Meetings are for discussion. Prepare for meetings with loads of questions. Meetings where the chairperson talks all the time are boring. Fuel the energy at a meeting by being the person who asks questions, clarifies, and summaries. This question-asking tactic encourages other members to do the same.
Participation usually means people are engaged in the process.
Talented people are bound to disagree. Use the energy to propose ideas to solve problems, and use humor to defuse negative energy or tension. Make consistency a watchword Set high standards for your own activities and others will emulate you. That sets an unwritten rule for everyone. There is a growing national concern for risk to volunteers and volunteer programs.