Re: AUGD: Hecklers/Unstable people at meetings
Re: AUGD: Hecklers/Unstable people at meetings
- Subject: Re: AUGD: Hecklers/Unstable people at meetings
- From: Dave G <email@hidden>
- Date: Sun, 12 Apr 2009 17:38:27 -0500
Wouldn't happen to have a suggested code of conduct we could borrow,
would you?
Unfortunately the email address he used bounces, though he claims it's
a fine working one (again it causes an argument). I'm not one to
guess a person's behavior, but other professionals in our group
indicate this is a "deeper issue" and he's most likely being treated
for it. I'm not sure this is a "boundary issue", as we've told him
many times not to interrupt (and that's when he tends to get
aggressive).
I disagree though with Jean that we can sit down an explain things to
this person. First, is the issue of safety. Secondly, we don't have
the time, resources or skills to do it.
I'm leaning towards coming up with some basic rules, putting it on our
website, and possibly presenting it at the beginning of our meetings
along with the: no food/drink, cell phones on vibrate, etc.
On Sun, Apr 12, 2009 at 4:17 PM, Chris Hart, Pres, ctmac.org
<email@hidden> wrote:
>
> This is indeed a difficult situation, that I wouldn't wish upon any group.
>
> "Open to the public" doesn't mean that you have to take anyone and everyone,
> if they refuse to conduct themselves in a civil manner and within the
> group's guidelines. You have a group to run and an obligation to help the
> members learn in a comfortable and friendly environment.
>
> Our MUG did have a member a few years ago who had issues with dealing with
> group social situations and was on medication to control his symptoms. When
> he was on the meds he was fine, but when he would forget, he could sometimes
> cause tension.
>
> As was said, setting boundaries is important. I would contact this person
> prior to the next meeting and establish the guidelines for group conduct.
> Ask him if he feels he can conduct himself within these guidelines and ask
> for a commitment to do so. Don't hesitate to tell him that if he cannot
> fulfill this commitment that you'll rescind his invitation to meetings and
> refund his membership fee.
>
> So that this person cannot claim that he's being singled out, I would post
> your guidelines for conduct at your meeting space. Post it at the door, or
> even at multiple locations. Print it in as large a font as possible, so
> it's unmistakable.
>
> -Chris
>
>
> On 4/12/09 2:49 PM, "Dave G" <email@hidden> wrote:
>
>> As a group open to the public, I've witnessed a participant "heckling"
>> to the point of scaring people. We've gently tried to talk over him
>> and politely asked him to respect other's but it doesn't seem to work.
>> If someone is a paid member/pays for meetings, I find it extremely
>> difficult to ask them to leave.
>>
>> Often times he'll interrupt the speaker saying they are "wrong" or
>> making inappropriate comments. Sometimes, he'll just keep asking
>> questions and blurt them out without being recognized by the meeting
>> leader
>>
>> I'm sure the User Group veterans have a slew of ideas and past
>> experiences on how to handle this, so bring them on. I guess I should
>> be glad in 15 years or so in being involved with User Groups I've
>> never seen this problem.
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>
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