Open Board Meeting

[Guest ellen]

We are having an open board meeting to replace our general april meeting this month and need to have our election of officers. Isn't an open board meeting considered a general meeting?

[Chris Harrison]

We are having an open board meeting to replace our general april meeting this month and need to have our election of officers. Isn't an open board meeting considered a general meeting?

Maybe or maybe not. It is up to you all to determine what exactly the difference (if there is any) is between an "open board meeting" and a "general meeting".

[David A Foulkes]

We are having an open board meeting to replace our general april meeting this month and need to have our election of officers. Isn't an open board meeting considered a general meeting?

At the most basic level, there are usually two types of groups (deliberative assemblies) in an organization: the Board, and the more inclusive general membership. They each have their own meetings. Also, typically elections are handled at a membership meeting.

What you mean by an "open board meeting" can only be guessed at here, and that would not be a good way to proceed. So, as noted already, your organization needs to determine what that means.

Meetings are often scheduled at regular (at least quarterly) intervals within the bylaws, and as such must meet at those times. I don't think there is any justification for "replacing" a general meeting with a board meeting. It's possible to hold them at the same time, or in succession, depending on your rules for calling meetings. But if the bylaws dictate a general membership meeting is to be held in April, then it shall be held. How and when the Board may meet (perhaps in a special meeting context) depends on your bylaws, which are your organization's responsibility to interpret.

[Kim Goldsworthy]

We are having an open board meeting to replace our general April meeting this month and need to have our election of officers.

Isn't an open board meeting considered a general meeting?

No.

(a.) "An open board meeting"

... is ...

(b.) "a board meeting.

The opening/closing of a board meeting does not magically change a board meeting into a general membership meeting.

***

Your question suggests that a general membership meeting cannot be closed. -- You would be WRONG.

A general membership meeting can indeed be closed (i.e., closed to all but those entitled to attend).

[Gary Novosielski]

We are having an open board meeting to replace our general april meeting this month and need to have our election of officers. Isn't an open board meeting considered a general meeting?

Aren't your officers elected by the membership? If so, then doing so at a "board meeting" of any type would be inappropriate, and perhaps impossible.