Observer Corps
Want to improve government? Become an observer! 
One of the best ways to improve the quality of government is to “put it in the spotlight.” Sometimes videotaping governmental meetings can accomplish this, but most government business occurs without this watchful eye. League has long believed in the value of an observer corps whose job it is to stay abreast of issues by maintaining a presence at as many government meetings as possible. Becoming an observer is a perfect opportunity for someone to have an impact simply by attending one meeting per month.
We believe there are benefits not only to the observers, our organization, and the community but to the board or committee being observed as well. Our role is to gather information. We learn about what the governmental body is doing, we learn about the issues facing our community, and we are empowered to take action, if warranted and supported by previously determined League positions. We also learn how issues are being addressed. The League promotes government openness, transparency, and accountability as vital to a healthy democracy.
"An observer is an individual who attends a governmental meeting, notes what happens at the meeting, and reports back to the League and (hopefully) the community. By attending public meetings of local governmental bodies/agencies, observers learn more about what their government is doing. They learn about the issues facing their community and are empowered to take action if warranted. They also learn how issues are being addressed.
Observers keep elected and appointed officials on notice; they let them know that someone is watching what decisions are being made and how they are being made. They help ensure that the issues facing their community are being handled “in the sunshine,” in the open.
Ideally, observers are monitoring both the issues being discussed as well as the process by which they are being discussed. While not every item up for discussion will relate to a League’s priorities, ensuring that the meeting is being conducted in an open and acceptable way is critical to all of the League’s efforts and the health of our democracy." (From Observing Your Government in Action, published by the League of Women Voters Education Fund)
Why do we observe?
The first reason for observing public meetings is to watch their general operations. What issues are being discussed and how is the meeting being conducted? Does the agency comply with the open meeting laws?
The second reason for observing public meetings is to watch for issues on which the League should be taking action - speaking out. If an item that is being discussed is related to one of 
LWVKC positions then include that in your report. We'll look into it and see whether it's something that the League should be speaking out on.
Finally, and maybe most importantly, observing makes a statement that the community is watching the process of government. The League observer is the representative of the public at these meetings.
What to do when you observe:
Go to the meeting, wearing your League of Women Voters button. Get a copy of the agenda (if possible, check whether it is available in advance online) and any other reports that are available. You don't have to read them all! You may not speak for the League at the meeting. Outside of the meeting you can ask questions of staff and officials.
If you can't be at the meeting in person, then watch it online. While the officials may not see you, you can still monitor the meeting.
As the meeting progresses, fill out the LWVKC Observer Report Form. Submit your report to the LWVKC.
Hear about it!
In an effort to keep track of when and how local government entities make decisions impacting residents, the League of Women Voters of the Ann Arbor Area monitors meetings with the "Observer Corps." Listen to 89.1 WEMU's Lisa Barry talks with the newly-elected president of the local league, Joan Sampieri, about how it works and what are the benefits.
Observing Local Government With The League Of Women Voters' Observer Corps
Additional Resources for Observers
- Observing Your Government in Action
- Guidelines for Observers from the LWVBA (work on this to reflect LWVKC)
- League positions
- LWVUS National positions
- LWVDE State positions
- LWVKC County positions
What Agencies to Observe?
Kent County
Cities & Towns 
| Bowers Beach | Dover | Harrington | Leipsic | Smyrna |
| Camden | Farmington | Hartly | Little Creek | Viola |
| Cheswold | Felton | Houston | Magnolia | Woodside |
| Clayton | Frederica | Kenton | Milford | Wyoming |
School Districts
