April 10 Meeting Notes

I. Purpose

Book Discussions will be enjoyable and informative for all, those outspoken and those of quieter nature, in an environment that encourages everyone to speak.

II. Problems that might arise

1. Discussions might be "hijacked" by a few people. (i.e. 1-2 people talking too much)

2. Getting "bogged down" by a few limited topics. (beating a dead horse)

3. Getting off on a tangent to minimally or unrelated issues.

4. Out of hand emotions.

5. Those who tend to speak less or dislike interrupting.

III. Solutions to problems

1. Be conscious of inviting everyone's participation.

2. Leader/moderator who cuts off long-winded people or brings back the conversation from a tangent (could be anyone interested in the role for a particular discussion.)

3. No disparaging or rude remarks.

4. No interruptions or interrupting.

5. "Wait time" - after a question is asked give people time to think about it and formulate a response - wait at least five seconds.

IV. Possible ways to make the meeting/discussion useful. (These are recommended ways but are in not required.)

1. Look at opposing viewpoints.

2. Finding related articles, websites, information.

3. Finding ways to get involved. (i.e petitions, tracking legislative bills, writing Congress)

4. Sharing information or research.

5. Write up a summary/abstract of the discussion afterward.

6. Go write reviews at Amazon.com or elsewhere.

7. Write up 3-5 questions beforehand to bring to the discussion.

7. E-mail George with questions at least two days before meeting for discussion.

V. The Order of the Meeting (estimated time 2-2.5 hours)

- anyone who wished to leave early may do so, and minutes of the meeting will be posted on the blog.

1. Food/meet and greet

2. Formal introductions (this may only need to happen at our first meeting)

3. Remind everyone of the suggestions and guidelines for speaking and behavior.

4. 1-2 people summarize the thesis with a few supporting points (no more than 5 min.)

5. Clarify and explain any terms (lingo) or facts that people didn't understand or know. (i.e. those not from this country learning how U.S government works in a balance)

6. Begin discussion asking people to say (in one sentence) what they thought of the book as whole.)

7. Go through previously compiled list of questions [by leader (email to George 2 days ahead of time)] so as to discuss maximum number of questions without repetition.

8. Wrap up - ask if there are any final questions

9. On the blog, continue discussions, ask questions that were not given time, make comments about the format with suggestions for changes.

VI. Recommendations on what to do During and After Reading

1. Mark interesting passages.

2. Write down questions you have.

3. Take notes as you read (dog-ear, write in margin, write on bookmark)

4. Email 3-5 questions to George ahead of time for compiling.

5. On blog, post observations, questions, thoughts, opinions.

Meeting Participants

George, Kevin H., Brian, Valerie (secretary), John O.