Occupy Boulder Standard Working Group Meeting Agenda

Here is a suggested standard working group agenda:


1. A facilitator will be chosen by a quick vote between volunteers by those present at the meeting. (3 mins.) The facilitator’s role will be to make sure everyone is heard, time people’ statements to insure that we stick to the agenda, and orchestrates our conversation. We will try to insure that everyone who is able to facilitate and efficient discussion of topics will have a chance to do this. This may means that there will be a regular rotation of people who are chosen to facilitate the discussion.

2. Someone to record in writing the actions and events at the committee meeting is chosen. (1 min.) This will be decided by a quick vote of persons who are have legible handwriting and simple note taking skills.

Note: The primary responsibility of the facilitator and the note recorder will be these responsibilities. This requires that these people not present their own feelings is such a way as to allow topics or discussion points overwhelm and derail the meeting. This requires some self-understanding and self-control on the part of the people who serve as facilitator or note recorder.

3. The outline of the proposed discussion is presented. (probably 1 min., but no more than 6 min.) Usually, this will have been voted on and decided at the previous meeting of the group.

1. Objections or changes to this agenda of the working group meeting will be made at this point. Starting with the facilitator, we will simply pass around the circle of those present and voice approval or suggest changes to the agenda.
   
2. Changes will be discussed as they are presented. Discussion of each suggested change must be restricted to less than 2 minutes. At this point, if a consensus isn’t obtained, no change in the agenda will be allowed.

4. Discussion of the 1st issue or topic of discussion/action will begin. This will follow the format that is listed on the next page. (25 min., or so)

5. As many topics or actions will be discussed and agreed upon as fit into the time allotted to this section of the meeting.

6. With 30 minutes before the end of the meeting, the agenda for the next meeting must be discussed and decided upon.

1. First a quick round of those in attendance is made to see what people feel needs to be discussed at the next meeting. (2 min. per person) This will be done by going around the circle to see that everyone has a chance to voice their feelings about the next meeting.
   
2. A popcorn-style discussion of the topics to be discussed at the next meeting will commence. (10 min.)
   
3. The next topics and actions to be addressed at the next meeting is proposed.
   
4. A vote of approval will take place and a simple majority will rule on the next meeting’s agenda.
   

Note: If the discussion of a topic is stopped to allow for the agenda of the next meeting to be developed, that topic will be of top priority at the next meetings discussion.


Topic & Issue Discussion and Action format:

1. The history or background will be presented by a designated person. This will allow the people in attendance to learn of this history of the topic to be discussed and better inform them of context in which our decisions and actions will take place. (no more than 5 min.)
   
2. A quick round of those in attendance is made to see if anyone has any corrections or memories of the topic to be discussed. (2 min.) Care must be taken by those voicing themselves at this point to limit their statements to history and background only.
   
3. The proposal regarding this issue/topic is made. These proposals should be done in one simple, action oriented sentence. (1 min.)
   
4. A quick round of those in attendance is made to allow them to voice their feelings about this proposal. (2 min. for each person voicing their opinion.)
   
5. Discussion of the topic address will follow at this point. (no more than 10 min.) At this point more natural popcorn style discussion will take place at which time opinions and justifications can be made.
   
6. The proposal with any modifications is made again (1 min.)
   
7. A vote is taken on the action proposed. (1 min.)
   
8. The 80% vote in favor of the proposed action will mean that the proposed action is adopted.
   
9. If, at any time, it becomes clear that an issue or discussion topic will require more time than allotted, a proposal will be made to extend the discussion at expense of addressing other issues. A simple majority of those in favor of that change will release the exact time restrictions placed on the topic or issue of discussion.