FOCUS’ committees play a vital role in supporting our staff and advancing our programs, events, and community engagement initiatives. Explore each committee, find meeting details, and apply to join a team that’s helping Central New York thrive.
Board Development & Nominations Committee:
- Plays a key role in shaping FOCUS’ leadership while supporting the Executive Director in recruiting and developing Board Members. This Committee recommends training opportunities, evaluates potential candiates, develops officer slates, and suggests BY-Law updates.
- Meets virtually, as needed from late Summer to Fall.
Citizens Academy Committee:
- Supports the Executive Director in delivering a dynamic learning experience for community members. This Committee helps with on-site programs, scholarships, sponsorships, program evaluation, and providing guidance to ensure each session runs smoothly. Members are expected to attend committee meetings and volunteer for at least two educational sessions during each 11-week program.
- Applicants must be graduates of the Citizens Academy program.
- Meets virtually on Thursdays (12-1) from mid-August to mid-November.
- The Committee has reached capacity. We encourage interested individuals to apply for the waitlist.
Executive Committe:
- This Committee is comprised of FOCUS’ elected Board Officers, including the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Immediate Past President.
- The Executive Committee provides leadership for the Board, ensures that FOCUS’ governance practices are strong, and works closely with the Executive Director to guide strategic priorities, oversee financial health, and support the organization’s programs and initiatives.
- Meets as needed.
- The Committee is limited to elected Board Officers and is not open to additional members.
Finance Committee:
- Ensures the financial health and accountability of FOCUS while supporting the Executive Director and Board. This Committee oversees revenue and expenditures, reviews monthly financial reports, develops and monitors the annual budget, establishes financial policies, coordinates the annual audit, and flags any financial concerns for the Board.
- Meets as needed.
FOCUS Forum Committee:
- Supports the Executive Director in delivering engaging and informative FOCUS Forums. This Committee helps with on-site programs, program evaluation, and identifying potential panelists. Forum topics are based on community input and local data to ensure they reflect citizen-suggested topics or are informed by community needs. Members are expected to attend committee meetings and assist with on-site programs.
- Meets monthly on Mondays (virtual) from 3:00–3:30 PM.
- Forums are held on the 3rd or 4th Friday of each month from 12–1 PM, with Committee Members needed from 11:30–1:15.
Fund Development Committee:
- Advances FOCUS’ fundraising efforts while supporting the Executive Director. This Committee builds and maintains donor relationships, organizes fundraisers, grows the individual donor base, and oversees giving campaigns.
- Meets bi-monthly on Wednesdays (hybrid) for 1 hour.
Wisdom Keeper Committee:
- Supports the Executive Director in organizing FOCUS’ annual, signature Wisdom Keeper fundraiser. This Committee recommends honorees, coordinates event elements, and leads sponsorship efforts, including securing contributions and following up with donors.
- FOCUS also has an opening for a Wisdom Keeper office volunteer to assist the Executive Director once a week from August through November 2026, supporting clerical tasks and sponsor management.
- Meets virtually; the meeting schedule is currently under review.