Written by Brian Mathieson

When utilized properly, an advisory council can shape the goals and activities of your school counseling program and serve as powerful advocacy for the profession.  Here are some quick thoughts on how to leverage an advisory council's power.

Round up your stakeholders

To begin, your advisory council should have representatives from your core stakeholder groups, including parents, teachers, administrators, students, and community and school board members.  As you begin to think about potential stakeholders, keep in mind folks who are (or could be) powerful allies in promoting your school counseling program.  Especially consider what Malcom Gladwell refers to as “connectors.”  Connectors often have large social networks, and if they are on your advisory council, they are likely to share your goals and activities with dozens (if not hundreds) of other people.

Share your school’s data and your goals   

You should share your school data at your first meeting, share your program goals at your second meeting, and share your results at your third meeting.  (Also have fun and bring food) Chances are that you’ll have amazing student results to share and your advisory will celebrate your successes.  If you miss the mark, however, your advisory council will understand the reasons why and support your efforts going forward.  Either way, it’s a win for your school counseling program.  Plus, knowing that you have an advisory meeting around the corner will keep you (and/or your team) focused on your goals.  It’s like a fitness tracker for your school counseling program

Build a core group of supporters

You will quickly find that your advisory council is your most powerful source of advocacy for your program and the profession.  They will understand your program and how you’re making a difference for students.  When it comes to promoting our work - Teachers are more likely to listen to other teachers and principals will listen to other principals.  School boards are likely to be swayed by other school board members, members of the community, or students.  I have personally found that community members such as small business owners are simply astounded to learn what we do.  After you’ve built a strong advisory council, they can help promote school counseling in ways you cannot. 

So, when it comes to building and maintaining your school counseling program you should focus on components like mission, school counseling curriculum, calendars, and small groups.  But don’t forget about your advisory.  You just might find that an advisory can become the bedrock for everything else.