First organized in 2005, this third iteration of an advisory group for our journalists includes health experts, arts proponents and advocates for the vulnerable.

These advisers will help our journalists connect with the community in a rich way in the coming year, largely through interaction at quarterly board meetings. We will also invite the advisers to write to you on the State Journal opinion page at some time during the year.

Editorial Page Editor Scott Milfred, Assistant Features Editor Sandy Kallio and Assistant to the Editors Joanne Huntley pared down the names from about 45 nominations.

Our final choices were made using the following criteria:

• The organization's mission.
• Its contribution to our community over the years.
• The dedication of its members and staff.
• Its expertise.
• Its community connection.

As in past years, we had many qualified candidates to choose from. We hope those who weren 't given the nod this year will reapply in 2008.

The 2007-2008 Wisconsin State Journal Nonprofit Advisory Board will include:

Access Community Health Centers -- Joanne Holland.

Alzheimer 's Association, South Central Wisconsin Chapter -- Paul Rusk.

ARISE Family Services -- James Hawk.

Center for Family Policy and Practice -- David Pate.

Center for Nonprofits, UW-Madison School of Human Ecology -- Jeanan Yasiri.

Family Connections of Wisconsin Inc. -- Laurie Bibo.

Friends of West High Drama -- Tom Farley.

Madison Apprenticeship Program -- Diana Shinall.

Mann Fund -- Lori Mann Carey.

National Alliance on Mental Illness, Wisconsin Chapter -- Bonnie Loughran.

North/Eastside Senior Coalition -- Cheryl Batterman.

Regional Economic Development Entity -- Jennifer Smith.

St. Mary 's Foundation -- Carole Halberg.

UNIDOS Against Domestic Violence (Wisconsin) -- Rachel Rodriguez.

Very Special Arts of Wisconsin -- Kathie Wagner.

We began seeking advice from nonprofits at the urging of community leaders in 2005. These organizations can have a hard time getting the media 's attention because they lack funds for public relations expertise. Every year we learn more about our community and deliver more in-depth stories because of our quarterly conversations.

Our two years of experience have taught us that the advisory group prefers a free-form conversation each quarter rather than specific tasks. Our evaluation sheets show us that the advisers gain insights in that format and feel freer to offer us specific story ideas.

The first meeting of this year 's advisory group will be Sept. 12.

If you have any topics you 'd like us to take up with the advisory board, please contact me at wsjeditor@madison.com or call 608-252-6104. We 'd love to hear from you.

Foley is editor of the Wisconsin State Journal.