Volunteer at Children's
Patient & Family Councils

Family Advisory Council Member Expectations

As a member of the Family Advisory Council (FAC), we expect you to know this information and follow these ground rules.

Membership expectations

  • Please keep current with email correspondence.
  • Contact the FAC chair or phone Brian West at 651-220-6402 if you are unable to attend a meeting.
  • After an absence without notification, the FAC chair will follow up, after two your membership status will be reviewed.

Meeting times and locations

  • Meetings are on the first Tuesday of every month (except September and November, when the meeting is held on the second Tuesday). There are no meetings in July or August.
  • We rotate campuses. Meetings held during odd-numbered months are in St. Paul, and meetings in even-numbered months are in Minneapolis.
  • The December meeting includes a year-end celebration.
  • During each meeting, dinner/social time is 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  The meeting is from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

 Meeting Logistics

  • An agenda and any materials that require review prior to an upcoming meeting will be sent via email (or hard copy, if you prefer).
  • Meeting protocol begins with announcements and committee updates.
  • Parking vouchers, an attendance sheet and a tally for all volunteer hours for the prior month will be circulated.
  • If there is a project that is soliciting family participation, a signup sheet will be circulated that will allow members to express an interest in participating.
  • The meeting minutes will be sent via email after the meeting.
  • Communication between meetings will be sent via email or phone call.

Meeting Protocol

  • Turn cell phones off/to vibrate.  Step out if you need to take a phone call.
  • Wear an ID badge whenever you are on council business.
  • Raise hand to share comments, avoid interrupting others and keep comments/suggestions brief.  Avoid repetition.
  • Stay focused on the topic and avoid personal agendas.  We represent all families.
  • Avoid medical jargon and acronyms without offering an explanation.  You are encouraged to ask when clarification is needed.
  • Advocate for the core of patient- and family-centered care.
  • If you give negative feedback, it will be more productive if you can give a positive suggestion or a partial solution.
  • Honor confidentiality.  Avoid using names of staff, patients and families.  Use departments and titles instead of names when possible.

Questions?

If you have any questions about  Patient Family Involvement at Children’s, contact Tessa Billman at 612-813-7407.