Depending on the size of the organization, a health center board may decide to enact committees to assist with specific tasks.

Please click or scroll down for:
Standing Committees
Ad Hoc Committees
Advisory Committees
Other Online Resources

STANDING COMMITTEES

Standing committees exist on an ongoing basis, and are usually made up solely of board members; however, non-members may sit on committees if allowed by the organization’s by-laws.

  • Avoid burnout! Don’t ask board members to serve on too many committees.
  • Teach each committee chair how to conduct effective and efficient meetings – tell them how to prepare for, conduct, and wrap up so they can maximize their accomplishments.
  • Stay efficient by encouraging each committee to work from the organization’s strategic plan, with projects to advance the strategic plan.
  • Remind all members that committees make recommendations to the full Board of Directors. The board may or may not approve those recommendations.
  • Possible committees: executive, finance, human resources, quality assurance, strategic planning, development/fundraising, marketing/public relations, education, nominating, etc.
  • The Executive Committee may act for the full board if any issues need immediate action. All other committees only have power to review information and provide recommendations.

AD HOC COMMITTEES

Ad hoc committees are created to serve a specific, one-time purpose, and can be dissolved once the project has been completed. An ad hoc committee is made up of board members, but will often include other experts from the community. Ad hoc committees have no legal or formal responsibilities.

ADVISORY COMMITTEES

Advisory committees are created to give advice and support to the board, and are often made up of the populations that might be specifically effected by a proposed project (e.g. homeless men, or low-income teens). Advisory committees have no legal or formal responsibilities.

Community Health Association of Mountain/Plains States (CHAMPS)
Role of Advisory Committee and Sample Responsibilities

National Consumer Advisory Board and the National Health Care for the Homeless Council (NHCHC)
Consumer Advisory Board Manual

Ohio State University Extension Partners in Action
What is the Difference between an Advisory Committee and a Board?

OTHER ONLINE RESOURCES

For more committee information, visit these online resources:

ManagementHelp.org
Ideas to Generate Participation in Committees