Board Development

Public Policy Committee Template

Composition: Members of the governing board, staff support person (if appropriate). Some organizations will also invite member of the public.

Optimal size: Six

Chair: Representative from the board

Meets: Quarterly (at a minimum), and as necessary to address emerging public policy issues

Duties of the Public Policy Committee Chair:

• Work directly with the assigned staff member to determine meeting frequency and agendas
• Convene meetings, follow the agenda, and facilitate meetings

Duties of primary staff:

• Work directly with the committee chair to assure timely information is delivered for a productive meeting
• Handle meeting logistics and notifications
• Take minutes and provide follow-­‐up communication for action items and board member assignments

Primary committee responsibilities:

• Recommend a set of public policy priorities for review and discussion so that formal adoption by the board can occur at the annual meeting
• Secure feedback on current issues, trends, and forecasts from board members and the CEO before recommending priorities
• Actively engage and monitor the public policy priorities throughout the year and provide regular updates to the boards and CEO
• Actively monitor new issues as they arise – draft a white paper, resolution or other appropriate vehicle as necessary to make a recommendation to the CEO and board for action

Optional responsibilities:

• Review new or updated training curriculum as necessary
• Recommend new services related to public policy that will strengthen the sector