Effective Meetings
The key work of any municipal council is done in the setting of a properly called meeting. It is through the process of deliberation (debate) that decisions are made… from approving land use to creating a new bylaw or in response to your unique public concerns. The effectiveness of a municipal council is rooted in the successful work through a meeting format and to a large degree, the effectiveness of each council member is rooted in the same. The EOEP’s Effective Meetings course will help participants develop the skills, attitudes, and knowledge to significantly enhance meeting participation and effectiveness.
Module 1: Effective Meetings, Chairs and Members
After completing this module, participants will be able to:
- Understand the course plans and objectives
- Examine the principles of effective meetings
- Recognize the role of chairs in the conduct of effective meetings
- Recognize the role that each member of Council plays in achieving effective meetings
Module 2: Parliamentary Procedures and Main Motions
After completing this module, participants will be able to:
- Understand what parliamentary procedure is
- Appreciate the heart behind the rules
- Examine how to process a main motion correctly
- Learn the important speed-up tool called unanimous consent
Module 3: Secondary Motions, Tools to get the Job Done Well!
After completing this module, participants will be able to:
- Review how to use the most common secondary motions
- Discover the reason and key rules for each secondary motion
- Practice writing secondary motions to achieve a specified objective
Module 4: Debate, Meeting Conduct, Tips and Tools
After completing this module, participants will be able to:
- Recognize the principles and rules of healthy debate
- Reflect on your personal debate tendencies
- Discuss tips for your agenda and minutes
- Discover other tips and tools to make your meetings more effective