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.
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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 Council | Chapin Town Council |
| Eastover Town Council | Gaston Town Council |
| Forest Acres City Council | Gilbert Town Council |
| Greater Columbia Community Relations | Lexington County Council |
| Irmo Town Council | Lexington County Registration and Elections Board |
| Richland County Board of Elections & Registration | Lexington One School Board |
| Richland County Council | Lexington Two School Board |
| Richland County Recreation Commission | Lexington Three School Board |
| Richland School District One Board | Lexington Four School Board |
| Richland School District Two Board | Lexington Five School Board |
| Lexington Town Council | |
| Pelion Town Council | |
| Pine Ridge Town Council | |
| South Congaree Town Council | |
| Springdale Town Council | |
| Summit Town Council | |
| Swansea Town Council | |
| West Columbia City Council |
From our volunteers:
"Having been actively involved with Richland County Board of Elections and Registration for many years, I have developed a relationship with both officials and staff. When I could attend in person, they were always open to my questions. Even though the meetings are now only virtual, they know I'm online as they can see my phone number." Robin White
“As a high school teacher, I never attended a single school board meeting. I was both too busy and a bit intimidated. As a faculty member at the USC College of Education, I'm still awfully busy, but joining the Observer Corps has been a great way to stay active in the League and learn so much more about school politics." Elizabeth Currin
"Attending meetings while sporting my big blue LWV button is educational, interesting, and rewarding."
Amy Mikell, Observer Corps Chair
Want to know more? Submit the form below and a volunteer will follow up.
