KNOW AND UNDERSTAND THE PURPOSE OF YOUR COMMITTEE. You cannot expect others to be involved and supportive of a program you are not sold on yourself. SELECT YOUR COMMITTEE MEMBERS WITH CARE. Try to get as many different groups and viewpoints represented as possible. Don't appoint just your "best buddies." INSTRUCT YOUR COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABOUT RESPONSIBILITIES. Unless you create a strong team spirit among your members, your committee will fail. You should constantly work to make each member feel his/her individual responsibility for the success or failure of the group. Don't cram ideas or projects down their throats--encourage members to do their own thinking. SET A REGULAR MEETING TIME AND PLACE. A committee that meets haphazardly is usually doing haphazard work. If you set a time and place early your members will keep the time clear. Of course, YOU must start the meeting ON TIME. NOTIFY MEMBERS ASAP ABOUT SPECIAL MEETINGS. Meeting with small groups or leaving a member out of a discussion causes hard feelings and ruins the team spirit. Include everyone every time. PLAN A DEFINITE AGENDA FOR EVERY MEETING. Your members are too busy to waste time while you get organized. You need to think through every meeting in advance. Don't ever let members go away wondering what they came for. WRITE DOWN ASSIGNMENTS AND DEADLINES. Help keep your members "on task" by letting them see in black and white what they agreed to do.