Congratulations on accepting your position as Committee Communications Coordinator (CCC)! Time is a precious commodity and your willingness to accept this important committee role is much appreciated. Working closely with your Committee Chair, the Committee Research Coordinator (CRC), and other committee members and friends, you will fulfill an instrumental function that enhances and supports the mission of your TRB committee.
This welcome packet will help you get started in your new role. It includes the following:
Background to explain why TRB created the CCCs and give you context about the importance of the role and how this Committee Communications Coordinators Council (CCCC) can help you.
The Basics is a check list of suggested communication functions and tools.
Thank you again for taking on this awesome committee role. Reach out to us anytime you have a question or need help!
Committee Communications Coordinators Council Co-Chairs
The mission of TRB is to provide leadership in transportation innovation and progress through research and information exchange, conducted within a setting that is objective, interdisciplinary, and multi-modal. Over 200 standing committees of TRB’s Technical Activities Division provide a forum to:
identify research needs
stimulate needed research
provide input on research priorities and procedures
facilitate the adoption of appropriate research findings into practice
provide a mechanism for mutual exchange of information developments within transportation over a long-term period
Effective communication is one of the most important tools a committee has for developing and achieving these objectives. In 2009, TRB established the CCCs along with this CCC Council with the goal of elevating communications within TRB committees. Recognizing that a great deal is discussed and information shared during the Annual and Midyear meetings, TRB created the CCC role to designate a person to document and share committee dialogue from these meetings and disseminate information throughout the year.
The CCC Council provides guidance and oversight to CCCs. The CCC Council identifies and educates committees on available communications tools and methodologies and shares best practices among CCCs. The CCC Council comprises a Co-Chair(s), TRB staff, and representatives from an array of committees. The current members of the CCC Council are listed in the TRB Online Directory.
In addition to this welcome packet, and resources share within this packet, the Council’s communication portfolio includes a communications plan and the following communications tools:
This website
CCCC newsletter on updates and notices
CCCC meeting at the TRB Annual Meeting for all CCCs
TRB recognizes that its technical committees are not created equal—each has a unique mission, focus, personality, member and friend size (aka: available resources), and range of priorities outlined in their strategic plan. Similarly, the communications portfolio differs from committee to committee. In addition, not every CCC is a ‘professional communicator’.
As you work through your committee’s communication portfolio, consider the resources available to you (see items below). You do not have to start everything from scratch.
Getting Started Checklist:
Check out the CCCC website for guidance, best practices, and templates.
Update or create a communications plan – use the template on the CCCC website.
Become familiar with MyTRB and make sure you can access your committee friends lists.
If your committee already has one, review your committee-managed website and make sure it contains the core minimum of information and is up-to-date.
Read the CCC Council newsletter for best practices and how to enhance your committee’s communication portfolio.