I am having trouble getting meeting times set up with my fellow board members. We are all new to the board this year and there are many changes taking place for the next school year. We have had two meetings since getting elected, but not all four of us at the same time. What can I do to help make these meetings happen. (Cannot do during the day because 2 women work full time) They don't want to meet at night and take time away from their families. I am so frustrated.

Well--how about a Saturday or Sunday afternoon coffee at someones house; kids invited. That's one way--or perhaps if they work in town a lunchtime meeting. It is frustrating trying to juggle everyones schedules. See if maybe one of those ideas will work....

I have tried suggesting a weekend but they are all so busy with their childs activities. And one of the members works in town the other works about an hour and half away. Thank you so much for the suggestion though. I will take all I can get.

I think you're going to have to say something to the effect:

"Look. I'm trying here. We need to meet altogether in one room and get business done. Because two board members work full time the only times left to meet are evenings or week-ends and I'm getting shot down when suggesting those times as well. Something has to give. I need us to prioritize our board meeting so here is when we're going to meet and I need you to make it work."

I sent an e-mail to my board members asking them what nights "didn't" work. When that came back I set up my meetings from 6-8 p.m. and I picked the night that works for all and we are sticking to the 1st Thursday of every month from 6-8 p.m. at a local kids play area. Granted not all of them will be able to make it all the time. We have 6 though. Our first board meeting one person missed and because it was a bigger meeting I did meet with her seperately to go over everything. We are actually all meeting tomorrow because all the members who work have the day off.

I think an e-mail would be good. Good luck. You need to have them all on board.

Nicki

We have had some success using the website econference.com. They offer a conference call feature - everyone calls a long distance number and joins in on the meeting via the telephone. Since most have free or reasonable long distance on their cell phones, it has worked fine. There is no charge to the group. We also used the web software to present documents. It has helped us meet as a board virtually when we cannot meet in person.