Ryan White Planning Council Memberships

Learn the steps for getting involved with the Boston EMA Ryan White Planning Council!

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1010 MASSACHUSETTS AVE

2nd FLOOR

BOSTON, MA 02118
617-947-4299
pcs@BPHC.ORG
Required Diseases Reporting

Boston Planning Council Membership

Planning Council Membership

Planning Council Activities

Each year, the Planning Council sets priorities for health and health-related HIV services in our region. They decide how to distribute federal HIV funds to each service category. The Planning Council reviews reports, conducts a needs assessment, and establishes priorities based on reviewing the service needs of people living with HIV in our region.

Planning Council Membership

Planning Council volunteers include health care providers, public health officials, and community volunteers. The Mayor of Boston selects members to reflect the racial, ethnic, and gender demographics of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in our region.

Planning Council Committees

Much of the Planning Council's work occurs in its committees. All Planning Council members must serve on at least one committee. Committees usually meet on a monthly basis. Learn more about the Planning Council's five standing committees by clicking here. Committee charges and work plans are overseen by the Executive Committee.

Consumer Access and Reimbursement Program

Members living with HIV are consumer members. They bring their unique experiences to the Planning Council dialogue. Consumer members get reimbursement for transportation and child care.

Time Commitment

Both Planning Council and committee meetings last two hours each. Planning Council members must attend each of the monthly Planning Council meetings and all their assigned committee meetings. Total time commitment may be four-six hours monthly. Each meeting has refreshments and snacks.

Planning Council Eligibility

Anyone living in the ten county region in the Part A Boston EMA who has a strong commitment to improving the lives of people living with HIV can join the Planning Council. You don't need a health policy background or expertise to join the Planning Council.

Current Members

2024-2025 Planning Council Members

All Planning Council members are selected by the Mayor of Boston to voluntarily serve on the Council.

Prospective Members

Please fill out the new membership application. Note that part of the application is to ask someone to write you a letter of recommendation. Nominations happen in June - July, and the session begins in September.

New membership application - Please email PCS with any questions.

Below are the steps to apply:

Step 1:

Complete the application linked above and submit a letter of recommendation to Planning Council Support (PCS) Staff at pcs@bphc.org.

Step 2:

PCS staff will review the applications. New members should demonstrate:

Ability to help the Planning Council reflect the demographics of the local PLWH community
Ability to fulfill membership requirements
Ability to come to meetings with an open mind, learn and contribute to the Planning Council

Step 3:

PCS staff will contact applicants and schedule interviews.

Step 4:

The Nominations Committee reviews the applications and interview summaries. They will nominate and make recommendations on the list of candidates. This list will be sent to the Mayor of Boston, who is the CEO of the Ryan White Part A grant.

Step 5:

The Mayor of Boston makes the final decision and appointment of all members of the Boston Planning Council.

Step 6:

Applicants receive notification by email or by phone on their selection. For individuals who were not selected, PCS staff will provide options for other ways to get involved with the Council.