4. Running meetings effectively

4.9. Online and hybrid meetings

In today’s world due to the current situation with Covid 19 and social isolation many clubs are turning to web conferencing to continue to engage in meetings and to undertake club business.

There are other reasons, however, as online meetings can save time and travel. Good advice is to also look at hybrid meetings: face-to-face meetings for those members who can attend but with an option for those who cannot be there in person to join the meeting online.

A few protocols for online meetings:

  • Stick to your usual meeting basics, ie. have a written agenda and be prepared.
  • Set ground rules, such as everyone turns off the microphone unless speaking.
  • If you, as President, are not comfortable with the technology, seek out a member who can advise on aspects such as setting up break-out rooms, recording the meeting, requesting control, sharing the screen, using the whiteboard, polls, etc. 
  • Consider fellowship that occurs at face-to-face meetings. How will you incorporate fellowship time into your online meeting?
  • Log on early and test your audio.