AR Handbook – 11
(10 minutes. Don’t believe it? Then bring along
your stop watch.)
We’re negotiating this year – and it will be YOUR contract.
The Association is determined to keep YOU
informed. Association leaders need YOUR ideas.
Remember – only 10 minutes!
We begin at ____________________ sharp. (time)
We meet at ____________________. (place)
We wind up at ____________________ sharp. (time)
Honest, it really is a 10-minute meeting. If you’re a
doubter, come and time us!
Time
• 2 minutes:
(minutes 1-2)
• 4 minutes:
(minutes 3-6)
• 3 minutes:
(minutes 7-9)
• 1 minute
Agenda Category
A. Current Issues Update
B. Our Hot Issue
C. What’s on Your Mind?
D. A Success or Problem
Story
Sample Announcement
10-minute Association Meeting – Wednesday, November 2
Topic
Brief review of major topics discussed at last month’s rep
council meeting. Here is a current issue. We need your
ideas before we go to the next rep council meeting.
A review of a current issue that concerns members in this
building. We’re having some success in this area, or we’re
optimistic in this area, thanks to YOUR efforts. Keep up
the good work.
OR
We are having a problem in this area. We need your help
in dealing with this.
Rationale
We’re keeping members informed. We try to reduce the
back-room attitude so often prevalent during negotiations.
Keeping members informed is not a matter of how
much they are told. Rather, it’s a matter of feeling that
leaders are working to inform them. Personal contact
prevents rumors from “hurting” staff morale or Association
credibility.
This reinforces in members’ minds that their opinions
are actively sought and presented to the council meeting.
This may be the most important issue to come up at rep
council. Members need to feel that the Association is
conscious of their needs. Often just talking about a problem
gives considerable relief. Praise. Encourage. Nourish
the members. Develop a spirit of optimism. An all-is-lost
attitude, culminates in “I give up.” Low morale kills support
for Association goals, especially during a prolonged
impasse or crisis. Personal contact builds confidence.
Level with your members. Obtain their creative ideas in
approaching the problem. Ask them to think of solutions
between now and the next 10-minute meeting.
Time’s up! We told you we could do
it in 10 minutes!
Don’t forget to leave your questions and suggestions at
the door.