A Note on Advisory Boards...
An advisory board is a volunteer group formed to give advice and support, usually to a nonprofit's board of directors or executive staff. In this case, an advisory board could be formed to give input on the development of your support group. An advisory board can make recommendations and provide information and materials to support the group’s work.
You can start by creating a written description that includes:
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Purpose of the advisory board
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Responsibilities of advisory board members
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Meeting frequency
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Performance expectations
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Intended duration of the advisory board
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Guidelines for membership
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Removal procedures
Once you are done with the planning and development phase, it is time to move to marketing and recruitment.
You may have the advantage of recruiting women who are already clients of your agency, a ready-made group. You may be looking to create an open group for clients from various agencies in your community. Either way, you want to get the word out!
Things you can do:
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Create eye-catching flyers
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Use social media. Promote your group on Facebook, Instagram, and your agency’s website.
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Contact collaborating agencies to assist with referrals.
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Consider web-hosting and printing costs if needed.
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Location! Location! Location!
Once you have identified a location and meeting space for your group, it is important to set the stage. Depending on the style and format of your group, these items may be necessary-
Group Meeting Checklist:
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Chairs
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Tables
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Newsprint/easel or whiteboard
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Pens/markers/pencils
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Printed materials/pamphlets
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Snacks