That's how many showed up at Sharon. ESSA and Guelph (the two previous years) both had a much better attendance.
I've been to all 3, and attendance didn't see to make much of an impact to what was accomplished at all 3.
Having more people, created issues around keeping the AGM on track. (as you would expect.)
it would be nice to have the AGM done properly (that is not just a comment directed at the board but also at the members who think its fair to the rest of us, to bring things up last minute and expect everyone to vote on them).
1) proxies sent out a head of time with specific voting instructions for items on the agenda. (and a clause for "any other business")
2) any material which is relevant to be sent out with the proxies ahead of time (EG Read this one as.. if you expect the members to vote on constitution, don't present it at the meeting, give the changes out WELL in advance, and have the questions brought up at the meeting..)
3) Asks members well in advance to have something prepared if they want members to vote on it, and include it in the package that goes out with the proxies.
4) make a CLEAR agenda and stick to it.. if you are running late on "new business" than call the vote.. too bad for people who have not prepared, and sprung it last moment (Roberts Rule of Order helps provide the ability to keep items on track)
5) Since you have no constitution, then you do not HAVE to allow new business from the floor.. again to keep things on track and professional, then it makes the members RESPONSIBLE to doing the proper thing if they want to raise an issue (all it needs is a name and a time allocation) and have everyone prepared to discuss it.
6) proactively Solicit input from the members before the AGM is called "Eg.. "last call for any who wants specific items to be discussed at the AGM" have your info package prepared by ### date.."
There are many things the BOD could do, to try and get members involved and at the AGM, but without letting it get out of control.
