Title VI Advisory Committee
a.k.a.
Elder Advisory Committee

Summary of Rules and Regulations per title VI policies

Title VI policy and procedures recommend the appointing of an advisory committee, Elderly Advisory Committee.  An Advisory Elder Committee can help provide useful and beneficial  inputs and means for Title VI Directors to obtain expert advise, ideas, and diverse opinions. The committee will help stimulate community awareness of elder issues and advise the Title VI Program Director on programs and services for elders and their families.

Advisory Committee Roles

• Provide advice to Title VI Program Director

–      BUT the Program Director is responsible for final decisions

• Provide a forum for discussion of issues
• Provide a formal mechanism for making recommendations on programs, policies, and other agreed upon issues
• Provide support and advocacy for programs and services for elders
• Serve as liaisons between the Title VI Program, other programs, and the community
• Identify materials and resources that might be useful for the Title VI program and other programs providing services to elders and their families

Title VI Director’s Roles

• Has the authority to establish, as well as disband the Advisory Council
• Serves as a resource person to the Council
• May provide resources and staff to support the Advisory Council such as a secretary to type the minutes, etc.

– NOTE: The Title VI Program Director does not answer to the Advisory Council nor justifies not taking the Advisory Council’s advice and/or recommendation

Activities OUTSIDE the Scope of the Advisory Committee

• Staffing decisions – hiring, firing
• Program policies and procedures
• Program budget

Things to Consider When Establishing A Title VI Program Advisory Council

• Check Tribal Policies on Advisory Councils
• Council Size – Who should be represented on the Council:
• – Elders – How many?
• – Other Tribal Programs

–      Social Services

–      Community Health Representatives

–      Health Education/Wellness Program

• How are council members selected?
• How long is the term? Can the person serve for more than one term?
• Should the terms be staggered?
• Primary leadership positions – Chair, Vice-chair, and Secretary
• Other position as required, can be permanent or temporary, such as committee chairs
• Council operating procedures

–      Should include the scope of activities of the Council

–      Should be developed by the Council, with approval by the Title VI Director

–      Training of Council members

• Meetings

–      How often?

–      Who develops the agenda?

–      Open meetings so anyone can attend but only council members can vote?

–      What actions require a vote?

–      How is information conveyed to title VI Director?

Elderly Advisory Committee Position Description

All elected members must have the following qualifications:

• Must be in good standing within the Otoe-Missouria community
• Must be a participant for the program in good standing
• Must be able bodied to assist in all fundraising activities
• Must have good communication skills (verbal and written)
• Must have knowledge of program operation, or be willing to learn
• Must provide support to the Program Director

Position:        Chairperson
Responsibilities:

• Preside over all meetings, establish the agenda and posting notices of meetings
• Conduct fair and impartial meetings for the participants of the Title VI program
• Represent the elderly population in community events when needed
• Implement the policies of Title VI program
• Perform any duties for the Director when she/he is unviable or  the need arises
• Assist the program in any capacity the Director sees fit
• Promote the program services
• Assist with all fundraising activities

Position:        Vice-chairperson
Responsibilities:

• Perform duties of the Chairperson in his/her absence
• Assist the Chairperson in setting dates, posting notices for meetings
• Assist with planning, agendas, and gathering information
• Assist in enforcing polices of Title VI Program
• Help Title VI program by performing duties necessary when Director and other staff are unavailable or  when the need arises  
• Assist with all fundraising activities

 
Position:        Treasurer
Responsibilities:

• Maintain records and checking account for reporting purposes
• Provide monthly financial report at the Advisory Committee meetings
• Provide monthly financial report to the Program Director
• Assist in reviewing and enforcing policies of the program
• Assist the program by performing duties necessary when the Director and other staff are unavailable
• Assist with all fundraising activities

Position:        Secretary
Responsibilities:

• Record monthly Advisory Committee meetings minutes
• Provide agenda and documentations for everyone at the meeting
• Make copies prior to each meeting
• Assist program by performing duties necessary when the Director and other staff are unavailable
• Assist with all fundraising activities

 
Position:        Member(s)
 Responsibilities:

• Attend monthly Advisory Committee meetings
• Assist the program by greeting participants, recruiting volunteers, fundraising, and all social activities as designated
• Assist program with performing duties necessary when the Director and other staff are unavailable
• Enforce the program policies
• Assist with all fundraising activities