Advisory Groups

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Many organizations are benefiting from increased community input through the use of advisory committees. An advisory committee is a collection of individuals who represent various points of view, interests, or fields of expertise. Committee members make recommendations and/or provide key information and materials to the formal decision-making group. Their responsibilities may include: assisting in developing and planning programs, services, or policies; giving feedback on program services; providing support and recommendations concerning the evaluation process; planning and implementing public relations activities; and/or raising program funds. Advisory committees are referred to by a variety of names including Community Advisory Panel (CAP), Citizen Advisory Board (CAB), Public Advisory Council (PAC), and Ad Hoc Committee. Advisory committees are not considered a legal body and are not responsible for the governance of an organization.

An active and effective advisory committee is an asset to an organization because it can: provide a cross sampling of public views and concerns; generate new ideas for future projects; build trusting relationships between organizations and communities; improve planning, decision-making and development of programs; serve as a training base for future board members; and broaden community connections. Additionally, advisory committees can provide credibility to potential funders and partners because it demonstrates the organization’s commitment to addressing community concerns, and indicates there is community support for the organization. Members of advisory committees benefit from this opportunity by becoming more informed about issues, increasing their sense of community connectedness, influencing decisions about policies and services, and learning valuable decision-making and leadership skills.

Before forming an advisory committee, establish what the purpose or goal of the committee will be, its duration, and membership guidelines. Determine recruitment criteria including who to target, size of group, and recruitment methods. It is ideal to recruit a diverse group including those impacted by the program or services, people with expertise or skills on a specified subject, and individuals with an interest in what the committee is being asked to do.

Once the committee is formed, it is important to educate them on the organization’s cause, culture, context and conditions, because this will enable them to make knowledgeable decisions. Provide an overview of the committee’s purpose, duration, membership guidelines, confidentiality policies, and address concerns that members may have. Assist the committee in setting meeting logistics that allow for effective communication, including frequency and length of meetings, meeting locations, seating arrangements, use of visual aids, and decision-making process. Work with the committee to determine the leadership and how meeting agendas will be set. A representative from the organization, a community member, or an outside facilitator can be asked to lead meetings. Retain members by regularly updating each of them about the organization’s progress and seeking from them the advice they are intended to provide.

Online Tools and Resources

Nonprofit Charitable Organizations
www.nonprofit.about.com
A wide variety of information, links, and resources for nonprofits including how to develop an advisory board.

Management Assistance Programs for Nonprofits
www.mapnp.org/library/boards/advisory.htm
Offers information and resources for nonprofit management including guidelines for forming an advisory group.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
www.epa.gov/superfund//community/cag/resource.htm
The Community Advisory Group Tookit provides a variety of information to help you start up an advisory group.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration Advisory Committees
www.fda.gov
Provides information on the role and purpose of the FDA’s advisory committees.

Suggested Reading

Creighton, James L., Ph.D. (1992). Involving Citizens in Community Decision Making: A Guide. Washington, DC: Program for Community Problem Solving. Ordering information available at: www.ncl.org/publications/descriptions/involving_citizens_community.html.

© Public Health Institute, Center for Civic Partnerships 2007

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