Observer Corps:  Observe - Record - Report                  

• The Observer Corps is a group of trained members of the League who monitor public meetings in Hudson and Summit County. Observers record and report on whether the meeting complied with Ohio Sunshine Laws and established policies and procedures.  Sunshine Laws include the Meetings and Public Records Acts, which are regulations that require government officials to make public meetings and records available for public observation and inspection to protect citizen's right to know how the government is operating.  (More about Sunshine laws below.)
  
  
• Please contact lwvhobservercorps [at] gmail.com to volunteer. Currently we need volunteers for:
• Program Co-Manager
• Planning Commission Observer
• Hudson Cable Television Advisory Committee Observer
• Summit County Board of Elections Observer
• The League believes that democratic government depends on informed and active citizen participation. 
  • Citizens should be engaged with government operations and decision-making at all levels of government.
  • It is a civic responsibility to ensure that the government is adhering to Sunshine Laws and to their own by-laws and policies.
  • Best practices in policies support that spirit of the law that enhances transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement.
     
• Hudson and Summit County public meetings are live-streamed and can be viewed later:  
  • Hudson City Council and all Boards, Commissions and Committees
    
  • Hudson City Schools Board of Education  
  • Summit Country Board of Elections:  To see Board meeting dates, agendas click here.  To view meeting videos click here.
  • Summit County Council and Committees  To see County meeting dates click here.   To view meeting videos click here.
  • The Hudson Library and the Historical Society Board of Trustees and Committees do not videotape their meetings, but the public can attend their meetings. Meeting dates and agendas can be found here.

• The  members of Hudson's Observer Corps are the eyes and ears of the League. 
  • They promote good government by communicating with government groups and advocating for the community
  • LWVH Observer Corps volunteers spend many hours observing, recording, and reporting.
  • Consistent observation that monitors adherence to the law, allows the League to identify issues and provide a timely response
  • Their observations can raise awareness of issues and initiate action based on established positions of the League.
  • When the League shares their expertise with the community, we gain trust that provides education to the public and encourages citizen engagement.
  • The Hudson League celebrates Sunshine Week each year by raising awareness with government, media, and the public.  We have been recognized for our service from the City of Hudson, Hudson's Board of Education and HLHS Board of Trustees. 
     
• For more about Ohio's Sunshine Laws and to see the Ohio Attorney General's Sunshine Law Training, which is free and open to the public, click here.