Every national association exists to represent, involve and serve its members. It also relies on a great deal of volunteer assistance from the National Board of Directors and its volunteer committees. In most associations, much of the preliminary work in the preparation of subjects for consideration is done by committees. Committees are one of the most important tools available to the association. An association's responsibility to represent, involve and serve a large group of members can only be accomplished through an effective, well- constituted committee structure.
Committees can be an effective work force for an association.
The most common reason for forming a committee is to foster group participation in solving a problem, approaching new ideas, or revisiting old ideas to ensure that all appropriate interests are represented. Committees almost always cost more than the work of an individual. First, committees can be valuable, working components that will make the difference between a thriving, meaningful organization and an empty shell without substance. Second, committees can supplement and complement the work of paid staff, enhancing and expanding the work product of an association. Third, committees can serve as a guide to an association, ensuring unity of purpose and direction.