Holding the First Meeting

In your first meeting, welcome the students, engage them in conversation, and motivate them into action. Below are useful suggestions and a check list to help you properly prepare.

• Stay on Track—Designate a facilitator to ensure the chapter can accomplish its goals in a timely manner.

• Learn to Think in a New Way—Challenge people to think and talk about the issue.

• Show a movie or use an issue brief topic to hold a round table discussion.

• Announce the Next Meeting—Ask members to bring their ideas to the meeting.

SPUSA First Meeting Check-off List

	Work with the student activities office to schedule a time and location.
	Secure a room in a central location.
	Publicize the meeting with flyers that grab attention in both form and content, and include the date, time, location of the meeting, and contact person's email.
	Call interested students about your meeting.
	Provide follow-up information for interested students who cannot attend the meeting.
	Email students via a list serve or student activities about your meeting.
	Develop an agenda including a fun activity.
	Arrive early for the meeting.
	Set out SPUSA materials.
	Provide a sign up sheet for your records.
	Post directional signs.
	Provide refreshments.
	Make time for introductions.
	Announce the time, date, location, and agenda items for the next meeting.
	Thank everyone for attending.
	Follow up with meeting minute postings.

Advertise SPUSA on your campus, download a flyer (99K PDF).

Start a chapter: See Chapter Organizing Guide

Review tips on becoming an effective faculty advisor.

OTHER CAMPUS RESOURCES
Sample Funding Request
Sample Travel Funds Request
Press Release
Regional Conferences
Event Planning Checklist
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SPUSA Chapters