Creating a Committee or Workgroup/Taskforce

Definition of a Committee: a committee is the most formal of the groups where a group of people are usually appointed or selected to perform a function.  Committees are generally enduring, as they have no fixed end point.

Definition of a Work Group/Task Force: groups of people that typically are comprised of those who will research an area or comprised of those with specialized knowledge of an area. Task forces are usually small groups who may be a subset of a committee or work independently towards a purpose/goal.  They are brought together to accomplish a specific objective and to complete the task in a specific time frame and disband when the objective has been completed.

Check to see that a committee doesn't already exist (please see Fall 2015 Committees, Councils, & Workgroup Listing).

Define your purpose and identify a group type:  is it a committee or workgroup/task force?

Helpful Hints:

• Create a Name for your Committee or Workgroup/Taskforce.
• Who would be the chair of Chair of the Committee or Workgroup/Taskforce?
• What is the mission of the group and/or objectives?
• What should the committee makeup or membership look like?
• How often would you meet, where, and what time?
• How would you gauge whether your mission is effective?
• Notes/Documentation of the meetings are necessary- who would be the secretary and where would the minutes be filed?
• What are your policies?
• Do you need a website on SUNY Broome?
• Do the rounds. Talk to people or groups with similar interests; let them know about the new group.
• Personally ask individuals who you think have the skills you need. Be persuasive: First say you've been looking for individuals who are recognized as having extraordinary skills and commitment in this area (or similar words), then ask them to join.
• At the first committee meeting, elect the following positions: chair, deputy chair, secretary, and treasurer.
• The chairperson Chairs meetings and usually acts as spokesperson. The secretary keeps members informed of meetings; distributes the agenda; takes minutes; helps prepare the agenda with the chair; writes and receives correspondence; keeps membership records;
• Agree on the next meeting and/or a plan of action
• If you are a workgroup/taskforce- have an end-date in place for completion of the mission.