11 May How to Get Started in Public Service: Serving on Boards and Commissions
Here is something not enough people know: you do not need to run for office to be a meaningful force in local government. Right now, in your city, county, or state, there are volunteer seats on boards and commissions waiting to be filled — by people exactly like you.
Serving on a board or commission is one of the most practical, low-barrier ways to start building your public service experience, develop real leadership skills, and get to know the people and priorities that shape your community.
What Are Boards and Commissions?
Most levels of government — city, county, and state — rely on volunteer advisory boards, commissions, and committees to help elected officials make informed decisions. These groups cover a wide range of topics:
- Planning commissions — guiding land use and development decisions
- Parks and recreation boards — shaping public spaces and community programming
- Arts and culture commissions — supporting creative and cultural investment
- Historic preservation committees — protecting community heritage
- Budget advisory boards — providing public oversight of local finances
The exact names and structures vary by municipality, but the common thread is this: these boards exist to bring community voices into local government. Your voice belongs there.
You Do Not Need to Be an Expert
One of the most common reasons women hesitate to apply for a board seat is the feeling that they are not qualified enough — that they lack the technical background or professional credentials the role requires.
Candace Andersen, a Contra Costa County Supervisor, pushes back on that thinking directly:
“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.”
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— Candace Andersen, Contra Costa County Supervisor
Yes, some board members may have professional expertise in the subject matter — but every member brings the lived experience of a community resident. That experience is not a nice-to-have. It is the whole point.
“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.”
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— Candace Andersen, Contra Costa County Supervisor
How to Find an Open Seat
Getting started is simpler than most people expect. Here is a practical path forward:
1. Visit your city or county’s official website. Look for a section on boards, commissions, or advisory committees. Most will list which groups are currently accepting applications.
2. Look for something that aligns with your passion. Whether that is education, housing, the environment, small business, or community health — find an issue where your experience and interests intersect.
3. Start attending public meetings. This is the fastest way to understand how a board operates, what the current members are working on, and whether it is a good fit. Stick around after meetings to introduce yourself.
4. Ask the current members how to get involved. Most people who are already serving are genuinely glad to welcome new participants — just reach out.
Some seats are filled through a simple application and appointment by the mayor or city council. Others may involve a more formal selection process. Either way, showing up and expressing interest puts you significantly ahead of most people.
Why This Experience Matters
Beyond the immediate good you will do for your community, serving on a board builds the exact skills that translate directly into running for office — or into any other form of civic leadership:
- Understanding how local government works — budgets, processes, key stakeholders
- Building relationships with community members and elected officials
- Developing your public speaking and meeting facilitation skills
- Getting your name known among the people who will become your supporters
Public service is not a single on-ramp. It is a network of paths — and boards and commissions are one of the most accessible and meaningful places to begin.
Take Your First Step Today
If you are ready to get involved but are not sure where to start, Project Elect can help you identify opportunities and connect with others who have already made this journey.
Explore resources and join our community at projectelectwomen.org, or fill out our JOIN US form to get started today.
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