Minutes Overview

Minutes are not a report, but a record of the business of the association. They contain a record of what is done, not what is said. Personal opinions are not recorded. Minutes specify in the first paragraph the date, place, time, type of meeting and the names and presence and of the presiding officer and secretary or names of their alternates. Accuracy is the key of a good secretary.

The minutes contain a record of all actions taken by the group, including the exact wording of every motion, the name of the maker of the motion and the action taken on the motion. Personal opinion and/or discussion are not included in the minutes.

Minutes are efficiently written – complete, concise and accurate. They must be as brief as possible, but include all necessary information. Action must be recorded in the order in which it took place.