Advocacy Tip: Get a meeting kit

One of the most useful tips I can pass along is this:    Create a meeting kit.   This kit has everything you need for a meeting, event, training, etc.   I don't know about you, but I wasted a ton of time running around gathering stuff every time I did a training.   Then the light bulb went on and I built a meeting kit.   These kits include:

• A plastic container with a handle and that closes securely
• Pencils and sharpener (a little cheap one is fine)
• Ink pens
• Sharpies
• Flip chart markers
• A big ol' marker (for signs, etc.)
• Stapler and staples
• Rubber bands
• Paper clips
• Binder clips
• Sticky notes
• Tape and tape dispenser
• Masking tape
• White Out
• Stain remover pen (like the Tide pen)
• Lint roller
• Pad
• Business cards for key staff
• Highlighters
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Box cutter

Finally, be sure to keep a list of items you keep in the kit in the kit so you can check it before you leave the office, making sure you have all the items.