Part II

Notions: Putting Ideas into Action

In this part . . .

“Well done is better than well said.” — Benjamin Franklin

Poor Richard was right, but meetings are all about getting things said so you can agree on what’s to be done. The chapters in this part guide you through the journey from idea to action. I explain the mechanics of bringing an idea formally before your group and making sure every member has a chance to have his or her say. One chapter covers all the standard motions that can help you make a final decision . . . or decide not to make a final decision. In addition to chapters on the different parliamentary motions, you can read about how to have a good discussion and, finally, how to vote and move on to the next idea — or maybe even go home.

The more you know about these motions, the better you’re able to get things done. Isn’t that why you’re having a meeting in the first place — to decide how to get things done? If it’s not, it needs to be!