News

Code of conduct for planning commissioners and zoning board of appeals members

Published on November 7, 2019
Use of a code of conduct/oath of office is recommended for planning commissioner and zoning board of appeals members. It helps underscore a person’s role, expected behavior, and differences between elected officials and members of administrative bodies.
Ensuring public participation in meetings takes work and organization

Published on October 8, 2019
Meaningful public participation requires some very basic communication skills. Remember the key components of planning effective meetings.
How to effectively manage the talkative and silent members of a group

Published on December 18, 2018
How to effectively manage the talkative and silent members of a group.
Meeting minutes made easy: Part 1

Published on December 17, 2018
I’ve been elected as the Secretary, now what?
Meeting minutes made easy: Part 2

Published on December 17, 2018
Sample meeting minutes according to Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised
Gradients of Agreement can help move groups forward

Published on December 12, 2018
Gradients of Agreement is a consensus tool that has the ability to allow groups to move forward.
Leaders can learn to engage youth

Published on December 11, 2018
There are many resources available to leaders to assist them in having meaningful engagement with youth.
Sticky Wall can help groups brainstorm

Published on December 11, 2018
Sticky Wall is a facilitation tool that groups can use in various ways to develop many ideas.
Practical measures to de-stress a contentious public hearing

Published on July 16, 2018
Providing clear expectations and small, personal gestures can help diffuse a tense public hearing and ease nerves for participants.
Ogemaw Community Leadership program has a very successful debut

Published on May 22, 2018
Michigan State University Extension's leadership program in the Ogemaw community was a success!