What is the function of the minutes in a meeting?

The minutes of a meeting serve a crucial administrative function by providing an official record of what was discussed and decided during the meeting. They capture essential details, such as the date, time, location, attendees, agenda items, and the outcomes of discussions, including any motions made and votes taken. This official record is important for several reasons: it ensures transparency, allows members who were not present to stay informed, serves as a reference point for future meetings, and helps create a continuous historical record of the organization's activities. While recording motions made is certainly part of the minutes' content, it does not encompass the full scope of their purpose, which is broader and more comprehensive. Essentially, the minutes are an essential tool for accountability and continuity within the organization.