The League of Women Voters’ Observer Corps consists of volunteers who watch local government meetings and report back to League members about what officials are doing. Not only does the Observer Corps help the League stay informed on new legislation, government programs or other activities that relate to the organization’s mission - these volunteers also ensure public meetings are conducted in an open and transparent way. The presence of the Observer Corps at governmental meetings promotes accountability of elected officials, while also gathering valuable information. High School students interested in pursuing careers in politics or government, law, journalism, education, public health, public safety, environmental sciences and sustainability, urban planning, or business are highly recommended to apply.
Due to COVID-19, Montgomery County government meetings are streamed and archived online. The following virtual/remote project to be completed at home will allow high school students to earn SSL hours by observing live-streamed meetings of the Montgomery County Council, the Board of Education, the Board of Elections or other open government meetings on matters of interest to the League. We want participating students to apply their computing technology and analytical thinking on the following topics:
What are the issues being discussed by government bodies in Montgomery County? How do these entities conduct their business meetings? How can citizens participate in the process of government? How do initiatives become laws in Montgomery County? Is there anything I can do as an individual to influence a specific decision or contribute constructively to a current discussion?
Project Components
Part A: Attend a conference call with the head of the Observer Corps to prepare for observing government meetings. Students may state a preference of what to cover or can be assigned meetings by the head of the Observer Corps = 1 SSL hour
Part B: Observe live-streamed meetings, identifying government representatives who are present and recording observations which are shared with the Observer Corps = 3 SSL hours per meeting
Part C: Write a brief report on the content of the meeting and observations about the process. If possible, the student will identify future meetings or ways in which the League or members of the public can become involved in discussions/decisions about the topics covered in the meeting. This report will be filed with the project supervisor using the format that will be provided, and by the deadline set by the supervisor = 1 SSL hour per meeting
If the meetings are during the school day, the student may choose to observe the recorded meeting instead. All reports must be submitted to the project supervisor within one week of the meeting observed, or the deadline set by the supervisor.
Application Requirements:
In the “Additional Volunteer Information” section of the registration input screen, please state your age, grade level and school, which government and civics courses you have completed and describe how you meet the skills and interest requirements below:
High School students between the ages of 14 and 19. Ability to watch recorded meetings, analyze and summarize meeting activities in a succinct report using a format that will be provided. Willingness to learn about local government actions, how legislators fulfill their responsibilities, and the role of the public in influencing these actions.
Also indicate how many meetings you would like to observe per month and preferences, if any, on the governmental body to observe.
Note: Student participation in any MCPS SSL opportunity is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home until schools resume normal status.
In compliance with MCPS rules on virtual SSL projects, interactions between the students and the project mentor will be entirely through email or telephone. The project supervisor will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. For the supervisor to sign the Form 560-51 to certify your completed SSL hours, you will be asked to reflect and write a brief report on the purpose and importance of the service you have completed.
Questions about the project will be addressed by the project supervisor upon receipt and acceptance of your registration.
