Making Democracy Work

Observer Corps

Want to stay informed and make a difference? Want to improve government?

Become an observer!

One of the best ways to improve the quality of government is to "put it in the spotlight." Sometimes videotaping governmental meetings can accomplish this, but most government business occurs without this watchful eye. League has long believed in the value of an observer corps whose job it is to stay abreast of issues by maintaining a presence at as many government meetings as possible.

Becoming an observer is a perfect opportunity for someone to have an impact simply by attending one meeting per month. We believe there are benefits not only to the observers, our organization, and the community, but to the board or committee being observed as well.

Our role is to gather information.

We learn about what the governmental body is doing, we learn about the issues facing our community, and we are empowered to take action, if warranted and supported by previously determined League positions.

We also learn how issues are being addressed. The League promotes government openness, transparency and accountability as vital to a healthy democracy.

Follow the links to discover how to become an observer, what resources are available, and what you would be expected to do. And then, join us!

By doing this you will have accomplished two vital tasks: First, you will let our government officials know that we (as citizens and League members) are watching how they do their job.

Second, you will be helping your local League members stay informed and able to react as important issues arise. Please contact the LWV DC for more information; Contact Us.

Policies and Procedures

PURPOSE:

One of the best ways to improve the quality of government is to "put it in the spotlight." Sometimes videotaping governmental meetings can accomplish this, but most government business occurs without this watchful eye.

The League has long believed in the value of an observer corps whose job it is to stay abreast of issues by maintaining a presence at as many government meetings as possible.

BENEFITS:

  • Government officials perform more responsibly.
  • Citizens can participate in government decision-making in a timely and effective way.
  • Decisions made by government are more balanced and reflective of the wishes of the electorate.
  • Communication between League and local governmental officials and agencies is strengthened. League members become more engaged.
  • League observers become experts in local government.
  • League members see how the organization's mission is being fulfilled in a concrete, measurable way.
  • Individuals are provided a specific way to get involved with League.
  • Attendance at meetings helps League identify larger community issues, concerns, or trends that may shape future programs and work.
  • League will be more visible; may attract new members.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Member of LWV.
  • Knowledge, understanding, and adherence to LWV DC Policies and Procedures.
  • Participation in an Observer Corps orientation to review Open Meetings/Open Records Law, Non-partisan policy, Observer Corps policy, Guidelines for Taking Action, and the Observer Corps Report Form with President or Action Chairman.
  • Adoption of at least one governmental body or committee and attendance at all of their meetings to the best of their ability OR serve as a substitute for other observers as their schedule permits.
  • Attempt to find a substitute if they are unable to attend a meeting.

PROCEDURES:

  • Select a committee or governmental body and find out the name of the chairman, members, and time and place of meeting.
  • Contact the chairman and clerk of the governmental body to introduce yourself and arrange to get an agenda and materials packet previous to each meeting.
  • If there is a cost for receiving the materials make arrangements with the LWV DC President or Action Chairman for payment or reimbursement.
  • Using available resources, become acquainted with how the committee or governmental body functions. i.e. What are their supervisory and/or financial responsibilities? What rules or procedures guide the group and the committees and departments they oversee? What are the rules for public participation for this group?
  • Complete a LWV DC report form to document your observations: Observer Corps Report Form.

Resources

GENERAL INFORMATION: Meeting time, location, procedures (public participation, etc.).

Check with the LWV DC chairperson or secretary. Try the government websites. Meeting dates and times often change, so visit the website before you take make plans to attend a meeting. Call the Clerk's office of the county, village, town or city to check on possible last minute changes in meetings.

Door County Board of Supervisors monthly meeting calendar

Door County Board of Supervisors meeting agendas and minutes

Door County Committee meeting packets

Door County other Commissions, Committees and Boards meeting calendar

Sturgeon Bay calendar of meetings

Wisconsin State Legislature proposed 2013-2014 session schedule

Annual reports: Call the committee, department, or body that you are observing or that your group oversees. Ask for a copy of the annual report and read it. This will give you more understanding of what they do, how they do it, and what issues they face.

DOOR COUNTY INFORMATION: Official Directory.

This wonderful little resource can be purchased from the County Clerk at the Government Center (first copy is free; additional copies are $2 each; also found online at county website). New copies are available in May or June (sometimes copies run out). It lists members of all county, city, town, and village governments and their addresses and phone numbers. It also contains county school boards, information on state and federal representatives, county and city personnel, county committees, rules of order and many other useful items.

OPEN MEETINGS LAW / OPEN RECORDS LAW:

Open Meetings questions about posting of agendas:

1) The agenda must be posted 24 hours before the meeting. The County Board's rules require 48 hours and other bodies may have other rules, but no less than 24 hrs. There is an exemption for a shorter time for emergencies.

2) It must be posted 3 places and must be a complete agenda. (The County Board calendar, for example, does not count as one of the three.) The newspaper posting doesn't count as one of the three either. It is a courtesy. The county's postings are in the lobby of the County Gov. Center near the stairs near the front door, at the Justice Center, and the library bulletin board. Online is also a courtesy but does not count as one of the three.

Become as familiar as possible with the sunshine laws for our state at The Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council. Get a hard or electronic copy from Action Chairman.

LWV POSITIONS: You can learn about League positions by accessing them online.

For National positions, go to National LWV

For Wisconsin positions go to Wisconsin LWV

For Door County positions, contact the Action Chair for hard or electronic copies.