It is very important that good minutes be taken for each meeting, but what are good minutes? Good minutes are a brief document that highlight the decisions made at the previous meeting. To take good minutes, it is important to know that you don't have to write everything down.

First, recognize you are only going to take notes for the meeting. After the meeting, you'll organize the notes into minutes form.

Second, organize your notes in the following form. Note the similarities with the proposed agenda.

• Name of Tenant Association & Date of Meeting
• Those in attendance and excused (list)
• The meeting was called to order at           (time) at          (location)
• After the minutes of the last meeting were read and corrected, if necessary. The minuets were approved -           for,          against
• Brief description of treasurer and committee reports, if given orally. If given in writing, attach a copy.
• List each item of old or unfinished business & ACTION taken.
• List each item of new business & ACTION taken
• The next meeting will be            (date) at          (time) at          (location).

Third, include any motions made (who made them and seconded) and record the vote for and against. If an item is tabled or referred to a committee, record it.

Fourth, Don't write the major points of a discussion. Only write motions and vote totals.

Fifth, if someone makes a commitment to do something, list their name and the commitment.

Sixth, re-write your notes into the final form of minutes as soon as possible after the meeting. That's when the meeting is fresh in your mind. Let the Chair read through to insure accuracy.