It is a good idea and healthy for the spirit of the tribe to have an occasional "PARENT’S-ONLY" meeting to discuss business, the tribe in general, and upcoming events that the tribe may be involved. The parents meeting provides an opportunity to effectively plan and make assignments. So much valuable time can be potentially wasted at a regular tribal meeting if all of the “business” is conducted at that time. And also, there are almost always too many distractions at a regular tribe meeting to conduct effective business discussions. The parents meeting also allows the adults of the tribe more time to get to know each other better and achieve a greater level of comfort in belonging to the program.

Suggestions and Recommendations

1. Conduct monthly parent meetings or at least on some type of regular basis.
   
   
2. (Chief) Prepare an agenda and possibly mail it out in advance to allow all the parents to reflect and prepare notes if necessary.
   
   
3. If necessary, invite a council officer, elder, or other experienced person to help with planning or problem solving.
   
   
4. This could be an opportunity to invite a possible recruit (parent) to learn about the program.
   
   
5. If a separate night is difficult, take the children home, then reconvene for the parent meeting.