Dedicated to positively impact the lives of adults through improved literacy.
READ MUSKEGON ADVISORY TEAM
Appointed in 2010 for a 2-year term:
George Maniates – Dean of Enrollment Services, Muskegon Community College
Kay Ostrom – Civic Activist
Brian Barber – Director, White Lake Community Education
Judith Kell – Interim Manager, Muskegon County Department of Employment & Training
Doug Wood – Director, Orchard View Community Education
Purpose and Description
The purpose of the Read Muskegon Advisory Team is to broaden Read Muskegon’s sphere of influence, to create collaborations with business, education and professional organizations, and to provide advice on organizational development issues to ensure effectiveness and sustainability. While the purpose of the Advisory Team should remain the same over time, goals, priorities and members of the Team can shift to meet particular needs. For instance, during any specific period, the advisory Team may be asked to focus on fundraising, providing technical assistance, marketing/awareness assistance, assessing the impact of a service or program, or serving as an advocate for the organization.
Roles and Responsibilities of Advisory Team Members
Based on individual background, experience and expertise, Advisory Team members may be asked to participate in the following ways:
- support Read Muskegon’s vision and mission, and personally endorse Read Muskegon
- advise the Read Muskegon Board of Directors on matters relating to the development, implementation and evaluation of Read Muskegon’s program services
- advise the Read Muskegon Board of Directors on matters relating to organizational development, which includes improving effectiveness and enhancing the organization’s sustainability
- assist in the development of resources, including human, financial and material resources
- encourage interest in the program by identifying and helping educate potential financial supporters, education groups and the general public regarding the program
- assist in increasing awareness of Read Muskegon and the service it provides by recommending and/or assisting in implementing marketing and communication strategies
- provide technical assistance on matters outside the organization’s capabilities or capacity
Structure and Terms
Advisory Team members are appointed by the Read Muskegon Board of Directors. In its initial startup, members will be asked to serve a 2 year term.
Advisory Team members have no legal responsibilities and the Team’s actions are limited to making recommendations and providing background for board decisions.
The Advisory Team will consist of approximately 8-10 members and the number may vary from year to year. Individuals serving on the Advisory Team might include the following:
- representatives of the business and private sectors who can provide meaningful discussions and recommendations on organizational development and sustainability
- representatives from adult education, K-12 education, higher education, and organizations involved in literacy and adult learning
- the President of the Read Muskegon Board of Directors. Other members of the Read Muskegon Board of Directors may participate in Advisory Team meetings as necessary.
The Team will have one chair and one vice-chair.
The roles and responsibilities of the chair are to:
- provide leadership to the Advisory Team in its activities;
- chair Advisory Team meetings;
- communicate Advisory Team recommendations, needs and concerns to the Read Muskegon Board of Directors.
The vice-chair will conduct meetings and other Advisory Team business in the absence of the chair, as necessary.
Time Commitment
Advisory Team members will meet 3 – 4 times annually. Meeting times will be determined by the Advisory Team Chair and the Read Muskegon Board President.
Read Muskegon
PO Box 1312
Muskegon, MI 49443-1312
Phone: (231) 766-5040
E-mail: litcoordinator@readmuskegon.org
