Task Force Advisory Committee

Are you already a Task Force member?: CLICK HERE TO RSVP FOR THE UPCOMING MEETING!

The Task Force membership is an Advisory Committee, consisting of eight subcommittees.

Each subcommittee has between 15-20 “slots,” with positions representing the Task Force’s commitment to survivor-centered, multidisciplinary collaboration. Applicants apply directly to open “slots” on their committee of choice. Applications for each committee can be found on that committee’s page, linked in the list above.

The Task Force Advisory Committee is led by a Steering Committee, which includes representatives from each of the eight subcommittees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Steering Committee member and a Task Force Advisory Committee member?

Steering Committee members –
• are appointed by the Attorney General;
• serve a two-year term;
• have voting privileges on issues brought to the Steering Committee by the Executive Director. Such issues will be relevant to the general body of the Task Force (e.g., position papers, legislative concepts, etc);
• organize the Task Force Advisory Committee (TFAC);
• Monitor the TFAC’s work;
• Recruit and replace TFAC members;
• Advise and consult with the Executive Director;
• Approve position papers establishing the position of the Task Force;
• Members include the President of the Board of Directors, chairs of each TFAC subcommittee, and up to three designees of the Attorney General.

Task Force Advisory Committee members –
• are selected by the Executive Director with input from the Steering Committee and are appointed by the Attorney General;
• are organized into subcommittees;
• advise and support the Task Force;
• attend regular meetings throughout the year;
• serve a two-year term;
• have voting privileges within their given committee.

How do I become a member? How do I renew my membership?

Applications are made to the subcommittee to which you are applying. They are reviewed by the Executive Director, the subcommittee, and the Steering Committee. Appointments are made by the Attorney General. Renewal applications follow the same procedures as initial applications.

What does “good standing” mean?

Good standing for Steering Committee Membership is defined as attending at least three-fourths of Steering Committee meetings in a year, and not missing more than two consecutive meetings. Exceptions for missing meetings are made in cases of illness or family emergencies.

Good standing for Task Force Advisory Committee Membership is defined as attending at least two-thirds of the TFAC subcommittee meetings in a year, and not missing more than two consecutive TFAC subcommittee meetings. Exceptions for missing meetings are made in cases of illness or family emergencies.

What if I want to change TFAC subcommittees?

• contact the staff liaison to see if there are any slot openings on the TFAC subcommittee of interest;
• contact the staff liaison and subcommittee chair of your current subcommittee to let her or him know that you would like to resign from your current subcommittee slot.

What is the purpose of the Steering Committee?

The purpose of the Steering Committee is to organize the Task Force Advisory Committee, monitor its work, recruit and replace members of the Task Force Advisory Committee, advise and consult to the Executive Director, approve position papers that will represent the position of SATF, and more fully address any issues too time-consuming for Task Force Advisory Committee meetings.

Membership in the Steering Committee shall be determined by the Executive Director and shall, at a minimum, include the chairs of the Task Force Advisory Committee sub-committees, the President of the Board of Directors, and up to three designees of the Attorney General.

What is the relationship between the Task Force Board of Directors, staff, Steering Committee, and Task Force Advisory Committee members?

Task Force Advisory Committee members advise the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee acts as an advisory body to the Executive Director. The Executive Director oversees the Task Force staff, and the Board of Directors oversees the Executive Director.

What is the role of a Staff Liaison?

It is the duty of the staff liaison to ensure the work of the committee gets carried out in a timely manner. In this capacity, staff liaisons do the following:

1. Attend TFAC subcommittee meetings.
2. Take minutes during the meeting.
3. Execute follow-up/interim work not assigned to TFAC subcommittee members.
4. Coordinate with TFAC subcommittee chair/co-chairs to develop agendas.
5. Send out meeting minutes and agendas to TFAC subcommittee members.
6. Coordinate with the Membership Coordinator to facilitate membership issues (appointments, re-appointments, terminations, possible new members, etc.).

What is the role of the TFAC Subcommittee Chair/Co-Chair?

1. Attend Steering Committee meetings.
2. Attend general TFAC meetings to provide brief committee reports to the full TFAC.
3. Attend subcommittee meetings to facilitate the group discussion, model productive meeting behavior, encourage member participation and coordinate with the staff liaison to develop the agenda, handouts and other materials for the meetings.
4. Become familiar with and implement TF policies.
5. Take leadership in the determination of subcommittee work plan.
6. Direct work plan activities, including assigning work to subcommittee members.
7. Write quarterly e-newsletter updates.

How are Subcommittee Chairs and Vice Chairs selected?

Subcommittee chairs are selected for two-year terms. However, unless they formally resign or are removed from office, subcommittee chairs remain in office until their successors are properly selected. A subcommittee chair may not serve more than two consecutive two-year terms.

What is the role of a TFAC Member?

• Attend subcommittee meetings.
• Participate in development of subcommittee work plan.
• Conduct subcommittee work.
• Attend full TFAC meetings.

How do I suggest a topic for the Task Force Advisory Committee agenda?

If you would like to suggest a topic for the Task Force Agenda, please contact the Executive Director or the Membership Coordinator.

How do I suggest a topic for a subcommittee agenda?

If you would like to suggest a topic for a subcommittee agenda, please contact the subcommittee chair or the staff liaison.

What is the policy on inviting guests to the Task Force Advisory Committee and/or subcommittee meetings?

Task Force Advisory Committee and subcommittee meetings are open to the public. However, we encourage regular guests to submit applications for membership as the Task Force’s limited resources are used to support the work of the members.

Can I participate in meetings via telephone?

Task Force Advisory Committee meetings take place in person at the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training in Salem. Conference calling is not available to any committee except the Campus Committee. However, some meetings are held via teleconference and/or webinar, and in-person attendance is not required. Check with your staff liaison for more information.

Steering Committee meetings are generally held via teleconference and/or webinar.