PLC Meeting Agenda
Every efficient and productive meeting starts with an agenda, and that agenda must be created and published to all attendees before the meeting.
The BSA provides a sample agenda that can be used by the PLC.
The Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) is responsible for ensuring that the meeting agenda is created and made available to everyone. The Scoutmaster (SM) obviously provides help and input as needed, but the SPL should be the one to do most of the planning.
The PLC does not have to strictly follow the agenda schedule provided by the BSA. If the PLC determines that they can be more efficient and/or productive by customizing the agenda, they should definitely do so. The goal, of course, is to ensure that the meeting is as productive as possible. If the SPL and the PLC members feel that they can be more productive with their own schedule, that’s great!
HOWEVER… The link above is a great starting point, and SPLs (especially newly-elected SPLs) are encouraged to at least start with the provided agenda and then adjust from there. No need to reinvent the wheel.
Learning As They Go
It’s not uncommon for the Scouts to have a “rough” start when they first try to plan and run a PLC meeting. That OK. It’s the best way to learn! The provided meeting agenda lists some questions that the SPL (or the whole PLC) can review with the SM at the end of the meeting to assess how the meeting went. The emphasis from everyone should be on continuous improvement.
- Was there a written agenda, and was it followed?
- Were all patrols allowed input on troop decisions?
- Did the SPL assign specific tasks to individuals or patrols?
- Were the necessary resources for troop activities considered?
- Did the group evenly spread out tasks among patrols and individuals?
- Was a specific schedule planned for upcoming events?
- Did the group come to a consensus on handling problems?
- Was a log kept?