In the case of City commissions, their purposes and goals come from the General Plan and state law, and are reflected in the resolutions or ordinances which create them. The success or failure of the efforts of a commission is dependent upon the degree of cooperation among the individual members of the body. In order to build a consensus around common goals and objectives, members will have to reconcile opposing viewpoints and show a willingness to define and consider the ultimate issues objectively. A positive and open climate encourages member involvement and responsibility to take action. All members of a commission share responsibility for creating and maintaining a positive and open meeting climate so that all can participate.
Optimum participation is achieved when the commission's stated tasks are understood.
Members should keep the tasks visible and clearly defined. An important way to develop cooperation is for each commission member to ensure that meetings proceed in an open and orderly manner. The Vice Chairman should be prepared to serve as Chairman in the event that the Chairman is absent. Each member can assist the Chairman by knowing the basic rules of parliamentary procedure and open meeting laws, by understanding the mission of their commission, and by adequately preparing for meetings. Attendance at commission meetings is important to the continuity of the group.