What is the first item of business when calling a meeting to order?

In parliamentary procedure, the first item of business when calling a meeting to order is typically the "call to order" itself, which does not actually fall under a specific item of business in the agenda. This step establishes that the assembly is in session and prepared to conduct business. While the subsequent items are indeed organized into an order of business, the call to order does not fit into that structured sequence. Following this initial step, organizations commonly proceed to the approval of the minutes, reports, and other items. Understanding this distinction emphasizes the importance of recognizing procedural steps that facilitate an orderly meeting environment, separate from the content of the business items.

The other options imply that there is a structured item of business involved right at the start, which is not accurate in this context. The role of the secretary and the approval of minutes are both critical components of a meeting but occur after the meeting has been officially called to order, reinforcing the unique nature of the call to order itself.