We hold a regular monthly meeting on the first Wednesday of every month.

General guidelines:

• Additional meetings can be scheduled to discuss critical issues or to accomplish a specific task upon discussion and agreement of the group.
• All IUSW members and allies are welcome to attend the meetings, provided they accept the mission statement and values of the IUSW.
• By attending meetings, people are making a commitment to observe confidentiality and that they recognise IUSW mission statement, values and any other collectively accepted agreed documents. If this is not the case, you are expected to leave.
• Members can delegate their positions/votes on another meeting participant, if this participant agrees.
• Decisions about endorsements, documents, events and speakers are made by majority of votes. Speakers should adhere to IUSW mission statement, values and any other collectively accepted agreed documents.
• At the end of each meeting someone volunteers to facilitate the following meeting.
• The meeting facilitator distributes an agenda by email at least three days before the meeting. Agenda items can be added at the meeting with the concurrence of the group.
• Participants are responsible for using the iuswacts list to circulate any agenda items they want to include, before the meeting.
• Meetings start promptly on time.
• All participants are expected to be on-time. If someone is late, s/he must catch-up on their own.
• No responsibilities are assigned unless the person be assigned the responsibility accepts it. If a person to be given a responsibility is not at meeting, the facilitator must review that assignment or action item with the person before the responsibility is designated.
• The responsibility for facilitating, taking and distributing meeting notes rotates.
• At the start of each meeting someone volunteers to take. Only first names or working names are used in recording the meeting.
• Meeting structure and procedures are evaluated at the last meeting of each year.

Roles

The facilitator’s responsibilities include:
• Opening the meeting, assign a note taker and invite participants to introduce themselves.
• Keeping the meeting focused on the agenda.
• Making sure that everyone who wants to speak gets a chance, and that no-one speaks for too long.
• Stopping personal attacks
• Drawing the meeting to a close at the appropriate time.
• Summarize main points (including achievements) and make sure action points are clear.
• Get agreement on following meeting’s facilitator and main points on the agenda.

The Note-taker’s responsibilities include:

• Keeping an accurate record of what happens at the meeting.
• Take down any decisions or resolutions that are made and, if there are further actions necessary, who is responsible for them.
• Circulate the notes from the meeting

Ground Rules
Ground rules are used to facilitate group interaction, not to restrict it. The ground rules should be affixed on the wall of the meeting place. Any meeting participant can call for the ground rules to be changed or for a new rule to be added.

• Arrive on time.
• Stick to the agenda; stay focused on the task at hand.
• One conversation at one time; no side conversations.
• Everybody participates; no one dominates.
• Be realistic when accepting tasks; if you agree to something, fulfil it.
• Keep an open mind; respect different viewpoints; be a good listener.
• Be open and honest – no hidden agendas.
• Everyone is responsible for making new people feel included in the space and at ease.
• Recognise and celebrate individual and group accomplishments.
• Share the responsibility for ensuring the success and quality of the meeting.
• Share responsibility for following the ground rules.