Undertaking a task such as the design and development of a free clinic requires guidance, support and research. Whether a formal or informal process, the shape and flow of tasks associated with this long-term project are determined by an assembled group of individuals called the steering committee. A steering committee is a group of people who set the agenda and timeline for establishing the nonprofit organization and clinic. This committee can have anywhere from two to ten people, but for the sake of accomplishing tasks, it is optimal to try to limit it to five people. Ideally, these committee members will be representatives of several disciplines. Look for people with training or experience in accounting, law, fundraising, doctors/healthcare practitioners, and business leaders. They will be able to use their network and experience to help you throughout your journey through challenges. For example, your accountant may have experience with nonprofit organizations, as you will need to create a 501c3 organization for tax purposes. You'll also need to know how to market your clinic, manage your finances, and research potential donors. What is your vision? Before you start assembling your steering committee, you need to make sure you have a vision. Your vision statement should contain no more than three sentences in which you describe why you created the clinic in the first place and what you intend to accomplish through the creation of the center. It should be inspiring and motivating by describing how you can uniquely meet the needs of a healthcare segment you have identified. The steering committee can shape your vision which in turn will direct you to information...... middle of document ...... how to take appropriate action, but also take the opportunity to reaffirm its role essential asset. Share with them the tasks to be accomplished and ensure buy-in by sharing the preliminary project plan. Communicate the vision and scope of the project with them and ensure they have continued access to the right information. Make sure members clearly understand their role. Setting these expectations is neither easy nor obvious. There is a role that precedes the steering committee. This role is that of the person (or people) who creates the committee. This is where it all begins: someone forms the committee. Someone, or a small team, will establish the steering committee and create the rules, expectations, guidelines, etc. You start with the key people, and usually their job requires choosing the rest of the team..