An IDRC Project An Inclusive Design Research Centre Project

Long-term Actions

  • Support new members in building the skills and knowledge needed to contribute meaningfully through a variety of accessible learning formats
  • Create workshops and training sessions, offer both foundational and role-specific training.
  • Partner with educational institutions to co-create learning modules.
  • Offer interactive tools like quizzes, videos, and step-by-step guides to cater to various learning styles.
  • Ensure all content is accessible
  • Provide learning content in multiple languages

Examples

Norway – Standards Norway Standards Norway offers an onboarding toolkit for first-time participants, including plain language guides, explainer videos, orientations, and dedicated staff support. They also host webinars for newcomers from disability and civil society sectors.

Barriers these actions address

People don’t start at the same place

Why is this a problem?

Standards work is often very technical and complex, and assumes people already know how things work. When information is too technical, it is hard for newcomers or people without a technical background to participate. Efforts to diversify participation need to recognize that people have different levels of experience and knowledge. Without proper support, many people will be left out.

Ways to address the barrier

  • Empower chairs and facilitators to manage conflict
  • Ensure all documents are accessible
  • Help with information management
  • Host onboarding meetings before committee work begins
  • Plan for regular check-ins with new members
  • Provide a welcome package for new members
  • Provide diverse, accessible knowledge-building opportunities
  • Provide guidance and ongoing support to new members

Too much background information for new members

Why is this a problem?

New members must learn a lot before joining the standards process, including how the process works, how decision-making is done, what the committee roles are, the standard history and versions, meeting rules and tools, and technical and legal language. This information is often long, complex, and not in plain language. It can be especially hard for people who are new, have learning disabilities, limited digital skills, or come from different professional backgrounds. This can make members feel confused, overwhelmed, or excluded, which may lead them to leave.

Ways to address the barrier

  • Ensure all documents are accessible
  • Help with information management
  • Plan for regular check-ins with new members
  • Provide a welcome package for new members
  • Provide diverse, accessible knowledge-building opportunities
  • Provide guidance and ongoing support to new members