The Book of Ideas

              CHAPTER SEVEN SUCCESSFUL

w. I. MEETINGS

The planning of meetings for the year ahead, by making a well. balanced program and carrying them out as far as possible, is essential for successful meetings. An interested and active planning committee is valuable in getting this done. The recommendation is that the planning committee be appointed in early Fall to submit a tentative program for revision in November and to have the finished programs so attractive and interesting that no one will dare miss a meeting, ready and passed out in December. Good programs are the product of a lot of vision, study, thinking and revising in order to include the interests of all Members. They provide continuing education from which we never graduate and spark motive and .

enthusiasmfor further study and for special activities.

Plan each meeting so that everything runs smoothly. The business section should not get more than half an hour. For the demonstration, speaker or panel, allow an hour. After that allow time for fun, music, sing-songs, competitions and the social time. Keep things in proportion, and whatever you do, don't crowd out the fun. All Members should be encouraged to take part. From a Program Specialist of the General Federation of Women's Clubs, comes this thought, "In driving a car, the rear-view mirror, enabling us to see what is behind, helps us to go forward safely with assurance. So the kind of year we have had with rough, uneven spots and areas that are tedious and monotonous guide us in avoiding their repetition. Those who are to present the progratn should be well prepared and given time and allowance for discussion. Meaningful programs should attempt, in some measure, to face today's problems realistically. "It is impossible to stand still, we either advance or retrogress and no matter how hard you try to remain in the same place, the world will move past you and you will find that everything has changed-you, only are the same. This means that what was forward-looking, pertinent, years ago, may. not make the grade today." She goes on to say that an afternoon of friendly conversation and a few too many calories at the refreshment. table are not to be despised, but the "Tea Party" is no substitute for purposeful discussion or for an interchange of purposeful ideas. Clubs everywhere which are learning that their major emphasis MUST be placed on programs which come to grips with reality have no trouble attracting Members or retaining those' they
already have. .. .

. There are different types of programs that Branches can use successfully. One most frequently used is 'having a Speaker.' Members learn more when they prepare and deliver their own speech, but bringing in a guest speaker occasionally is enjoyable. When the latter is used, plan all details carefully. Contact the Speaker well ahead of time, stating the topic you wish discussed and how long you wish him to speak-usually about thirty minutes-mental alertness does not last longer. Contact him or her again a few days before the meeting and be sure they know the time and place. Make arrangements for someone to receive him at the door' or bring him to the meeting. Be ready for him to start speaking at the specified time. Keep your introductions brief, and make the speaker feel warmly 29