Observer Job Description

 What is an Observer?     An Observer attends, watches, or listens to government meetings. Government meetings are open to the public. You don’t have to do anything special to observe them. You protect everyone’s right to public meetings just by observing.

 Who can be an Observer?

1. Any League member can be an Observer.  You don’t have to be an expert.

2. Observers are:

• Good listeners who can summarize information in a fair way;
• Interested in local government and issues a government body addresses;
• Not working a personal or partisan agenda while serving as a League Observer.

 What does an Observer do?

1. Attends a meeting. We recommend observing in person when possible, but observing virtually (on TTY, TV, online, or by recording) is fine, too. It’s your choice.

2. Pays attention and takes notes, using the Observer Report form as a guide.

3. Monitors the process of the meeting and issues being discussed.

4. Remains silent unless the Board has asked you to speak

5. After the meeting, submits an Observer Report form.

 How often do I observe?     As often as you’d like. You don’t need to attend every meeting. You can even observe partial meetings. You can observe most meetings virtually, often on your own schedule.

 What more can I do?

1. Learn more about what the government body does and how it works.

2. Learn about issues discussed in the meeting.

3. Share what you’ve learned with other League members.

4. Join a committee and take action with the League.

 Interested?

1. Read Observing Your Government in Action 

2. Review the Observer Checklist

3. Check the Observer Opportunities Bulletin.

4. Contact Brenda at .