I was curious to know how many people out there have advisory boards/committees that are not part of the governing board. If you have one, what has your experience been?
The reason I ask is because when I was at the recent Arts Midwest conference, a speaker advised that organizations not have a separate standing advisory committee for the simple reason that they will expect their advice to be implemented.
His general idea was that the governing board is in charge of the organization. They are (or should be) aware and responsible for all the repercussions of decisions that are made. An advisory board focuses on ideal outcomes but has no responsibility for what is involved in achieving those outcomes. They are not likely to be aware of how their suggestions will tax the resources of the organization.
Yet, by providing them with an official seeming role that is called upon periodically, you create expectations about the influence the group will wield. Better that you solicit feedback from individuals at performances, Rotary meetings, board meetings for other organization, at football games, etc.
If there is a need for a formal focus group or brainstorming session, the group should be assembled to apply their expertise to a specific topic (meeting state education standards, reaching under served communities) and then disbanded.
You might still contact any one you consult individually as follow up advice or to establish partnerships, etc. It would be surprising if you didn’t. Most organizational challenges can’t be solved in a few afternoon meetings or on the buffet line. There just shouldn’t be a standing group independent of the governing board.
It was also suggested that the temporary focus group be picked by the organization’s administration rather than by the governing board in order to avoid having an agenda or existing conflict within the board transferred to the group.
I know that some organizations use the Advisory Committee concept as a way to bolster their prestige, curry favor and funding by appointing celebrities, government officials and other notables to the committee. My impression is, this is largely a vanity appointment and few of these committees ever meet as a group.
Which is not to say that these individuals can’t offer valuable advice. Many certainly have great insight to offer and valuable connections which can benefit the organization. It’s just that they are probably solicited on an individual basis, much like as has been suggested.
Again, as this is a topic that doesn’t get discussed very often. I am curious to know how people have used this structure and if the groups, as a group, have proven to be an asset.
we have advisory boards that we use for project that have a distinct beginning and end and some on-going (ie education). they have worked very well. we make expectations and roles very cleary and have not had issue with people being offended if advice is not take. It allows us to tap into skill sets and expertise that we do not have on staff or board. it allows us to increase community engagement and involvement and increase the diversity of voices we hear (which helps us and appeals to the donor community) it allows individuals who may not have the time to be on our board but are interested in the organization and our mission to participate. all in all a very positive experience.