To avoid being excluded (notice). b. To prepare and avoid being blind sided (agenda). c.Minutes are required of every meeting even if only discussion occurred on items with no action taken. I use the meeting agenda as a fill in the blank, take attendance, then use bullet points to keep shorthand notes of who said what. Agendas are available at least 24 hours prior to each meeting. To conduct a search, click the "Meetings" link in the gray bar below this paragraph. The speaker may have up to three minutes to speak. Taking minutes is a talent and a skill. Nonprofit meeting minutes should consist of a clear, accurate, and complete report of all business transacted. Meeting minutes are the association's only official record of its board, committee or membership decisions and actions.