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The process of starting a Big Brothers Big Sisters program or a Boys and Girls Club will take a lot of time, a significant amount of work, and a variety of talents and perspectives. In short, the process requires a group of people, a committee. Some call it an advisory committee; others refer to it as a steering committee. Regardless of what this group is called, it becomes their job to help with the research, planning, fundraising, relationship building, promoting and other work involved in the development of the program.
If the Big Brothers Big Sisters program or Boys and Girls Club is being launched from an existing community organization, the board of directors or another existing committee might take on the role of the advisory group, or you could form a new committee for this task. If you are not starting a Big Brothers Big Sisters program or Boys and Girls Club as part of an organization that already exists, you will likely have to build an advisory committee from the ground up.
The advisory committee should be composed of people (at least five will likely be needed) who reflect the perspectives and interests of the new program’s stakeholders.
 Parents
- Other organizations that serve children and youth
- Potential funders or donors
By having a broad cross section of the community, such as that listed above, represented on the advisory committee, you will:
- Ensure that all your stakeholders’ needs and interests are taken into account as you develop the new program
- Obtain the expertise and guidance necessary to create the best program for your community
- Begin the process of networking and building the partnerships and relationships that are critical to the program’s success
- Start to identify suitable people to work with you on your program over the next few years.
All members of the committee should possess not only a concern for the community’s children and youth, but also the time and dedication to do the work involved in establishing the program.
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