This handbook is designed for the dual purpose of assisting local administrators in establishing and using local advisory councils and helping council members to understand their role in maintaining high-quality occupational education course offerings. Addressed in a section on establishing local advisory councils are authorization, definition, role and purpose, and function. The responsibilities of local administrators with respect to organization of a local advisory council, recruitment, selection, appointment, and orientation are outlined. Provided next are operational guidelines for the following aspects of forming and maintaining an advisory council: individual council members' responsibilities, duties and responsibilities of elected officers, education liaison responsibilities, meeting format and participation, linkage to the New York State Council on Vocational Education, implementation of a program of work, and occupational education program evaluation. Appendixes to the guide include a glossary; New York State education law on local advisory councils; sample local advisory council bylaws, agendas, and topics for a plan of work; guidelines for annual reports; and suggested ways of recognizing council members. (MN)