Boards and commissions are involved in governance at every level of government – municipal, county, state, and even federal.
How can you determine where you should serve?
It all depends on your interests and experience!
TIP: Where you live can help you determine whether to apply for a municipal or county board. Some municipalities require you to live within city or town limits to be eligible to serve. Check to see if that’s the case for your municipality by contacting the clerk to council or reading the city’s code of ordinances.
Serving at the municipal and county level allows you to be hands-on in your community, influence policy, and see the difference you’re making. Some boards and commissions are required for local governments based on state law, which means you usually see the same types of boards at the county and municipal levels.
Serving at the statewide level allows you to impact the whole state, broaden your network, and focus on specialized/niche issues. Some state boards, like the South Carolina Public Service Commission, are highly competitive and involve multiple hearings and votes before members are appointed. But don’t let that intimidate you! There are all kinds of boards at the state level, and many do not require prior board experience or Senate confirmation.
Exercise
Need help deciding which level is right for you? Use our Choosing Your Level worksheet to find the boards and level of service in line with your interests.
Thanks for financial support from
