What is a key distinction between advisory and governing boards?

Advisory boards are designed to provide expert advice, guidance, and input on various issues facing an organization, but they do not hold any legal authority over the organization’s actions or decisions. Their primary role is to gather insights and feedback from community members or stakeholders, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered in decision-making processes. This feature distinguishes them from governing boards, which have the legal authority to make strategic decisions, enact policies, and oversee the management of the organization.

The focus of advisory boards on obtaining citizen input highlights their role in fostering community engagement and ensuring that the voices of stakeholders are heard, without the responsibility of governance. Through this engagement, they serve as a bridge between the organization and the community, enhancing the organization’s responsiveness to public needs and concerns. In contrast, governing boards are tasked with the overall governance, which includes legal and fiduciary responsibilities, thereby operating with a different set of powers and expectations. Understanding this distinction is crucial for recognizing the respective roles these boards play in organizational dynamics.