OccupySacto.org

Hi all -

I believe we got some good things done at the Assembly last night even though it ran longer than scheduled.

There was a motion passed that minutes be taken of each meeting and posted 'preferably by 10am the following day.' I don't see yesterday's minutes up yet, but looking at some of the previous minutes, I think it worthwhile to raise for consideration standardization of the minutes.

Certainly the body will wish to adjust procedures to suit its needs, but it is worth noting that 'minutes' generally are a formal legal record of actions taken by the body. Typically such things as announcements, discussions, etc would not be recorded. (More thorough procedures at http://www.parlipro.org/minutes.htm .)

There are two good reasons to omit such material: since minutes would typically be approved by the body at a subsequent meeting, describing arguments leading up to a decision can re-introduce tensions, and because if the minutes are ever used as evidence in court, it is adviseable they not include contention which could negatively influence a jury with regards to the movement.

Of course having a record of ideas raised and member concerns is useful in following up to make improvements to address member concerns. Whether individuals should take their own notes or whether an additional notetaker should perform such a service at the will of the body, I do not make a recommendation; however, that is not traditionally information that would be included in formal meeting minutes.

John