NORMS/GROUND RULES
· Listen with an open mind and don't judge.
Everyone's opinion is important
Hear minority views
OK to disagree
· Be dedicated, committed, and invested in the success of the group.
Be on time
Come prepared
Take responsibility for missed meetings
· Be clear with each other and clear about our agreements.
· Fun (laughter, creativity, music, freedom).
· Keep things in perspective (Don't take self too seriously; keep a balance.
· Remember that we are a service organization and let that inform our discussions.

COMMUNICATION TARGET/VISION
We use a broad definition of what is relevant and necessary information. Information needed to make informed decisions is readily available to us. By creating an environment of trust, communication is encouraged, open, and two-way.

KEY QUESTIONS
- Do YUL staff have readily available information in order to make informed decisions?
- Are we (am I) sharing information about what we are doing and planning with those impacted by what we (I) do?
- Is what we are doing encouraging trust and two- way communication?

COMMUNICATIONS TEAM ROLES

Sponsor: Diane Young Turner
Provides or obtains necessary resources
Acts as liaison between Communications Committee, LMC, and LMT.
Provides guidance and direction when needed.

Facilitator: Fay Kandarian
Initially
- Creates agenda
- Facilitates meetings
- Clarifies norms/guidelines, and decision making process
Provides appropriate direction, structure, and training
Monitors follow-up to action plans.
Monitors progress towards goals and outcomes
Facilitates discussion at end of each meeting about how well committee functioned.

Later
- Helps Committee Lead by observing dynamics and monitoring group performance.
- Helps keep team focused
- Serves as resource to Lead and Sponsor

Committee Chair: Mary Caldera
Initially reviews and distributes agenda and eventually creates agenda
Leads/facilitates meeting (in conjunction with the facilitator when appropriate)
Ensures that agenda is created and distributed before meetings
Ensures follow-up to action plans.
Represents the Communications Committee to other stakeholders.
In absence of a facilitator, takes facilitator duties.

Recorder: Jennifer Buell
Captures critical elements of discussion on each agenda item.
Records decisions made.
Records action items assigned.
Distributes meeting results to committee and other key stakeholders.
Ensures information from the committee is on the web page and is accurate.
Gets minutes out to members within a week.

Assistant Recorder
Takes over Recorder role when the Recorder is not present.

Committee Members
Observe the norms.
Share communications within and outside the committee.
Help clarify and facilitate tasks, decisions, and action plans.
Respond to written communications, such as minutes or e-mail drafts, within two days.