Developing Multisector Task Forces or Action Committees for the Initiative

1. Developing Multisector Task Forces or Action Committees for the Initiative

2. What is a multisector task force or action committee? It is a group assembled to address a specific problem or accomplish a specific goal, by dealing with a specific community issue or to fulfill a need of the larger group.

3. Why form a task force or action committee? • They can make it possible address areas that need immediate attention, while still addressing their other concerns. • They can focus in on the specific issue. • A small group is more effective than a large one. • They give people a chance to concentrate on their major areas of interest. • They can pull in members with particular interest in the issue.

4. Why should a task force or action committee be multisector? • Advantages of a multisector task force or action committee • Community action requires the support of all stakeholders if it's to be successful. • Involvement of all stakeholders means that they'll take ownership of those plans and actions. • Involvement of many sectors of the community brings with it the different information and insights of those sectors. • The perspectives of various sectors can help the group to a real understanding of the issue. • Involving many sectors will generate community cooperation and support. • Multisector participation benefits the larger initiative • It's fair and reasonable to involve people in decisions which affect their lives.

5. Why should a task force or action committee be multisector? ( Cont.) • Possible disadvantages of a multisector group • There may be enmity and distrust among segments of the community. • There may be deep-seated disagreement about how to handle the issue. • Different individuals or groups may have very different levels of commitment. • There may be differences in levels of sophistication, education, and "group skills" among members of the group from different sectors of the community.

6. When would you form a multisector task force or action committee? • When the initiative as a whole identifies a specific issue that needs to be attended to. • When something in the community 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.

7. Who might be part of a multisector task force or action committee? • Seek members who aren't part of the larger group that the task force or action committee is part of. • Look for stakeholders and other interested parties. • Look for people who can be helpful to the effort.

8. How do you develop a multisector task force or action committee? • Define the relationship of your task force or action committee to the larger group. • Find the right people to lead your task force or action committee. • Identify individuals or groups whose participation your task force can't do without. • Recruit members for your task force or action committee. • Gather the group and define its purpose. • Implement your plan. • Evaluate and adjust your plan and your actions. • Celebrate successes along the way. • Once you've reached your goal - or better yet, long before - find a way to institutionalize whatever is necessary to continue to address the issue.