Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas Developing Multisector Task Forces or Action Committees for the Initiative

Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas What is a multisector task force or action committee? It is a group assembled to address a specific problem or accomplish a specific goal, by dealing with a specific community issue or to fulfill a need of the larger group.

Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas Why form a task force or action committee? They can make it possible address areas that need immediate attention, while still addressing their other concerns. They can focus in on the specific issue. A small group is more effective than a large one. They give people a chance to concentrate on their major areas of interest. They can pull in members with particular interest in the issue.

Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas Why should a task force or action committee be multisector? Advantages of a multisector task force or action committee Community action requires the support of all stakeholders if it's to be successful. Involvement of all stakeholders means that they'll take ownership of those plans and actions. Involvement of many sectors of the community brings with it the different information and insights of those sectors. The perspectives of various sectors can help the group to a real understanding of the issue. Involving many sectors will generate community cooperation and support. Multisector participation benefits the larger initiative It's fair and reasonable to involve people in decisions which affect their lives.

Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas Why should a task force or action committee be multisector? ( Cont.) Possible disadvantages of a multisector group There may be enmity and distrust among segments of the community. There may be deep-seated disagreement about how to handle the issue. Different individuals or groups may have very different levels of commitment. There may be differences in levels of sophistication, education, and "group skills" among members of the group from different sectors of the community.

Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas When would you form a multisector task force or action committee? When the initiative as a whole identifies a specific issue that needs to be attended to. When something in the community can't be ignored. When an existing task force or action committee realizes its work can't be completed without addressing another area related to its own focus. When a difficult situation or critical action by an external entity makes attention to a particular issue suddenly more important. When a group within a larger initiative sees an issue that it particularly wants to concentrate on.

Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas Who might be part of a multisector task force or action committee? Seek members who aren't part of the larger group that the task force or action committee is part of. Look for stakeholders and other interested parties. Look for people who can be helpful to the effort.

Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas How do you develop a multisector task force or action committee? Define the relationship of your task force or action committee to the larger group. Find the right people to lead your task force or action committee. Identify individuals or groups whose participation your task force can't do without. Recruit members for your task force or action committee. Gather the group and define its purpose. Implement your plan. Evaluate and adjust your plan and your actions. Celebrate successes along the way. Once you've reached your goal - or better yet, long before - find a way to institutionalize whatever is necessary to continue to address the issue.