Helena LWV Observer Corps

Helena LWV Observer Corps

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Observer Corps Reports

 

ABOUT THE LWV OBSERVER CORPS

The LWV of the United States supports grassroots efforts in every community to ensure that governments and their agencies exist for and are accountable to their citizens. The Helena League’s Observer Corps invites League members to actively engage with the Helena School District Board of Trustees, Lewis and Clark County Commission, Helena City Commission, and other local government meetings as members of the LWV Observer Corps and then write a brief report to share with other members.  Reports are published on this LWV Members-Only website.

The League has been a champion of openness in government throughout its history. Protecting public access to information is fundamental to the League’s mission and to the health of our democracy.

PURPOSE OF THE OBSERVER CORPS:

  • To keep league leadership and membership informed of issues that pertain to our positions.
  • To let our government officials know that citizens care about their actions.
  • To make positive connections with citizens, including board members and commissioners.
  • To be an ambassador for our league.

WHY BECOME AN OBSERVER?

  • You will know what is happening in the community and what important issues are on government agendas.
  • You will have an opportunity to network with officials and other concerned citizens.
  • You will act as a “watch dog” for your family friends and the community.
  • You will keep elected and appointed officials on notice by letting them know that the League of Women Voters is watching what decisions are being made and how they are being made.
  • You will ensure that the issues facing the community are being handled in the open.
  • Not every item up for discussion will be related to a League priority or position. However, ensuring that the meeting is being conducted in an open and acceptable way is critical to all the League’s efforts and the health of our democracy.

AM I QUALIFIED TO BECOME AN OBSERVER?

Yes, as a League member you are qualified and you will be serving as an ambassador for the League. You can talk about and answer questions about the organization with meeting attendees. You just need to:

  • Be a good listener and able to summarize and interpret proceedings in a fair way
  • Be interested in local government/agency issues that you will observe.
  • Be discrete, courteous, and leave behind any personal or partisan agenda while serving as a League observer.
  • You will not be required to “act” on any issues at the meeting. Observers do not provide testimony or commentary on behalf of the League. You are there simply to observe and ensure that the meeting is being conducted in an open and acceptable manner.
  • You will not be required to work on a team or committee. You attend meetings on your own, but you may have a league colleague who can share the meeting schedule with you. The meeting report that you prepare will not be cumbersome and can be submitted by email to the co-presidents and the Local Government Committee co-chairs.

BOARD SUPPORT FOR OBSERVERS

  • There will be either an in-person or Zoom meeting to walk observers through the process and to answer questions.
  • You will have an alternate that can be called when you are unable to attend a meeting.
  • A Local Government Committee member will attend your first meeting with you. Meetings can also be accessed through Zoom or YouTube. Government and agency meetings are required to be recorded and can also be used for reporting.
  • A notification letter will be sent from the League to the government or agency to confirm that you are observer.

OBSERVERS ARE NEEDED FOR: