Hold the meeting We are trying to gather information directly from those who are experiencing the need for change. Let them speak. Politely make it clear to outsider speakers that their comments are welcome, but that they must not attempt to run the meeting. This is a community meeting on crime prevention. Encourage the community to talk about their concerns and to begin offering suggestions.
Nothing is written in stone.
If people begin to run over time or it becomes more appropriate to do something other than what has been laid out, do not worry. Sometimes the best laid plans are forgotten. What is important is to accomplish the purpose of the meeting. As long as this is done, we have been successful in doing what we set out to do. Make sure that all ideas and solutions are written down.