Go Further Together by Utilizing Committees

Allison LeemanN, Vice President for Communication and Recognition - TBΣ

Go Further Together by Utilizing Committees

“If you want to go far, go together”

- African Proverb

This African Proverb articulates the importance of being able to rely upon one another in a group to accomplish long-term goals. An individual can set out to accomplish a single task, but the support and active engagement of a group is necessary to achieve our long-term goals. In Tau Beta Sigma chapters, this support and engagement is possible through our use of committees.

A committee is a group of individuals appointed to complete a specific function, typically consisting of members of a larger group. In Tau Beta Sigma, committees are used to distribute the work of the chapter into smaller, focused groups. Committees empower all members to participate in, contribute to, and lead tasks and projects.

Committees enable in-depth discussions as well as deep-dives into research and event planning. They also encourage new members to be involved in chapter business and create new opportunities for leadership development.

This article aims to review best practices for committee use within your chapter - whether you have an established committee program or are interested in starting one in the upcoming year.

Roadmap for Committees

At the beginning of each year, or at the end of the prior year, discuss the direction of the chapter and establish high-level goals for the year. These goals may relate to maintaining or improving chapter operations, expanding upon programs and participation, or a specific event. respective officer and/or committee to begin further discussion, research, and planning.

At regular intervals throughout the year, and particularly in the lead up to events and task completion, committees will present progress updates in chapter meetings. These updates are an opportunity for the full chapter to ask questions, provide feedback, and also complete tasks such as signing up for day-of roles to support the committee’s planning work.

Common Areas of Focus

Membership Committee • Plan recruitment events • Provide support for Overture modules • Plan continuing education activities

Service Committee • Create structure for regular service activities • Plan large-scale band service • Provide resources and training to members on completing service tasks

Ways & Means • Coordinate fundraising activities • Research new opportunities to utilize funds • Review constitution and other operating documents

National Programs

• Research Women in Music speakers and local partner organizations • Develop advertising materials for events • Act as points of contact for events, speakers, and organizations

Making Committees Work for the Chapter’s Needs

Each chapter will approach their committee structure and operations in a different way - and This article was adapted from a workshop presented during the Tau Beta Sigma Workshop Series: Summer 2022 Mixtape event in June 2022. To dive further into the how-to’s and benefits of utilizing committees, watch the workshop video “Go Further Together: Utilizing Committees” on the For Greater Bands YouTube channel.

that is okay! As you consider your own chapter’s committee use, reflect on the following:

• Leadership Options: Will your committee be led by the officer or an appointed chair?

How will individual projects and tasks be assigned and led?

• Scheduling and Operations: Are committees scheduled during or outside of chapter business settings? Should each committee have a “feature” time of the month to share their updates and progress?

• Committee Assignments: How will members be assigned to the committee? Interest application? Rotation of assignment? Does your chapter need everyone involved? Are there more opportunities to serve?

Benefits of Committee Use

For individual members of Tau Beta Sigma, participation in a committee enables your efforts to have a direct impact on chapter activities. You can also work closely with chapter members who are outside of your band section and membership class. Participation in committees also creates new opportunities to learn about chapter operations and programs, as well as take on new responsibilities and develop as a leader.

Committees benefit chapters by engaging all members in conversation and activities, and by giving new members an immediate connection to chapter business. The chapter can also take on multiple tasks and projects at once, including the potential of exploring new ideas and hosting new events. This work also develops leaders in the chapter and creates opportunities to prepare for future roles in the chapter, band, and on campus.

I encourage every chapter to reflect on your committee utilization and consider the benefits for your operations and the development of each member. Go further together!