Meet

During the initial meetings, dialogue should begin with community leaders to discover the needs within the community and work to solidify goals and plans. These meetings will be useful in identifying community needs and are essential in developing feasible goals with the available resources. When deciding upon goals, it is important to keep in mind that the goals should be something achievable with broad appeal. From there, develop a work plan to guide committee efforts. During these meetings, decide on a regular meeting time and place that offers access.

Initial Meetings:

Decide on an organizational structure such as a city/county advisory or a board (resolution, ordinance, bylaws or 501c(3))
Identify structure
Request affiliation and begin networking immediately
Explain mission, goals and work plan
Develop strategy to augment membership
Explain committee structure and relationship to the Governor's Committee, ODEP and NCD
Present information about disability issues and needs
Identify subcommittee leadership and membership
Decide regular meeting time and place