One of my clients is a collaborative that works on health and the environment, specifically reducing children's exposure to lead, in a smelter town in BC. There are five meetings a year used to 'report' what is happening. The meeting is a series of power points followed by Q&A. There is not a lot of leeway in the agenda format and the group sits at a huge heavy round board table (about 20 people). In addition to reporting, in September, there has been a request for a short presentation on early childhood development - what is it, why do we work in it and what do we do? In reality it is an underpinning of much of the work and people know a bit but its a great thing its getting air time. Thus, I'd like to make it more interesting than the typical power point. Also, given its about children, it could be a good excuse to be more creative. We have been allocated 20 mins. Possibly we could get 30 mins if needed.
In attempting not to go too crazy with the group, I feel a safe bet could be a celebrity interview. Rather than one celebrity, I suggest a panel of 3-4 people including the public health nurse, community rep who visits homes, the former medical health officer (if he is willing), an ECD expert who also sits on the committee.
If possible, I'd bring 4 bar stools to the front of the room where the screen is and have the celebrities sit on those so everyone can see them better.
I'd introduce and start with 3 main questions that are on people's minds. After 10 minutes, I'd give people 1 min on their own to write a question on a 3x5 card. 3 mins to share the question with two others sitting beside/near them. I'd likely ask someone else (depending on numbers) to help sift through them and choose a couple more questions to ask.
I might end by asking each celebrity to provide their top of mind answer to what should we remember from this conversation tonight from their perspective? Or I could simply give a thank you and let people know that if they have further questions, we are available and can follow up.
I would also produce a 1 page handout to give some basic information to everyone that they can take with them and we could share so committee members have a similar baseline knowledge on the topic.
I am totally open to changing this idea to a different LS. Your comments are welcome!
Michelle