Citizen Advisory Committee

The most common type of advisory group is one with serial meetings whose task is to understand programs, funding, and deliberate current and future issues, advising on direction.  It is not governance.
There are minutes and guidelines to spell out the membership criteria and terms of service.
Usually the leadership is elected from within the group.

• Stakeholders
• Members
• Experts
• Representatives of other agencies

• Regular schedule; monthly, quarterly; bi-annually.

Task Force

The task force is also advisory, but on a specific issue or situation.  The task for this group is to provide solutions or recommendations for action, often by paid staff or leadership volunteers.
Leaders are usually appointed by the convening organization.

• Outside experts
• Members
• Stakeholders
• Representatives from those impacted by the issue

• Time is always limited, but can last as long as a year, depending on complexity of the issue

Policy Board

This is a committee, usually of government, that is appointed by elected officials.  Frequently the board is established by the laws or regulations of a governmental body.  These advisory groups usually have more authority than most advisory groups; i.e., library board, planning commission for county or city government, parks and recreation advisory committee.

• Members are appointed by governmental entity.
• Members apply for open positions
• Members must usually be a resident of the governmental entity appointing the volunteers

• Frequently a term of service in years

Focus Groups

The emphasis for this type of advisory group is on gathering perspectives, insights, and opinions of participants through conversation and interaction.  There is a skilled and trained facilitator, who is viewed as neutral.   Deliberations of the group are usually videotaped.

• People who provide a cross section of views on the topic.
• Need for people in favor of the idea and those opposed and those with no opinion, yet.
• On occasion selection can be random
• Size is usually 8-12 people

• Most focus groups meet once.
• During a recent US Presidential election, groups were consulted periodically for months leading up to the election

Study Circles

These advisory groups are made up of people who meet regularly over a period of weeks or months to address a critical public issue in a democratic, collaborative way. Participants examine the issue from many points of view and identify areas of common ground. They emerge with recommendations for action that will benefit the community.

• Groups are usually around 8 – 12 in size
• Groups are open to anyone interested in the topic
• Members do the research and report to the group.

• Duration depends on the topic under study.  Can be weeks or months, rarely more than 1 year.