Consult with experts
There are a variety of experts that you may wish to consult with or even ask to participate in the Steering Committee. For example, you may want to work with grant-writers or academic researchers. You may also want to consult with experienced CIT leaders from other communities, including CIT coordinators and trainers.
National organizations can provide expert assistance and can help guide you to local or regional CIT programs that provide expert assistance. Consultation may include a simple phone call, or may include hiring an individual to assist with a particular task. It is important to have a thorough understanding of the CIT program and your community's goals and use experts to help achieve those goals.
Perspectives: Adding to the Steering Committee and seeking expert consultants are not the same. New additions to the Steering Committee should be willing to agree with the existing Steering Committee's goals and plans. Experts, on the other hand, may be brought in for specific tasks, but may not need to be integrated into the Steering Committee unless the committee sees a long-term partnership as beneficial.