Agendas

An agenda is a list of items to be discussed or acted upon during a meeting or gathering. It outlines the planned sequence of business, helping participants prepare, allocate time, and track decisions. While often conflated with a schedule, an agenda is primarily about topics and purposes rather than fixed times; a schedule emphasizes timing.

Etymology: The term comes from Latin agendum, literally things to be done; in modern English, "agenda" is commonly used in the singular to refer to the document, though some may use "agendas" to refer to multiple meetings.

Components: A typical agenda includes the meeting’s title, date, and location; a call to order; approval of minutes; reports; old business; new business; and adjournment. Many agendas also include time estimates, a consent agenda for routine items, and a section for public comment or announcements.

Creation and governance: Agendas are usually prepared by the chair or secretary, sometimes with input from committees or officers. They are circulated in advance to allow attendees to prepare. At the start of a meeting, the agenda is often adopted or amended by motion, after which deviations are governed by the body's rules.

Contexts and variations: Agendas are used by boards, committees, governmental bodies, conferences, and community groups, as well as in educational, religious, and private settings. They may be in printed form or digital, and may include notes, links, or documents. Properly crafted agendas promote efficiency and transparency but rigid adherence can hamper spontaneous discussion or inclusive deliberation.