27 Jan Unlocking Opportunity: Why Women Should Consider Boards and Commissions
There are no prerequisites to running for political office or getting involved in public service. You are qualified and prepared to run already! However, if you are looking for a non-elected position to get involved, consider joining a board or commission as a way to serve others and get a pulse on the needs of your community.
“I always encourage people, start out on a city commission or a county commission. You can find them on your city clerk’s website or your county clerk’s website. Find something that you care about, something you’re passionate about…and there you get to know people who ultimately will be your grassroots supporters.” – Candace Andersen, Contra County Supervisor
Most levels of government have a variety of boards, commissions, or committees that non-elected citizens can sit on as a way to serve the community. Some municipalities have different names for these boards, but generally speaking they are groups that consist of volunteers and who are often appointed or approved by elected officials. Depending on the size of the board and the level of government, the expectations for participation will be different.
For example, most cities have planning commissions (or something similar)– groups of non-elected citizens appointed or approved to help the city with land use planning. Sure, there will be commission members who have actual expertise in the subject matter, but everyone who sits on a board or commission has valuable life experience for the group. Don’t be intimidated by a lack of expertise – if you have the desire to serve, you are qualified to help.
“You don’t have to be the mayor, you don’t have to be on the city council to make a difference where you are. Just help where you are needed.” Candace Andersen, Contra County Supervisor
Why Boards and Commissions Matter
Boards and commissions often play a significant role in shaping policy and overseeing critical programs. Some are advisory, providing guidance to state agencies. Others, like licensing boards or judicial nominating commissions, make impactful decisions that affect everyday lives. As Nina Barnes, a champion for women’s civic engagement, noted on a recent podcast epidode, “The decisions these boards make often shape the policies and priorities of our state. Women need to be part of those conversations.”
Moreover, these roles provide an accessible entry point to public service. Unlike elected positions, appointments don’t require a campaign, and many positions prioritize passion and dedication over formal qualifications.
Where to start
If you like the idea of getting involved as a volunteer board member, a great place to start is on your city, county, or state’s website. Most will have a list of boards, commissions, and committees open to resident volunteers. Sometimes, it will be as simple as emailing the board chair listed on the local government website and asking what it takes to join. You may find it easy to join your city’s beautification commission! However, joining some boards and commissions is a less intuitive process – start attending the public meetings they hold and you will quickly get a sense of what work they do and whether you’d like to help. Stick around after the meetings to talk to those currently serving and ask them how you can get involved.
Applying to serve on a state board or commission might feel daunting, but it’s more straightforward than it seems. Many boards accept applications directly through platforms like boards.utah.gov. This user-friendly website allows you to search for openings by interest area, view qualifications, and apply online.
Brooke Scheffler, Director of Boards and Commissions in the Utah Governor’s Office, shared on a recent Project ElectED podcast that persistence is often necessary: “Even if you don’t get appointed the first time, don’t give up. Often, agencies will remember your name and consider you for future openings.” She also encouraged applicants to contact her office directly, as having a personal advocate can make all the difference.
Overcoming Barriers
One of the most common hurdles women face is self-doubt. “Women often think they’re not qualified enough,” Scheffler explained. “But most boards have public member seats that don’t require specific expertise. If you’re passionate about an issue, you’re already a great candidate.”
Barnes agreed, adding, “We know from research that boards and commissions are stronger and more effective when they include diverse perspectives. Your experience as a mother, a professional, or a community volunteer is invaluable.”
Another barrier is time. For busy women balancing careers, family, and church responsibilities, adding one more thing to the calendar can feel overwhelming. However, many boards meet quarterly or have flexible schedules; some even allow virtual participation.
The Reward of Service
Serving on a board or commission isn’t just about contributing to your community—it’s also about personal growth. “Being involved has given me confidence and fulfillment,” Barnes shared. “It’s shown my children that service extends beyond our home and church to the broader community.”
Scheffler echoed this sentiment: “The connections you make, the impact you have, and the sense of being part of something bigger than yourself—it’s incredibly rewarding.”
Take the First Step
As 2025 begins, now is the perfect time to explore how you can make a difference. Start by visiting boards.utah.gov or reaching out to your city or county office to learn about local opportunities. For guidance and resources tailored to women, check out the Bolder Way Forward’s Civic Engagement Spoke or Utah Women and Leadership Project’s list of boards and commissions.
Serving on a government board is a great way to help your community, and it is an excellent way to develop your leadership skills and prepare for other forms of public service.
As Barnes beautifully put it, “Not everyone needs to run for office, but we all need to contribute and support those who can excel in these spaces.” Your voice matters, and your perspective is needed.
So, what are you waiting for? Take that first step, and discover how you can serve—and thrive—on a board or commission. You might just find that this is where your journey into public service begins.
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