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Question:
Hello, I am the executive director of a community impact initiative, and I am developing our accountability structure. I would like to know if you can provide assistance on different options for making decisions at the leadership council level and standing committee level.
Answer:

Hello Dr. Scott,
Thank you for your email and your question.  In developing an accountability structure for your collective impact initiative, there are a number of decision making structures you can consider.  From the Community Tool Box, here are a few relevant chapters for you to consider:
https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/structure/organizational-structure/group-to-run-initiative/main - this article provides an overview of potential governing structures, ways these groups might function, and what these groups can do for your organization.  
https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/leadership/leadership-functions/make-decisions/main - this article is more of a general guide to decision making structures that might be helpful.  It may help you think through the types of decisions your leadership council might make, to best decide on different options available.
In thinking about accountability, issues of equity and inclusion are also important to consider.  Chapter 27 in the toolkit also provides a number of resources for thinking about equity and inclusion: https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/culture/racial-injustice-and-inclusion, and ways to make your accountability structures reflect these values.  
I hope these resources are helpful, and please let us know if you have additional questions.
Warmly,
Hasina Mohyuddin

Question Date: Fri, 04/02/2021