Advisory boards can be the heart of higher level public participation programs, but often fail to achieve a common approach or vision to assist decision-makers. This course looks at what makes advisory boards work and provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to convene healthy, functional boards. Topics covered include:

• What are advisory groups?
• Where are advisory groups appropriate and how do we make this determination?
• What makes advisory groups work?
• Common mistakes that lead to dysfunctional boards
• Convening a balanced, responsible membership
• Creating a mission, charter, and groundrules
• The roles of members, chairperson, and facilitator
• Attention to detail: getting the small things right
• The importance of shared learning
• Seeking and achieving consensus.