Hello and Happy Holidays!

I work at a mid-size historical society in Youngstown, Ohio. Recently, we
have developed a teacher advisory board that appears to be moving forward
(we have had 2 meetings and have about 17 members.) I am going to be
applying for a local grant from a foundation that awards money for
multicultural programming. We have successfully obtained this grant for the
last ten years, though it is usually for the upkeep of a collection dealing
with an immigrant aid association, or for an exhibit. I would like to try
something unique, namely, a community advisory comprised of members from
various cultural groups in the area, and I am hoping that my staff, board,
and director are up for it. The only thing is that we have never done
anything like this.  But I think the time has come. Our collections do not
really represent the diverse population of the area and our programming does
not attract a very diverse population. Our visitation has recently been
lower than usual, though I do feel that over the course of the last ten
years our staff has done a better job of representing the community in
exhibition. Recently we opened an exhibit called "Far From Home: Stories
from Immigrant Children to the Mahoning Valley." I worked with people who
came as children and borrowed photos and images.  Sorry that I am rambling.
. To my question. . .What do you need to do to be ready to develop a
community advisory board? How do you begin?  Do you need to hire consultants
or a marketing firm, or can you start with your local civic leaders to draw
in others?  I need advice, as I would like to be able to propose this idea
and get a grant to support it.  Should the end result be an exhibit?  I am
not sure of any of this. I hope someone can give me help.  It is also very
relevant because we are entering into MAP III and we have also been through
an accreditation review. Any help will be appreciated.  Thank you.

Elizabeth J. Nohra
Assistant Director
Mahoning Valley Historical Society
Youngstown, Oh
330-743-2589

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