Humberson’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective PALS Committees”

Purpose of PALS Committees: Plan 2 events per 6-weeks through collaborative planning within the committee in order to build our PALS community and/or provide community service.

Here are some things to keep in mind when working in your committees. These are characteristics and habits of a highly effective group working together that may help your committee be most successful.

  1. Be Consistent. Meet at a regular time in a regular place. Pick a time that works for all members and show up.
  1. Organize. Keep meeting minutes that can include your brainstorming/discussion but certainly includes a clear plan of what you plan to do (who, what, when, where, etc).
  1. Delegate. Divide up and delegate roles during the meeting (ex. timekeeper, scribe, discussion leader, etc) and for each event. Share the leadership opportunities around – if you take the lead on one event, let someone else do it the next time around.
  1. Reach out. Get feedback from your audience. Who will be coming to this event? Get feedback from them about when, what they’re into, etc.
  1. Communicate. Tell your plan to your intended audience with plenty of prior notice. Send reminders right before. You can use the Google calendar and the GroupMe account to do this. Or if you have a quick announcement during class time, let Ms. H know.
  1. Reflect. After each event, reflect and talk about what went well and what needs to change to make it even better the next time.
  1. Celebrate. Celebrate each other and your successes throughout the year!

What I’m looking for in 6-week Committee Plans:

  • Evidence that each member played a role and took responsibility in the planning.
  • Evidence that your committee met consistently in order to plan your 2 events.
  • Two clearly stated events including date, time, location, cost, supplies needed, and any other pertinent information (will vary depending on event).
  • Event communicated to PALS group at least 2 weeks in advance.
  • A significant chunk of the PALS group attends the event (1 or 2 people attending doesn’t build our PALS community – something needs to change in the planning if this happens).
  • All committee members will receive the same grade.
  • Submit via Google doc shared with Ms. Humberson or 1 person submit for your committee on turnitin.com.