Observer Corps

Monitoring local government meetings is a long-established practice of the League of Women Voters. It is one approach to help inform citizens about current issues and their governments.

The Washtenaw League currently monitors the County Commission, ______,______and_____. As part of the Observer Corps, League members volunteer to attend or watch a meeting and share what they observed in a written report. These reports can identify opportunities for the League to provide information to the public about critical local issues

We attend as many meetings as there are volunteers! In person is always best, but several entities videotape their meetings, so it is possible to view a meeting online and create an observer report. If you are interested in participating in this program as a regular or occasional Observer, please contact Cheryl Depner, Director of Observer Corps observer [at] lwvwashtenaw.org .

Example reports:

Washtenaw County Commission

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I DON'T KNOW WHY THE BACKGROUND IS PINK. BUT THAT CAN BE DEALT WITH LATER.

HERE'S ANOTHER VERSION - Champaign IL

League Observers are the eyes and ears of the League. We send representatives to public board meetings and commissions in the county. Observers learn how government works and about issues that are or may become items for local study and action. They advise the LWVCC board of opportunities for action on League positions and periodically prepare short reports on what they observe.

Consistent League presence at these boards can add to the League's visibility and credibility and build relationships with local officials. League observing promotes transparent and responsive government in the community.

Interested in becoming an Observer? Scroll down to see what boards and commissions need Observers now and get more information.

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ANOTHER INTERESTING APPROACH from Columbia- highlights benefits of participation and includes testimonials from observer volunteers

Observer Corps is an opportunity for League members to closely follow an area of local government by attending regular meetings (in-person or virtually) and reporting back on meeting events using a template (to keep it simple!) Help keep local officials on their toes. By our showing up, officials know that people are paying attention.

Volunteer Benefits (and why we love Observer Corps!!)

Be a presence for the League. Be visible in a small group of observers and represent the League while establishing relationships with local officials and other regular attendees.

Try a new experience and see these representatives in action. Learn about what they do and how hard they work.

Educate citizens about the importance of participating in local elections, which have as much impact on their daily lives as national and state elections.

Become aware of important issues in your community and provide updates for League members.

Time Commitment:

Meeting times vary. Refer to each group’s website for specifics.

Member volunteers are needed to observe and report back on the following meetings:

Richland County	Lexington County
Arcadia Lakes Town Council	Batesburg-Leesville Town Council
Blythewood Town Council	Cayce City Council
Columbia City Counc