Quick Actions
- When committee work begins, clearly explain the difference between a chairperson and a regular member.
- Have the chairperson 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?
More Information
- Standards and Practices Committee Guide for committee roles, first-meeting setup, online tools, meeting documentation, and consensus-oriented meeting practice.
- Standards development committee handbook is a standards-sector handbook to reinforce procedures, roles, and meeting discipline.
- Inclusive Decision-Making for practical decision-making methods such as proposal-based discussion, gradients of agreement, and closing the loop after decisions.
Examples
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) works with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and other bodies to avoid duplication and align work across organizations. Formal committee structures with a chairperson, secretariat, and members, and a documented process, balanced participation, and consensus-based approval are used.
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)'s directory reflects a multi-stakeholder, specification-driven environment, useful when you want to show how technical work can be organized through open participation, public drafts, and broad review.
Related Actions
- Host onboarding meetings before committee work begins
- Plan for regular check-ins with new members
- Provide guidance and ongoing support to new members
- Provide a welcome package for new members
- Provide chairpersons with practical support and tools for accessibility
- Build organizational commitment to inclusion