Strategies for Achieving Impact Getting Beyond the Meeting

Signs of an Ineffective Advisory Council Exist only on paper Meet once or twice a year to say nice things “Rubber stamps” Exist only because of a mandate Source: Teitel, Lee (1994).

Objective You will be able to identify effective strategies to empower advisory council members to move to action

Talking Points 1.Building a foundation 2.Framing the process 3.Examples of a strong structure 1.Building a foundation 2.Framing the process 3.Examples of a strong structure

Building a Foundation Orient members to the organization Set clear expectations Select the right people to serve

Building the Foundation Orientation The Cooperative Extension System The Land-grant Connection and Philosophy Organizational Chart

Building the Foundation Setting Clear Expectations Responsibilities of council members –Advocacy –Relationship Marketing –Program development –Leadership Service terms Attendance at meetings and events

Building the Foundation Selecting the Right People Look for people who are willing to: Ask Lead Be open Share Be passionate The right Chairperson is essential

Framing the Process Empowerment Delegation Engagement

Framing the Process Empowerment Build their knowledge base –Keep the council informed –Match passion with skill set –Allow council to take part in programming –Offer regional training/sharing opportunities

Framing the Process Delegation Allows room for ownership Builds a sense of trust Promotes growth and development Utilize skills Create new ideas Expand the possibilities

Framing the Process Engagement Examples of engagement –Offer program feedback for organizational improvement –Design a plan to strengthen the advisory system –Present impacts to stakeholders

Strong Advisory Council Structure Examples of advisory councils in action –Defend staff positions –Support for new positions –Planning and implementation of a regional conference –Secure resources for Extension –Agricultural center –Vehicles –Capital outlay –Sponsor and plan Farm-City Week

Signs of an Effective Advisory Councils Comprised of knowledgeable and committed individuals Conduct regular meetings Has sense of ownership Well informed about the organization –Can offer useful advice and support Clearly understand their role Source: Teitel, Lee (1994).

Volunteers are not paid – not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless. Author unknown

References Groff, Judy (2003). Seal 2003 Training Curriculum. Being an Advocate. Groff, Judy (2003). Seal 2003 Training Curriculum. Relationship Marketing. Staton, Joy (2005). Advisory Leadership System Operations Manual. Teitel, Lee (1994). The Advisory Committee Advantage. Creating an Effective Strategy for Programmatic Improvement.