The focus of most neighborhood associations is bringing people together to solve common problems. Much of this work is done through meetings. Successful associations conduct effective meetings - meetings that both produce results in accomplishing important objectives, and are the result of individual citizens working well together as a group.

General Tips:

• State ideas positively and show their relation to the overall issue.
• Foster cooperation, not conflict.
• Discuss decision items when most group members are present.
• Present financial information with written copies for everyone present.
• Keep information items brief and relevant.
• Keep committee reports brief.
• Conclude committee reports with a recommendation expressed in a clearly stated proposal.
• Use visual aids.
• Assign tasks and responsibilities as the meeting progresses, and record the assignments in the minutes.
• Know the limits of the group's decision-making authority.
• Encourage everyone to participate.
• Don't over crowd the agenda with too many items.