Protecting your right to know
An observer is an individual who attends a governmental meeting, notes what happens at the meeting, and reports back to the League and (hopefully) the community. By attending public meetings of local governmental bodies/agencies, observers learn more about what their government is doing.
They learn about the issues facing their community and are empowered to take action, if warranted. They also learn how issues are being addressed. Observers keep elected and appointed officials on notice; they let them know that someone is watching what decisions are being made and how they are being made. They help ensure that the issues facing their community are being handled “in the sunshine,” in the open.
Ideally, observers are monitoring both the issues being discussed as well as the process by which they are being discussed. While not every item up for discussion will relate to a League’s priorities, ensuring that the meeting is being conducted in an open and acceptable way is critical to all of the League’s efforts and the health of our democracy.
Observer programs are not vehicles for individuals to work personal or partisan agendas. Observers generally do not “act” on issues in these meetings. Unless serving as a designated spokesperson for the League, observers should not provide commentary or testimony on issues on behalf of the League. Instead, observers attend meetings to gather information. Through the process, their presence encourages better, more transparent government.
Current LWV-HCTX Observer Corps
Observers from the League of Women Voters - Hill Country Texas regularly attend and report on meetings of the following government bodies:
- Blanco County Commissioners Court
- Fredericksburg ISD School Board
- Fredericksburg City Council
- Gillespie County Commissioners Court
- Kendall County Commissioners Court
- Kerr County Commissioners Court
- Kerrville City Council
- Llano County Commissioners Court
League members who are interested in joining our Observer Corps can check the Observer Corps checkbox in the "Civic Actions" section of your Member Interests page.