A Word on Meetings
By: Dennis Shekinah, secretary for Watauga Group

Honestly, I have to tell you I'm not a big fan of meetings. In the old days friends and neighbors would meet in store fronts, libraries, courthouses, restaurant conference rooms, churches and anywhere else people would let us meet to plan strategies for protecting our local watershed. When litigation was imminent we would often meet weekly, even daily, in venues that felt impersonal and sterile.   

When we incorporated as the Watauga Group of the Tennessee Sierra Club in 2006, we decided to try on some new ideas to see what fit. Do things a little differently. A little more friendly.  A little more inviting. 

We began meeting in member's homes. Come as you are casual. No more fluorescent lights, no more distractions in public places, no more odd looks from others.  The comfort of a home allows us to indulge in friendship and laughter that is difficult in public venues.  Along with this personal touch, we began meetings at dinner time and conducting business around a potluck feast. We continue to eat first and conduct business before dessert. Watauga Group dubbed this monthly tradition a "Meal and Meeting" and has evolved into more of a 'gathering' of like-minded new and longtime friends.  

Twelve years later, we still stick to a schedule as best we can, beginning the meeting after the dinner hour with a whistle. The Chair usually introduces or recognizes new people and begins with a few antidotes and updates from committee teams. This always seems to focus folks attention and makes them more willing to 'pitch in' to help active committee work, consider attending vital county commissioner meetings or take flash actions, such as letter writing or petition signing.  

Kinks, you ask?  Sure we've had a few logistical challenges to overcome or attendee constraints to accommodate. Active listening for opportunities to adjust ensures what continues to fit.