GET INVOLVED

Why Join a Local Board or Commission?

Are you ready to lead the change you want to see in your community? Do you know about the many ways that ordinary folks can become community decisionmakers? Democracy doesn’t just take place in Washington DC and Sacramento, it happens right here in your neighborhood, city and county.

From school boards and citizen advisory councils to county land-use commissions there are many opportunities for participation in local government. Some require running in an election campaign, but others simply require filling out an application.

Boards and commissions play a vital role in shaping local ordinances and policies. Joining a local board or commission offers a unique opportunity to contribute to your community, to engage with issues in a meaningful way and to advocate for the issues and values that matter most to you. This enables you to become a more informed and engaged citizen.

Visit each Sonoma County city’s website for board and commissions information. View a list of Sonoma County board and commission vacancies here:

https://sonoma-county.granicus.com/boards/w/808bd6e42edf8e0f/vacancies

WHY DOES THIS MATTER?

Participation in boards or commissions strengthens local democracy and ensures that local governance is more responsive to the needs of the community. Contributing your unique skills and expertise to help address community needs will directly impact the quality of life for residents of your community. Participation will also expand your professional and social network in a forum where your opinion matters, your point of view matters and your perspective matters.

Learn more: https://www.sheshouldrun.org/resources/3-ways-to-get-involved-inlocal-government/

For more civics topics: lwvsonoma.org/civicsmenu