[SEDXC] SEDXC Meetings and Small Attendance

[Gary McConville]

I like this...  Don... YOU DA MAN!


--- Don Nesbitt <n4hh at yahoo.com> wrote:

> RE:  SEDXC Meetings and Small Attendance
> 
> Bob asked us for some input on why we seem to have
> relatively small attendance at our monthly meetings. 
> The same “usual” suspects numbering 20 to 25.
> 
> Other than the typical shopworn reasons (location,
> time, sunspot cycle, age of participants,
> self-limiting nature of any group meeting, etc), 
> maybe I’m not alone in the following:
> 
> 1.  I attend the meetings for two (2) reasons: 
> camaraderie and program.
> 
> 2.  I DON'T attend the meetings for the "business"
> sessions.
> 
> Yes, business is important to achieving the objectives
> of the club and its’ short and long-term health. It's
> just not my reason to attend our meetings!
> 
> Thinking back to our last meeting with Hal (N4GG)
> presenting a most excellent program on operations from
> HP1XX, I can't help but note that the hour was closing
> in on 9 pm by the time he actually got to present!  In
> my view, that is simply too late.  It's not fair to
> the presenter (in this case Hal) nor is it fair to
> those who have an interest in the program but who
> really don't find the business of the club all that
> scintillating!
> 
> So - what is my suggestion?
> 
> GENERAL SUGGESTION:  The "dessert" part of the meeting
> (to me that's the PROGRAM) is moved to the BEGINNING
> and the "meat and potatoes" part of the meeting
> (BUSINESS) is moved to the END; "after the break."
> 
> DANGER:  Won't folks leave at the end of the program? 
>  Yep, we'll probably loose some - maybe even a bunch! 
> But those who stay will truly be interested in the
> "business" of the club.  If no one stays, that should
> tell us something!  We've moved our Constitution and
> By-Laws to the internet; maybe we should move our
> business there as well.  Failing that, maybe we should
> send out an "Agenda" a week prior to the get-together
> so folks could give it just consideration and be
> prepared to stay to conduct the business of the club.
> 
> DANGER:  If folks leave, what about the lack of a
> quorum?  We won't be able to conduct business!  Hummm
> - it seems that business is conducted either by a 2/3
> majority of those in attendance or a simple majority
> of those in attendance.  Three people stay for the
> business meeting.  If two of them can agree, business
> is conducted!  Yes, that's dangerous - so be it!  By
> decree we have a BOARD – let’s consider giving them
> some power to actually conduct business!
> 
> DANGER:  Our monthly raffle at the meeting is a great
> source of income for the club. Won't we put this in
> jeopardy?  Nope - see the next part.
> 
> OK, so what would a "typical" meeting schedule look
> like?
> 
> 1.  Raffle tickets are sold before the meeting starts.
>  The raffle is held at the end of the program – before
> the “break.”  Parking tickets are validated prior to
> the start and at the “break.”
> 
> 2.  The meeting is called to order and starts with the
> usual introductions – BUT – the self-introductions
> also include any “announcements” – AND – announcements
> are limited to SINGLE SENTENCE statements or queries –
> something like:  "I worked P5 on 160 meters at noon; I
> have 2 brand new 8877’s for sale at $2 each;  my wife
> left me and I need help putting up a Big Bertha; does
> anyone have an Alpha 77 that they could lend me until
> the next sunspot maximum?"  NO serendipitous stories,
> etc.  Single sentence ANNOUNCEMENTS only.
> 
> This beginning part of the meeting should take no more
> than 7 minutes - OK, 15 at the absolute tops!
> 
> 3.  The Program is presented and lasts from 30 minutes
> to 50 minutes.
> 
> 4.  Last call for raffle tickets and raffle drawing
> 
> 5.  BREAK (5 to 10 minutes tops)
> 
> 6.  Business Meeting
> 
> 7.  Adjournment
> 
>  Of course, there is nothing profound here!  It’s just
> a simple rearrangement that might be an enticement to
> some to increase their attendance.  Maybe it’s worth a
> try!  Respectfully submitted for your consideration  -
> 73 – Don N4HH
> 
> 
> 
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