General guidelines

Per our Bylaws, we follow Roberts Rules of Order Revised all cases in which they are applicable.

Meetings will start promptly at the designated time. Attendees are welcome to stay afterwards for individual or private group discussions.

Each meeting will have a designated recording secretary and minutes will be published. Minutes will be prepared and reviewed by the Co-presidents for draft release to the public. Minutes will be reviewed and approved by the full UPG board at a subsequent meeting and any changes incorporated in the public copy.

We will follow the published agenda unless a change is agreed to by quick voice vote.
Individual student issues should be deferred until after the meeting. Issues raised should be those that are common to a reasonable number of students and will be noted in the minutes.

Issues discussed in the past will be held in a parking lot and addressed when/if time permits with a notation in the minutes.

Votes may be by show of hands or voice (aye/no) except when deemed necessary by the meeting chair or for the election of officers (which must be by roll call).

Things to remember at all times

Everyone's ideas are valid. We all have very different perspectives on the same reality. Even though we may not share someone’s perspective, let’s accept that the world may look different from where they stand.

Treat time as precious. We’re all busy and want to have a great meeting in an efficient way. Try not to repeat what others have said, unless there is a compelling reason. Please make your points concise. We are committed to ending on time; too much time spent on early parts of the agenda will mean less time for latter agenda items.

Think of other people’s children AND your own. As parents, our knowledge of school starts with our own children’s stories. Remember, too, a school system has to work for all children, so broaden your thinking to make your solution work for everyone’s children. If you find yourself telling a story about one of your children, expect to be curtailed unless it is on topic and directly to the point.

Global exploration before local action. We’ll seek to understand the issues before making decisions. This will give us more sensible solutions and a wider range of potential actions. "Seek first to understand, THEN to be understood."

Seek future action—not problems and conflicts. Of course, problems and conflicts will come up in our meetings. Let’s use our time to create solutions rather than blame.

Self-management and responsibility. Let’s help each other do the tasks of the meeting. Let’s keep each other on track, make sure everyone who wants to has a chance to weigh in, and make sure our meeting objectives are met.

Have fun. Life is short. Why not?