Mission-based Advocacy Toolkit from Alliance for Children & Families

Sample Documents
Model Charter for a Public Policy Committee
A. Mission
It is the mission of the Public Policy Committee to develop a sound Public Policy
Agenda to be approved by the Board of Directors that reflects member needs and to
design a strategy to implement it.
B. Purpose
The Public Policy Committee is constituted in order to:
• Analyze public policies, issues, and programs affecting the nonprofit sector and
children and families in light of the actual and potential impact on children and
families and on the service field;
• Recommend legislative strategies and action, where appropriate, to strengthen and
protect the agency’s interests and those of its members and clients and to achieve
the implementation of policy positions;
• Consult with members and state-related entities in framing public policy priorities;
• Work to strengthen the agency’s capacity to assist partner agencies in protecting
their interests and those of families at the federal, state and local levels;
• Cultivate relationships and make aware about its priorities key legislative and
executive government leaders and recognize their efforts to help children and
families;
• Organize effective efforts for the agency to undertake action in pursuit of public
policy goals.
• Identify emerging policy issues and assist the staff in developing appropriate
responses.
• Mobilize agency Board members in pursuit of public policy goals when
appropriate.
C. Responsibilities
1. The agency public policy staff has the basic responsibility to monitor public
policy developments, conduct research and inform the Committee of critical issues
and opportunities which may impact or threaten children and families or affect the
ability of the agency to serve the community.
2. The Public Policy Committee may recommend the establishment or appoint
specific task forces or work groups to assist the board and staff in creating policy
guidelines around particular or emerging policy issues.
© January 2006 The Alliance for Children and Families 119
Appendix I