Finding Opportunities & Submitting Your Application

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“My application represents me. ”
-Dr. Kim Roberts, Fairfield County Clerk to Council

Finding Opportunities

Dr. Kim Roberts, Fairfield County Clerk to Council, delves into where to find out about local board and commission vacancies. (1 min. 49 sec. watch)

There is always a need for qualified volunteers, but how do you find what positions are available? Discovering what board and commission positions are open in your community isn’t always easy. Unfortunately, the process is not uniform across every local government (but believe us, we’re working on it). Usually, you can find the necessary information in at least one of the places below.

Government website

Start by checking your local government’s website. Usually, board and commission information is located within the town or county council section, though it may occasionally have its own area on the website. If you can’t easily find it, utilize the website’s search functionality. A word of caution – it is not unusual for this information to be outdated. In fact, we’ve seen instances where the publicly posted information is years out of date. If you see numerous term dates in the past, that’s a hint that the information may be inaccurate.

GAP

Every month, our staff reviews government websites, pours through council meeting minutes and agendas, checks press releases, and contacts clerks to council. We do this to assemble our Governmental Appointments Project (GAP) database. We include most counties and several municipalities. Because we do this full-time and pull from so many sources, our database is often more accurate than what you may be able to pull together yourself.

MatchBoard

Did we mention that this outdated, scattershot process frustrates us too? So much so that we created MatchBoard. MatchBoard is a web-app governments can use to manage their boards and commissions, and citizens use to apply to serve. While only some local governments use MatchBoard, more are always joining. Check out MatchBoard to see if your local government is one of our innovators. Because the system is online and highly automated, it’s more accurate than manual databases. It’s also easier to apply. You can even check on the status of your application. Wish your government was using MatchBoard? Tell them about us!

Counties and cities need to get the word out about available opportunities, which means sometimes they’ll issue press releases which you can find on their websites, post about positions on social media, and share openings with local media to distribute. Make sure you’re following your local government on social media, and maybe throw in a local news outlet or two for good measure.

Contact the Clerk

Even with all these options, sometimes you still can’t find what positions are available. When that’s the case, don’t hesitate to contact the clerk. They manage the boards, so they know what’s available and how to get started.

Dr. Kim Roberts, Fairfield County Clerk to Council, delves into where to find out about local board and commission vacancies. (1 min. 54 sec. watch)

TIP: Know your council district! This question appears on nearly every application. Fairfield County Clerk to Council Dr. Kim Roberts explains why it’s vital to know what your council district is and who your council member is. Not sure about yours? Check scVOTES.

Submitting an Application

You’re ready to start the application process. So where do you begin? Sadly, the application process isn’t uniform, either. Each county and city will have its own application form. Our exercise will walk you through the application questions you can expect, but here are some helpful tips for the process, no matter the application.

Fill it out completely. It may seem like it goes without saying, but ensure you fill out your application completely. You would be surprised how easy it is to miss a field. Always make sure to proofread your submission. If council has to choose between multiple people to fill a position, those with typos and incomplete information are easily eliminated from consideration.
If possible, include a resume and references. Some applications can be short and may not give you the space you need to show off your qualifications. If you’re applying for a board or commission that reflects your personal experience rather than professional experience, update your resume accordingly. For example, if you’re in recovery and applying for an alcohol and drug abuse board, include your experience as a sponsor and in community organizations. References are a great way to show off your connections and demonstrate competency.
Keep a copy of your application, especially if the application process isn’t automated. Sometimes things fall between the cracks. Having a copy of your application will make it easy to resubmit if it is misplaced or does not arrive.
Let the clerk know if something changes. If you start a new job before council votes, let the clerk know, as it may make you a more viable candidate. If you move to a new neighborhood, let the clerk know, as it may change your council district.
Check if your county or municipality allows you to apply to multiple boards or commissions. Many do. That increases your chances of being appointed and saves you from choosing between the boards you’re interested in.