GSA

Running An Effective Meeting

Running a GSA meeting can be intimidating! Not to worry, with GLSEN’s tips, you will be an awesome facilitator in no time!

BEFORE SCHEDULING A MEETING, ASK YOURSELF...

  • Is the meeting necessary?
  • Are the time and location selected appropriate?
  • Who should attend this meeting?
  • Who should facilitate this meeting?
  • What are the expected outcomes?
  • How can I make sure all attendees participate actively?

TIPS FOR RUNNING A GREAT MEETING

  • Be prepared! Create an agenda and review it with the group at the beginning of the meeting.
  • Set guidelines and community agreements as to how the meeting will operate.
  • Always start and end on time.
  • Provide snacks, if possible.
  • Introduce people who have not been to a meeting before to the group.
  • Be specific about meeting outcomes and expectations.
  • Assign tasks to participants, such as timekeeper and note taker.
  • Schedule the next meeting!
  • Follow up on conversations from previous meetings.
  • E-mail and post meeting reminders on Facebook.

GUIDELINES FOR FACILITATORS

  • Let the discussion flow, but do not lose control of the conversation.
  • Remain neutral. If issues arise, try to not take them personally.
  • Actively listen to what participants are saying.
  • Be prepared to improvise if needed.
  • Make decisions, recommendations and assign tasks to move the group forward!

Do you have tips for hosting a great GSA meeting? Let us know!