Sample Statement to Begin Each General Meeting

To be read during first five minutes of every General Meeting of the Neighborhood Association

This is a general meeting of the [NAME] Neighborhood Association. Our association exists to address the concerns and fulfill the dreams of our neighborhood through the efforts and leadership of the people who live and work here. We recognize that newcomers at our meetings may not feel "in the know" regarding what is happening in the association and we recognize that it is incumbent upon each member to work to provide a sense of inclusion/belonging for all General Meeting participants. Therefore, at the start of every General Meeting this statement and the following points shall be read aloud:

At every General Meeting we will:

• Wear readable nametags - No person, including board members, may vote at a General Meeting without a nametag. All people present at a general meeting [who meet the qualifications for membership - cite appropriate criteria] and who wear a readable name tag are permitted to vote at general meetings.

• Whenever there are fewer than 20 people present we shall have each person introduce themselves by name, describe where they live by nearest cross streets, or otherwise identify their affiliation with the neighborhood.

• At every general meeting, we will allow at least 15 minutes in the first hour for discussion of any new concerns, questions, or suggestions from non-board members.

Finally, we ask that you come to these meetings ready to discuss, plan, and lend your hand to accomplish the tasks that will help keep our neighborhood safe and enjoyable. At every meeting we remind all - newcomers and experience board members alike - that each of our jobs is to bring our concerns, share our skills, and take on as much leadership as we can bear, to address the issues at hand. In short, if you have an issue or project that you want the association to take on, the best way to make it happen is to volunteer to take charge of the project or volunteer to find others who can. In brief, be prepared not only to discuss, but also to lead.

Materials have been reprinted with permission courtesy of Campbel DeLong Resources, Inc. For more information about Campbell DeLong Resources, visit their website >>