[LWV] League of Women Voters®
of the Charleston Area

Observer Corps

Volunteer Observer Corps for Public Meetings

LWVCA's Observer Corps attends public meetings in the B-C-D area and keeps the League up-to-date on current issues in our government.

Volunteering for Observer Corps.  Tips for Observers.

About Observer Corps

All members of the LWVCA are invited (encouraged!) to volunteer for our Observer Corps. Members attend meetings of a government group that they are interested in, such as City Council, School Board, or County Council. Their attendance allows the League to stay up-to-date on issues affecting our area, especially those that concern League Action/Advocacy Areas. The Corps has an important role to play in keeping LWVCA membership informed and connected to local officials.
---------------------

Tips for Observers

  • Try to pick a geographic area you are interested in (close to home, in your district, etc.). Plan to cover the same meetings over a period of time. (Ex. James Island Town Council meetings) This way you will get to know the officials and know what to expect.

  • Know the time and place of your meeting, and call the Clerk or secretary to confirm. The Charleston County website has a list of all County Meetings and links to municipalities' websites.

  • Wear a LWV button or nametag with "LWV" on it to the meeting. Arrive a few minutes before meeting time. Introduce yourself to the Clerk and obtain an agenda for the meeting.

  • Check to see if the Board/Council has been in Executive Session beforehand or if they plan to adjourn to an Executive Session.

  • If the Board/Council is in Public Session, citizens may ask questions or bring up areas of concern.

  • Take notes on the session - particularly decisions or outcomes of discussions. Is there anything the LWV should be alerted to, or were things that we already have as an action item discussed?

  • Turn in a brief reporting of significant information, and plan on having a short paragraph of relevant information ready for our bi-monthly newsletter, the Voters Voice.

Comments, suggestions, questions? Contact our webmaster. Last revised: November 16, 2009 17:34 PST.

© Copyright League of Women Voters of the Charleston Area, South Carolina. All rights reserved.