The project to examine and improve the use of advisory committees in vocational education in Michigan produced this three-part document: a guide for the effective use of advisory committees, a report on the use of advisory committees, and a workshop leaders's guide. The self-instructional guide for the effective use of educational advisory committees contains three sections. Section A provides eight structural communication exercises dealing with the major functions of such committees (occupation/community surveys, course content advisement, student placement, community public relations, equipment and facilities, program staffing, program review, and community resources). Section B presents resource materials for educators revolving around these eight functions. Section C examines methods of assessment and goal setting and strategies for the development of local action plans. The report on the use of these committees is divided into six sections covering: problems relating to advisory committees, methodology, the extent to which committees are used, the relationship between the current level of involvement and the perceived level of utilization that advisory committee members project, and comparisons between secondary and post secondary committees. Fourteen recommendations are based on questionnaire responses. The workshop leader's guide contains appropriate materials for the planning, operation, and evaluation of workshops. (JB)