Councils of Nursing Practice

I work in a hospital at Newark, NJ where we have a council of nursing practice. Basically, nurses from each unit in the hospital meet monthly to discuss issues/topics that are going on in their unit (eg. staffing)and other information that may be able pertain to us in the hospital. From there, we go back to our units and share what goes on during these meetings to our colleagues. I just recently became a representative for my unit. I just want to know if there is anything similiar to what we have and if so, how is it working for you???? I think it is a great thing to have in order for all of us, nurses, to communicate from unit to unit. Let me know what you think whether it be good or bad. Thanks! I look forward to any of your replies