An informed and engaged select board/city council is essential for the effective functioning of a town, city, or organization. The members of the board/council are elected or appointed to serve the interests of their community, and their ability to make effective decisions depends heavily on their access to up-to-date, accurate information, as well as their active engagement with the issues at hand.
Keeping the board/council informed involves regularly sharing relevant updates and reports about the organization’s activities. These updates can range from financial reports, project updates, policy changes, community feedback, staffing updates, and more. Such information allows board members to understand the current state of affairs, anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and make informed decisions that benefit the community.
Engaging the board/council members goes beyond just providing them with information. It also involves creating opportunities for them to contribute their skills and knowledge effectively. This can be done by including them in discussions and decision-making processes, seeking their input on important matters, assigning them specific roles or responsibilities based on their strengths, and providing them with opportunities for continuous learning and development.
Communication plays a crucial role in keeping the board/council informed and engaged. Regular meetings, either in-person or virtual, are essential for discussing updates, making decisions, and addressing any concerns or issues. Other communication tools, such as emails, newsletters, and shared digital platforms, can also be used to share information and facilitate discussions.
It’s also important to foster a culture of openness and respect within the board/council. Members should feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas, and their contributions should be valued and considered. This not only encourages active participation but also promotes a sense of ownership and commitment to the community’s well-being.
CSS is comprised of municipal experts that can assist you in developing a comprehensive communications strategy that will allow you to foster a healthy flow of information. Keeping board/council members apprised of your operations, challenges, and progress. For example, we can assist you in developing:
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Weekly updates for fast-paced environments where there is a lot of activity or during particularly busy periods, providing a detailed snapshot of the week, ensuring that board/council members are well-informed about recent happenings and can make timely decisions.
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Bi-weekly updates that strike a balance between keeping board/council members informed and not overwhelming them with information. Bi-weekly updates provide enough time for significant progress to occur on initiatives while still being frequent enough to allow for timely intervention if necessary.
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Monthly reports to provide a broader view of your organization’s performance, that can be more strategic in nature. Monthly reports allow for a comprehensive analysis of the past month’s activities, financial performance, project updates, and any significant issues or achievements.
In summary, keeping the select board or city council informed and engaged is key to its ability to serve the community effectively. It involves regular communication, mutual respect, active participation, and a commitment to learning and improvement.