Developing an Agenda: Quick Tips

When you're in charge of planning a meeting agenda, you know that there’s many things to think about. Here’s a few tips on how to develop the right agenda to help you stay organized.

Before writing Agenda

1. Make sure you have all the necessary items by:
   1. reviewing previous minutes
   2. rechecking with persons with delegated duties - mutual preparedness
   3. were any items requested to be placed on the agenda?
   4. Give yourself plenty of time to type up the agenda and make the necessary number of copies

Basic Form

1. General information
   1. Name of group
   2. Date, time, and location (for later reference)
   3. List of upcoming events
2. Agenda items:
   1. Call to order (welcome)
   2. Introductions
   3. Approval of minutes (formal meetings)
   4. Officer reports
   5. Committee/subcommittee reports
   6. Old business (evaluate past programs, review current programs)
   7. New business (consider new programs)
   8. Announcements and/or presentations
   9. Adjournment

Important Incidentals

1. You might want to ask at the beginning of the meeting for any last   minute additions - this will help you control the meeting more effectively
2. Make sure you cover an agenda item completely before moving on to the next unless, of course, it needs to be tabled or referred to a subcommittee
3. Allow time for discussion and debate especially on controversial topics
4. Encourage others to stick to the agenda - the meeting will go much faster

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