetings, involving new members right away and giving older members a chance to “hang out” with the new members while working together for a common good.
Another important aspect is having a clear agenda to help you work on time management. Telling your speakers ahead of time how long they have helps keep meetings on time. And having good speakers that are charismatic and interesting will help keep members engaged. There were suggestions such as checking out speakers bureaus in your area, asking club members, and borrowing ideas from other clubs.
An inspiring thought, a good meal and “secret greeters” were also popular. And we Kiwanians love a good raffle.
Remember, if you’re not having fun, your members aren’t having fun either. Keep you comments positive, even if you get ideas you may not be able to use right away, let others and their ideas have value to the club. Get to know each other and let other members know you care what they think and you’ll find you’re on your way to a great year as president.
And remember, the Club Excellence Tool that Kiwanis International has available is another excellent tool to see what your club members think is positive and not quite so positive about your club. You may just be pleasantly surprised!