In conjunction with your nominating organisation, establish any long-term goals you hope to achieve. By doing this, you will actively pursue the consumer agenda.

Try not to achieve too much too soon. If your committee is not used to having consumers represented, simply broadening the understanding of policy makers is probably an appropriate and realistic goal.

Long-term goals may also include resolving a difficult issue or problem, developing a new program, or formulating new legislation.

Remember that lasting change often comes in small incremental steps. Many consumer battles were won over years of patient lobbying and representation. Have a clear, long-term agenda which is realistic. Unrealistic goals will only lead to frustration.