5 Myths & Misconceptions About Boards & Councils

Serving on a board or town council is a great way to get involved with your community. But there are some common myths and misconceptions about what boards and councils do — and being a member of one. Midwest Assistance Program staff identified five including:

Myth #1: All that board/council does is talk and drink coffee.
Mythbuster: The majority of boards/councils are hardworking groups, volunteering more time than they expected to help solve a problem for their community and contribute to its survival.

Read the rest of MAP’s myths about boards and councils by clicking here.

You also can learn how serving on a board or council benefits you and your community, tips for better board/council meetings and what makes a good board/council member in the Spring issue of MAP’s Source newsletter.

RCAP: Our National Partners

Midwest Assistance Program is part of a national network ― Rural Community Assistance Partnership. As a member of RCAP, MAP works in partnership with five other regional organizations.

Since 1972, RCAP, a federally funded non-profit organization, has been a leader in rural community development, addressing problems and issues that have a direct impact on the quality of life in rural America.

  • RCAP members provide technical assistance, training and financial resources to water and wastewater systems in more than 2,000 communities each year.
  • RCAP members work primarily with economically disadvantaged communities with fewer than 2,500 residents in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
  • RCAP’s goal is to improve environmental and community health, develop sustainable water and waste disposal facilities increase the capability of local leaders to address current and future needs, and ensure that rural utilities are in compliance with federal and state regulations.
  • RCAP also engages in policy development, public education, advocacy on rural issues and applied research, especially focusing on community infrastructure.

The Partners

Rural Community Assistance Partnership, Washington, D.C. (national office)

Rural Community Assistance Corporation, Sacramento, California

Community Resource Group, Inc., Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Great Lakes RCAP, Fremont, Ohio

RCAP Solutions, Gardner, Massachussetts

Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project, Roanoke, Virginia.