Agree together how the committee will work

Quick Actions

When committee work begins, explain clearly the difference between a chair and a regular member.
Have the chair lead a discussion on how everyone wants to work together, including:
- What tools and platforms to use
- How decisions will be made
- How to make sure everyone can contribute in an accessible way
Ask these questions from the start to avoid problems later:
- Which tools and platforms work best for everyone?
- How should meetings be run and decisions made?
- What are the best times and ways to communicate?

Many organizations don’t have an onboarding process for new members, which can cause several problems including:

New members may have to figure things out on their own or rely on friends or colleagues for guidance.
Members can feel overwhelmed, unsure of what’s expected, or confused about how to work with others.
The amount and complexity of information can be intimidating, especially if there’s no guidance on where to start and could cause new members to leave.
For members with accessibility needs, accommodations may not be put in place early enough.