COMMITTEE WOMEN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 July 1938, Page 8

COMMITTEE WOMEN

POINTS FOR MADAM PRESIDENT. HINTS THAT WILL MAKE FOR HARMONY. Every day countless women attend committee meetings, but how many are conversant with the technique relating to procedure? Seasoned warriors who have attended meetings for many years have learned by experience, but many have only the vaguest notion of what is, and what is not, correct conduct as such gatherings. With committee work now in full swing, a review of the main “points” for the amateur whose enthusiasm and zeal are handicapped by a lack of confidence engendered by uncertainty as to correct procedure, is perhaps in order. Women in general are more or less supposed to have the “gift of the gab but at meetings it. is a talent that should not-.be indulged too far. In fact, the more lucid, short, and concise it is, the better the speech. Suppose an intelligent woman with some leisure gets an idea and thinks she could organise it sufficiently well to swell the treasury of her pet charity, how should she set about carrying it out? Usually she first tries the idea out on her most intimate friend, believing that two heads are better than one, “even if the other be a fool.” Proving its popularity, she gets the most able and energetic woman she knows to undertake the honorary secretaryship; another, “good at figures,” to be honorary treasurer—subject, of course, to approval at the first general meeting, when all appointments (chosen beforehand) are officially ratified. Choosing a president is the next step and a vital factor in the future harmony of the whole proceedings. Primarily she should be a person of social standing with the requisite mental and physical qualifications. The ideal president should look the part, s bear herself with dignity, and, above all, have a thorough knowledge of her duties as well as a distinct speaking voice that can be heard by her audience. Tact, quickness of decision, firmness, self-control, and, if possible, that rarity in most women, a sense of humour which acts as a solvent in the most awkward circumstances. Clear thinking and expression when stating or putting motions or amendments to the vote are essential qualities. Certainly, no sinecure, but any woman of average intelligence should be able to conduct a meeting successfully if she takes the trouble to prepare for it. ■. ■ . : ‘ Let us presume that all preliminaries have been arranged, the office-bear-ers elected, and the next general meeting is called. The president’s job is to adorn and conduct a ’ meeting; not to make a speech. After a few remarks in explanation of the object of the meeting, she opens the business by calling upon the secretary to read the minutes Next, the president deals with each item as listed on the agenda (previously prepared by the secretary), asking for motions, stating the question, putting the resolutions, but not’ taking sides for or against any motion or amendment. ... All her remarks should refer only to matters of procedure, explanations, or other points. Should the president wish to take part in the discussion she can vacate the chair, asking a responsible person to take her place for a few minutes. Thus she keeps up the reputation of the chair for- impartiality, although having her say in the capacity of an ordinary member of the committee. If not taking an active part in the debate, the president is quite in order making a short speech upon the subject following the vote. Promptitude in getting through the business of a meeting is a sure way to win popularity- ■ The secretary ranks next in importance (if not equal) to the office of president. In Sydney most secretaries are the backbone of the various movements they are connected with, and it is largely upon their ability and energy that the success of the concern depends.