Table of Contents >
   Part D. Developing a Strategic Plan, Organizational Struc... >
      Chapter 9. Developing an Organizational Structure for the In... >
         Section 3. Developing Multisector Task Forces or Action Comm... >
             Tools & Checklists - A checklist that summarizes the major points contained in the section. >

Developing Multisector Task Forces or Action Committees for the Initiative

  

Tools & Checklists

 Contributed by Phil Rabinowitz Edited by Val Renault

Checklist

Here you will find a checklist summarizing the significant points of the section.


What is a multisector task force or action committee?

__ You know that a multisector task force or action committee is a subgroup of a larger initiative assembled from a cross-section of the initiative or community to address a specific problem or to accomplish a specific goal.


Why would you form a multisector task force or action committee?

You form a multisector task force or action committee because:

__ Task forces or action committees can allow a larger group to zero in on the areas that need the most, or immediate, attention.

__ A task force or action committee can focus in on the specific issue, rather than being pulled in a number of directions, as the larger group may be.

__ In general, a small group can operate more efficiently than a large one to get things done.

__ Task forces and action committees give people a chance to concentrate on their major areas of interest, and to contribute more effectively to the work of the larger group.

__ Task forces and action committees can pull in members who may not be interested in the larger group to work on just the particular issue they are interested in.


You make your group multisector because:

__ Community action usually requires the support, and often the participation, of all stakeholders if it's to be successful.

__ Involvement of all stakeholders in planning and carrying out any action means that they'll take ownership of those plans and actions.

__ Involvement of many sectors of the community brings with it the information and insights that those different sectors have into the issue.

__ The perspectives of various sectors on community history and personalities can help the group to a real understanding of the issue.

__ Involving many sectors in the task force or action committee will generate community cooperation and support for the action taken.

__ Multisector participation benefits the larger initiative and the community as well, because it brings together individuals and groups who might not, under other circumstances, have much contact, or who might distrust one another.

__ It's simply fair and reasonable to involve people in decisions which affect their lives.


You know the possible disadvantages of such groups:

__ There may be enmity and distrust among segments of the community that are normally at odds, or who have little contact.

__ There may be deep-seated disagreement about how to handle the issue.

__ Different individuals or groups may have very different levels of commitment to the work of the task force or action committee.

__ There may be differences in levels of sophistication, education, and "group skills" among members of the group from different sectors of the community.


When would you form a multisector task force or action committee?

You form your multisector task force or action committee:

__ When the initiative as a whole identifies a specific issue, within its larger mission, that needs to be attended to.

__ When new information points out something in the community that can't be ignored.

__ When an existing task force or action committee realizes its work can't be completed without addressing another area related to its own focus.

__ When a difficult situation or critical action by an external entity makes attention to a particular issue suddenly more important.

__ When a group within a larger initiative sees an issue that it particularly wants to concentrate on.


Who might be part of a multisector task force or action committee?

__ You seek members who aren't part of the larger group that the task force or action committee is part of.

__ You look for stakeholders and other interested parties.

__ You look for people who can be helpful to the effort.


How do you develop a multisector task force or action committee?

__ You define the relationship of your task force or action committee to the larger group.

__ You find the right people to lead your task force or action committee.

__ You identify individuals or groups whose participation your task force can't do without.

__ You recruit members for your task force or action committee.

__ You gather the group and define its purpose.

  • Define the problem or issue clearly.
  • Envision the ideal solution - what do you want things to look like or be like when your work is done?
  • Start with the solution and work backward.
  • Map out benchmarks - achievements along the way - between where you are now and where you want to get to.
  • Brainstorm or otherwise determine ways to reach each benchmark from the one before, and to reach your final goal.
  • Identify whether your plan means that other issues have to be addressed as well.
  • Identify the resources you'll need to get to each benchmark, and decide - realistically - how much you can obtain.
  • Draft a plan based on what you've come up with.
  • Present your plan to the larger group.

__ You implement your plan.

__ You evaluate and adjust your plan and your actions.

__ You celebrate successes along the way.

__ You find a way to institutionalize whatever is necessary to continue to address the issue.