I've been thinking of you all day! How did your mtg go? I wanted to write a quick note to make sure you told yourself that the mtg would GO WELL. That even though you might be challenged (OK, you KNEW you'd be challenged!) you would be able to help people see the positive side of your proposed changes (or whatever the objections were). Unfortunately, when we go into a situation expecting the worst, it usually happens. I know it sounds hokey, but your positive attitude and expectations going into a situation really help!! (You should still have a "Plan B" however, if needed).
Sorry, got on my soapbox again. (Been doing that a lot lately.) Anyway, let us know how it went.
Boy do I know how you are feeling!! Even though our old Prez stepped down she still hated all of us "newbies". Our first two meetings went pretty well because it was all standard stuff...it was when we tried to change things that it got ugly. I tried very hard to keep control of the meetings by insisting people not be interupted when they had the floor and if it was an "completely out of the blue subject" that the officers did not know about we would insist that the issue be tabled until the next meeting so we could investigate...this curbs alot. Also I found it very helpful to have an agenda and stick to it...we also added a spot to the agenda where we ask the audience if there is anything they would like to be added to the agenda for our next meeting...this gave us a whole month of doing our homework on an issue. By the end of the year things actually were pretty good the few hecklers in the crowd realized that they did not have much of an impact and soon quieted down when the new officers were getting rave "reviews". My best advice is TRY to remain calm...they want you to loose your cool, and smile lots and tell them you appreciate all of their helpful ideas and you our so very happy to know that they still have your groups best interests at heart...usually stuns them for a little while..Good Luck:)
mykidsmom, oh do I know what you are talking about with robert's rules and elections, we weren't actually voted in last year. I'm not exactly sure what to do about that tomorrow night..... :> )I definently have hecklers in the audience, I'm hoping to head them off with my opening remarks about coopoeration, pta is for everyone and all kids, etc. stressing working together.... it is just going to be an ugly meeting tomorrow night.... wish me luck! (and good luck to you! :> )) Maggie
Maggie, you took the topic right outta my mouth! I'm more worried that the comments I will be gettign will be more of a helkling than negative! As a matter of fact I was warned by the friends of the former Pres this would happen. I'm so nervous the way it is and to have this over my head....We had 300 new students join our school so I am hoping for at least 50 new faces at our meeting- beyond the normal 25 that show for the first meeting of the year.
I also get to finish the election we had in May because it was never complete-long story. RRO says if there is a tie you vote until the office is filled (short ver.) and that is what I need to do but you know I will be questioned. Our first meeting is Sept 10 and I feel like I'm going into surgery!
If you know what the comments will be about I have found it helpful to recognize someone with authority to respond other than, myself, the chair. Some things you can do are
-Set time limits on the "discussion" for each response,
-Ask if you hear a motion from the floor (I find that if there is no motion to attend to with discussion they usually just shut up because they really do not want an "action" they just want to gripe.) Otherwise there is no discussion.
-In your welcome you may be able to address things that would curb the comments on the get go.
These are just off the top of my head and things I have used. If I think of something more concrete I will let you know. Best Wishes!
