Law requires every nonprofit corporation to keep a record of meetings where power or decision-making responsibility is lodged. These typically include membership meetings and Directors' (Board, Trustees or Executive committees) meetings. Such records are called minutes. They show that an organization is doing business and acting in accord with its mission and bylaws. They are the legal record of the corporation's decisions. Minutes record what happened at a meeting, not what was said.

• serve as a reminder of decisions, assignments and deadlines;
• summarize the meeting for people who were unable to attend;
• create a history of the organization, telling what was done, when and by whom;
• provide evidence in a financial or performance audit;
• offer evidence in the event of a lawsuit.

OASA keeps minutes for our Board of Directors and Executive Committee meetings.  The Secretary takes notes and then prepares draft minutes within one week following the meeting.  This draft is reviewed by the President who may make revisions. The 2nd draft is sent (mostly via email these days) to all members of the Board of Directors in advance of the next meeting. When the board approves the minutes they become "final" and are available for posting here.  A summary of Board meeting may be posted here prior to minutes being finalized, however, the summary should be considered informational only.

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