THE Meeting Place

Drug abuse is taking a drug for reasons other than medical, in any amount, strength, frequency or manner that damages the physical and mental functioning.

Participants can access the meeting. Locations can vary depending on the country, available facilities and other circumstances. Neutral territory may be preferred if participants are divided for any reason. If some do not have their own vehicles, or a lift from others, then availability of public transport must be required. Humanitarian workers are often involved with physically disabled people who may need wheel-chair access, special toilet or other facilities.

THE MEETING PLACE

2.1 Choice of Location Care must be taken when choosing and deciding on the location of the meeting place if meetings are to work with maximum efficiency and effect. You must be sure that all participants can access the meeting. Locations can vary depending on the country, available facilities and other circumstances. Neutral territory may be preferred if participants are divided for any reason. If some do not have their own vehicles, or a lift from others, then availability of public transport must be required. Humanitarian workers are often involved with physically disabled people who may need wheel-chair access, special toilet or other facilities. Most meetings need private space. However, some are better held in public to allow discussion to be heard openly, so that members of the general community, not directly involved in the meeting, appreciate that agendas concerning themselves are not "hidden" Yet, open-air meetings can only be held with consideration for the weather or the need for a generator if certain visual aids or lighting are required. However, even indoor meetings may be halted by the noise of rain on a tin roof! Outside or inside, weather conditions, temperature, mud, bad smells, lighting and generator (noise) can all be disruptive to meetings. If meetings are disturbed, the chairperson should obtain agreement from all participants, and then relocate or reschedule to ensure a productive continuation and outcome.

Consider the space:

  • Big enough? Space for small group discussions?
  • Columns in the way?
  • Windows (use of wall space for maps, charts etc.)
  • Proximity to noisy/smelly areas
  • Traffic patterns and public transport
  • Location of toilets

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