In his inaugural speech, Harvard University President Lawrence S. Bacow addressed the need to expand the role of public service and continue to make it an institutional priority. He affirmed, “We need to ensure that future generations continue to serve the greater good in a variety of ways. It is my hope that every Harvard graduate, in every profession, should be an active, enlightened and engaged citizen.” The National Advisory Board on Public Service serves as a key component in realizing this objective by providing essential advice and recommendations to advance public service at Harvard College. 

Started during President Emeritus Drew Gilpin Faust’s tenure, the Advisory Board is composed of prominent leaders in public service fields, as well as faculty and alumni with a deep commitment to the nonprofit and public interest sectors. Representatives from each of the major public service offices and organizations on campus attend advisory board meetings helping to foster a collaborative and a cohesive vision.

DUTIES
• Develop a deep understanding of the existing public service landscape at Harvard College.
• Advise on strategies and strategic goals to engage undergraduates in public service and explore public interest careers through both co-curricular and curricular opportunities.
• Establish a unified long-term vision for public service efforts and public interest career advising and identify needs to ensure the sustainability of this plan.
• Support these vital efforts by providing relationships with collaborative partners and persons or organizations able to provide resources that will deepen and expand these efforts.