Like most organisations Apex has its own special way of doing things. At your first Dinner Meeting you might find some of what happens a little confusing. The following should give you some insight into what is going on.

At the start of the meeting the Chairperson will call the meeting to order. Those present are expected to take their seats and become quiet.

The Chairperson will then ask everyone to be upstanding and will call on one of the members to lead the Club through the Ideals. This is an opportunity for us to remember why we joined Apex and remain proud members of the Association. You are invited to recite the Ideals with us, they are printed at the front of this guide for easy reference.

The Chairperson will then ask that all members recite the Invocation, and in some clubs a toast will be proposed, normally to “Apex and Australia”.

All members then take their seats and the meeting proper begins. We have a business session during which we take the opportunity to discuss issues that affect the Club. The Chairperson will ask each of the Club Directors in turn for their report. At the end of each report there is an opportunity for others to ask questions or to move relevant motions.

After all the Directors reports we enter General Business, which, as the name suggests, is a chance for any other business to be discussed.

Meetings aren’t all just business though, there may be a guest speaker present, or club members may take part in a public speaking game. There is also the chance to socialise with Apex friends over a meal, and to share a few drinks before or after the meeting.

At the end of the meeting we have a fines session. This is meant to be fun, during which silly things that Apex Members have done through the preceding weeks will be brought up and they pay a “fine” of twenty cents.