Program Lengths: One-half day, one day and two day modules

Target Group: This program is for citizen volunteers who have been appointed by the elected body to serve on an advisory commission:

• Planning Commissions
• Police Advisory Boards
• Parks and Recreation Commissions
• Traffic Commissions
• Youth Advisory Boards
• Senior Citizen Commissions
• Citizen Ad Hoc Boards
• Newly formed Commissions, Boards or Committees

Description: This program focuses on the skills needed to become a more effective advisory board member.

Topics include:

• Clarifying the roles and responsibilities of advisory boards
• What to expect from staff
• Preparing for difficult meetings
• Asking penetrating questions
• Dealing with hidden agendas
• The important chairperson responsibilities
• Common mistakes chairs make
• Managing commission conflict
• Establish a commission work program
• Other issues your agency wants covered

Resources: Participants use “Commissioner’s Little Handbook: A Portable Guide for Local Government Advisory Board Members” as a workshop resource. Books are provided at a discount to sponsoring agencies.