Importance of Advisory Councils

ADVISORY COUNCIL .  This Group Differs from a Board of Directors. Advisory Council DO NOT have the authority to determine policy or make direct decisions about local program operations.

What is an Advisory Council? An advisory council is a voluntary collection of individuals. Typically advisory councils are intended to connect the agency with individuals who possess unique knowledge and skills; to supplement and complement a board’s work (director) – not duplicate or intrude upon it.

What is an Advisory Council An advisory council can help an agency meet its mission!

Advisory Councils are NOT boards. They are NOT legal bodies and cannot assume responsibility for the governance of the organization. Advisory Councils have NO legal responsibilities. What is an Advisory Council ?

Advisory councils are NOT mandated by state statute…. Sometimes mandated by government and foundation funders. Advisory councils serve as “advisors.” Advisory councils are vital links between the agency and the communities they serve.

What is an Advisory Council? Advisory councils provide “crucial” input to agencies.

DO’S of Advisory Councils GROUPS  DO’S  provide planning and feedback of programs and activities  on going communication with older individuals (participants)  on going announcements to the older individuals about roles, responsibilities, and activities as a member  advocate on behalf of older individuals  LISTEN to the issues of older individuals

Do’s of an Advisory Council  Participate in fund raising activities  Testify at Legislature for funds  Attend Public Hearings  Identify needs of the elderly  On going communication with the elderly  Attend meetings  Letter writing Campaigns

DO’s of an Advisory Council  Assist in surveys  Advise on development of new programs  Assist in identification of resources  Recruit clients  Actively participate at program level < Meetings, < Meetings, < Assist in review of program policies, < Assist in review of program policies, <Volunteer for committees (Capital Outlay, <Volunteer for committees (Capital Outlay,  Legislative Requests, Request for Proposals, etc.)

Advisory Council should Not: Advisory Council should Not:  Supervising employees  Involvement in personnel issues  Self interest  Financial responsibility  Developing policies  Make decisions regarding program/policy  Administer program functions

Advisory Council should Not:  Fix a crisis  Determine pay raises  Undermine the program’s credi bility

Advisory Councils  Advisory Councils SHOULD be formed for specific goals.  Advisory Councils CANNOT be effective IF their members do not have clear understanding of what is expected of them.  Effective Advisory Councils do NOT form themselves.

Advisory Councils Questions to Consider 1. What is the purpose of the advisory council? What does the organization want it to accomplish? What role will it play in the organization? 2. What will the organization expect the individual members of the group to do in order to achieve the above purpose?

Advisory Council 3. To whom this group report? 4. Who will have the authority to select members 5. Who will provide the staff support to orient, educate, and work with members of the group? 6. How will the organization recruit members of the group. 7. How large should the group be to carry out its purpose?

Advisory Councils 8. Will it need subcommittees? 9. What is the nature of the relationship between the governing board, the staff, and the advisory council? 10. What are the financial costs of the advisory council to the organization on an annual basis(e.g. travel, meals, etc.)

Advisory Council An Advisory Council is only as good as its advice – and the people who are willing to listen. Advisory Council can add significant value in promoting the mission of the organization IF created with a clear purpose.

Advisory Council Advisory Councils can provide a nonprofit agency with good ideas, good community relations, good program concepts – even good board members---- In return, a nonprofit organization must be open to good structure, and above all it must be open to good advice!

Advisory Councils