Each branch has its own way of presenting its Annual General Meeting, the following is merely a guide..

1. Preparation
Its no use waiting until the night and then hoping someone will volunteer to take up a post so we make sure we know in plenty of time who will be available and willing to do each of the necessary posts (Those being chair, secretary and treasurer)

You could invite your local mayor to act as chairperson for the evening and this needs to be done at least 6 months before the meeting but ideally the more notice that can be given the better

A guest speaker to talk about some aspect of Save the Children will add a bit of extra interest and purpose to the occassion.

2. Location
Its important to choose a location that is easy for your supporters to get to.

3. Promotion
The evening has to be promoted in at least one local paper but obviously the more publicity you can give it the better

4. The Agenda
a) Welcome by the Branch Chairperson and introduction of the guest of honour. (Who will act as chair for the evening - on this occasion it was the Mayoress)

b) Apologies (Anyone who could not make it can send in their apologies via the Branch Secretary)

c) Minutes of the Last Annual General Meeting (Usually read by the Branch Secretary)

d) Review of the Year and Approval of Branch Accounts ( A synopsis of the year usually given by the Branch Treasurer)

e) Appointment of Officers ( In this sample case Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, Press Officer and Trading Secretary)

f) Election of Committee (You could just re-elect the present committee on bloc and then propose any new members individually to save a little time)

g) Talk given by your Guest speaker ( This is of course purely optional but it does help to energise your committee and supporters to hear first hand what Save the Children in doing)

h) Vote of Thanks (usually given by the outgoing chairperson in the branch)