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Chairperson: Preparing for your First Meeting

 
Suggested Preparation:
Obtain a suitable notebook to take notes and make comments.
Designate your committee secretary.
Develop an agenda which addresses the following topics:
 
1.
 Establish procedures to determine actions to be taken.
2.
 Establish voting procedures; e.g. majority vote, 2/3 vote on issues.
3.
 After becoming familiar with the strengths of individuals on your committee, determine who will take notes and who will ask questions during interviews and investigations.
4.
 Arrange for guest speakers who may provide information or expertise to enhance the skills of your committee; e.g. county detectives who are experts on questioning techniques. Former Committee Chairperson of your particular committee.
5.
 Ensure that a minimum of two grand jurors are assigned on any visitation, interview or investigation.
Develop a procedure that will be taken when reviewing complaint letters or issues to determine which will be addressed.
Check for understanding after you communicate with members of your committee; e.g. "Can you repeat the procedures we agreed upon?"
Develop a positive rapport at the outset. Listed are a few suggestions that may assist you to accomplish this:
 
1.
 Invite your committee members to lunch prior to some of your committee meetings.
2.
 Send "thank you" notes and encouraging letters to committee members when warranted.
3.
 Verbal recognition at the appropriate time. e.g."That was a splendid idea!"
4.
 Prepare well for each meeting. Pass out agendas at the beginning of each meeting. Do not deluge your committee members with informational materials or letters.
Periodically ensure members are reading the county Grand Jury Manual

 

If you have any questions about this site, please contact grandjurors@co.sanmateo.ca.us