A brief but unabridged guide

WWGFD (What Would George Fox Do?) if he saw that Meeting reports are being brought in, scribbled on the backs of greasy paper napkins or (worse horror!) given orally in a highly anecdotal manner? Perhaps in his time this wasn't an issue, but Rachel has pointed out (Rachel MacNair, that is) that our Quaker descendants may read these reports, and not only do they need last names, but perhaps a certain consistency of style might make the Quakers of the future think well of us.

Forget for a moment what Rebecca Doe, Clerk of M&C, year 2092, might want. What would you like to know if someone is telling about her or his committee meeting?

First, I suspect you would feel more oriented with a slightly journalistic approach. When did the committee meet? Where (if that information adds color to the report)? Who was there? Last names are good, the first time around at least.

You might like a brief flavor of the discussion. Was there a certain passion about the dilemma of the color of the toilet paper? Even more critically, you will want to know if a decision was reached. Will it be pink (sorry, they don't make that anymore, but it was a hot issue once) or the more simple white? Are there financial considerations that affect the Meeting? Does it cost more from the company whose products are more environmentally sound, for example.

Finally, is a decision required? Chances are, either
1. The committee had the power already to decide on plain white from Seventh Generation, and they are simply announcing that decision or
2. The business meeting needs to make the decision here and now, or
3. The question is so contentious that you and the rest of those present will want to defer it to next month's Meeting for Worship with
Attention to Business.

That may, indeed, be all you want to hear. Usually, the above can be contained in quite a short report and doesn't require any special writing skill. Of course, more creative offerings are always welcome.

— Karin McAdams