Advisory Council
Community Education Advisory Council is mandated by Minnesota Statute
124D.19 COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAMS: ADVISORY COUNCIL
Subd. 2. Advisory Council. Each board must provide for an advisory council to consist of members who represent: various service organizations; churches; public and nonpublic schools; local government including elected officials; public and private nonprofit agencies serving youth and families; parents; youth; park, recreation, or forestry services of municipal or local government units located in whole or in part within the boundaries of the school district; and any other groups participating in the community education program in the school district.
- Annual Report Assurances:
The district utilizes a community education advisory council with representation from various service organizations, churches, public and nonpublic schools, local government, public and private nonprofit agencies, parents, youth, park, recreation, or forestry services and other appropriate groups (M.S. 124D.19, Subd. 2).
- The community education advisory council meets a minimum of four times each year (M.R. 3530.5900).
- The community education advisory council has adopted a policy to reduce and eliminate program duplication within the district (M.S. 124D.19, Subd. 2).
Functions of an Advisory Council:
- Planning
- Needs and Resource Assessment
- Program Development
- Public Relations
- Finance
- Promotion of Collaboration and Partnerships
Council Member Expectations:
- Attend scheduled meetings
- Serve as a representative of Community Education
- Listen to community needs and concerns and share and discuss them with the Council
- Inform yourself about issues that come to the Council
- Provide leadership at the Council
- Provide creative thinking
- Encourage citizen involvement in the Community Education processes and programs
Characteristics of an Effective Advisory Council Member:
- Represents a cross section of the community
- Is an ambassador for Community Education
- Seeks ways and opportunities for collaborative efforts
- Sees citizen involvement as an effective way to make things happen
Factors to Consider when Selecting Council Members:
- Regional representation
- Participant audience advocates
- Generational
- Partners / Advocates / Resources
- School Board Representative
Strategies for Selecting Council Members:
- Current council members bring recommendations / nominations
- Community survey / application
- Targeting members
- Review of top community education participants
Advisory Council Involvement:
- Provide high level oversight
- Policy and procedures
- Budget
- New initiatives / special project insight and approval
- Sounding board for department leadership
Advocates with ‘Hands on’ Support:
- Volunteer for programs and events
- Community promotions
- Fundraising
- Planning events or functions
Ways to be Engaged:
- Sub-committees that meet during (or outside) of the regular meeting time
- Carry over District or department goals to work on with the Council
- Represent different program areas (school age care, ECFE, aquatics, enrichment, etc)
