Mission
The Community Advisory Board (CAB) serves as a bridge between The Worcester Guardian and the community, helping the organization better understand community priorities, information needs, and opportunities to strengthen trust and civic engagement.
Responsibilities
The Community Advisory Board (CAB) serves in an advisory capacity and provides feedback on community needs and coverage gaps. It does not direct editorial decisions, story assignments, hiring decisions, or governance matters. The Worcester Guardian retains full editorial independence while considering feedback and recommendations from the CAB.
CAB members will:
- Provide feedback on community concerns and coverage priorities.
- Identify underserved voices and communities.
- Serve as ambassadors for The Worcester Guardian.
- Suggest partnerships, events, and engagement opportunities.
- Participate respectfully in discussions.
Membership
The CAB will strive to ensure representation from residents from the city of Worcester. The Worcester Guardian’s Board of Directors will appoint members who, collectively, reflect the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, neighborhoods, industries, and experiences that make up the Worcester community. The committee will be comprised of no less than 15 members and no more than 20 members.
There will be an application process. Applications must be received by October 1, 2026. Applications can be accessed here. Members will serve a two-year term and be eligible for a consecutive one-year reappointment.
The Board of Directors will select a Chair and a Vice Chair (who will serve as the clerk) for the first year. Both positions will serve for one year and will be eligible for a consecutive one-year term. The CAB shall elect future leadership.
Meetings
Members will be expected to attend at least two of the three meetings. Members who miss three consecutive meetings may be removed and replaced.
The CAB will meet three times a year:
- March
- June
- September
The Chair will be responsible for creating an agenda, which will be shared electronically one week prior to the meeting. CAB members may add items to the agenda. The Clerk will provide minutes from the meetings to the Board of Directors.
The Worcester Guardian will provide periodic updates on recommendations received from the CAB and actions taken in response to those recommendations.
Liaison
One member from the Board of Directors will attend each CAB meeting to serve as a liaison between the CAB and The Worcester Guardian to ensure continuity.