This guide was prepared to fill the need for literature on the formation and functions of citizen committees. It is designed for mayors, other public officials, and citizen leaders who are responsible for creating committees and for citizens who serve on committees. Types of citizen committees are defined and classified according to primary functions. The benefits and detriments related to the use of citizen committees are identified, and specific principles for creating committees are presented with explanations. Sixteen different types of committees, grouped into seven different classes, are described in terms of size and composition, purpose and organizational characteristics, constituencies, and resource support required for effective work. (Author/IRT)