Guidelines for Observers

Welcome to the LWVMA Observer Corps!

If you are looking for an easy way to become more civically involved, and learn about “behind the scenes” decision-making in your community, become a League Observer. You can attend a local meeting online from the comfort of your home, as often as you wish. If it is offered, an in-person meeting may be your choice.

Save Time

If you are already familiar with these Guidelines, use the Quick Tips for Observers as reminders before your observation.

Function of Observer Corps

Members of the League’s Observer Corps listen, learn, and report factual information about proceedings in local councils, boards, committees, or commissions in our county government. The Observer Corps exists to foster transparency and accountability. The League believes that the presence of observers helps keep organizations attentive to doing the public’s business.

Keep in Mind

Observers are the “eyes and ears” of the League. Observers do not participate or speak. You are representing a non-partisan organization. Observers are respective, impartial, and polite. It is not an opportunity to pursue personal interests or give an opinion, before, during, or after a meeting.

Transparency

If there is any indication in the meeting announcement that the organization wishes to know in advance who may be attending, please follow through. If you need assistance, we can help.

Prepare

Visit the website of the organization that you plan to observe. Background information and familiarity with who’s who can be helpful. Verify the meeting date, time, and location or Zoom link.

Display Your League Affiliation

You may use one of these methods:

• Wear a LWV pin.

• If on Zoom, rename yourself in the Participants list by adding “LWV Observer” after your name.

• Share in the Zoom Chat that you are simply observing, from the LWV Observer Corps.

How to Observe

Now you’re ready to attend an in-person or Zoom meeting as an observer.

1. If there is an introduction of attendees, please share your name, and that you represent the League of Women Voters of the Montclair Area, a non-partisan organization. You will not be speaking, only listening. (Only the League President speaks for the League.)
2. Listen and take notes about the proceedings and outcomes. What are the most important things our League would want or need to know?
3. To report, fill out the Observer Corps Report Form, found on our website. Be sure to include important points that could be relevant to our local, state, or national League positions.
4. Follow-up: You may be asked to write a short summary for The Voter.
5. Feedback from the Committee chair will be provided.

Duration

As an observer, you may want to attend meetings with one organization, as familiarity will bring more understanding. Or you may want to observe multiple agencies. It is our hope that, after a short training, you will want to volunteer for numerous observations.

Training

We will provide regular orientations and updates for the LWV Observer Corps. There can also be one-on-one follow-up training sessions if needed.

Something of Concern?

Observers are often the first line for conveying information that impacts League positions to League leaders. What we see and hear can lead to League action — calling attention to issues that the League may wish to advocate for or study. This is based on our national League’s Impact on Issues. If something of concern does take place, email the Observer Corps chair. Depending on the situation, the chair may contact the League President so that the Board can discuss it in a timely manner.

Use the resources on the Observer Corps webpage

Member login may be required to view some resources. Read Observing Your Government in Action for more information about how an Observer Corps works.

Learn about “sunshine laws.” These are federal, state, or local laws that give the public access to government meetings and government records (with some exceptions), promoting government transparency and accountability. The League of Women Voters has been an active champion of openness in government throughout its history. See “What Is Sunshine?” on page 1 of Observing Your Government in Action.

If diversity issues arise, consider looking at the national League’s DEI Lens resource.

Hooray! We are thrilled that you want to join us in the LWV Observer Corps.