Quick Actions
- Pair members with a mentor or buddy so they can provide contextualized advice and help with navigating committee work.
- Match new members with more experienced or returning members.
- Consider matching members with someone who has similar lived experiences.
- Offer one-on-one meetings to go through processes and information.
- Provide visual aids or diagrams to explain complex processes or workflows.
- Hold an initial practice session for new members or those unfamiliar with the tools, technologies and procedures.
Long-term Actions
- Encourage a culture of shared learning and open questions.
- Have a dedicated contact person to help with questions about accessibility or committee work.
More Information
- The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) supports participation by providing clear process documentation and relying on experienced participants and chairpersons to help members understand workflows, decision-making, and collaboration practices.
Examples
- Germany – DIN developed a formal on-boarding process to support new committee members, including people who are new to standards or from underrepresented groups. New members receive plain language welcome kits, multilingual guides, and access to captioned webinars. A dedicated on-boarding team offers one-on-one support, while a buddy system pairs newcomers with experienced mentors. Chairpersons also connect early to discuss accessibility needs. DIN treats on-boarding as an ongoing process, not a one-time step ensuring members feel supported, informed, and ready to contribute.