The use of local lay advisory councils has been an effective method of involving citizens in the school program and an effective bridge between the community and the school. Topics in this publication cover: (1) Benefits of a Citizens Advisory Council, which discusses the benefits for learners, school board members, teachers, administrators, council members, parents, the school, and the community, (2) Basic Questions in Organizing a Citizens Advisory Committee, which discusses the naming, sponsoring, legality, and selecting of council members, (3) Basic Questions in Developing a Citizens Advisory Council, which discusses the internal workings of the council, including officers, bylaws, responsibilities, and policies, and becoming informed and involved in education, and (4) Basic Questions Concerning Functions of a Citizens Advisory Council, which describes the functions of the council, how these functions are accomplished, and delineates some functions found that are detrimental to council success. Sample charter, operational guidelines, bylaws, member selection forms, and self-evaluation form are appended, and a bibliography is included. (SB)