Boards and Commission Service

Have you ever complained about a city government issue or groaned about the betterment of our Baton Rouge? New plan of government changes have ushered in new opportunities for municipal boards and commission service. We probably all agree that there is a significant opportunity gap between the “old” folks wishing they could give up some of their extra community service and young folks hungry for change. Now is your time to stop groaning and engage in Baton Rouge and get involved. Service on boards and commission is a great way to experience public service and begin your assent. Please review and share the information below and consider applying for any of the number of B&C openings for 2008. Baton Rouge needs your leadership.

UPCOMING OPENINGS

Library Board of Control has 2 new vacancies. Applications are due on January 3rd, 2008. Council will consider on January 9th, 2008.
Planning Commission has 2 new vacancies. 1 appointment is required to be within the City limits. 1 appointment is required to be outside the City Limits within Parish. Applications are due on January 3rd, 2008. Council will consider on January 9th, 2008.
Find other upcoming vacancies online: http://www.brgov.com/dept/council/expire.asp

HOW TO APPLY

Persons interested in serving should contact the Council Administrator-Treasurer’s Office at 389-3123 for additional information. I called Dorothy at the listed number was faxed the attached information. Please call to assure all steps for your application are completed timely.

SEVEN STEPS FOR SUCCESS

IDENTIFY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS OF INTEREST
Get the list of Boards and Commissions and identify the boards you may be interested in. Visit http://www.brgov.com/dept/council/boards.asp for all boards and http://www.brgov.com/dept/council/expire.asp for upcoming vacancies.
INVESTIGATE
Is there a vacancy? What are the requirements for that vacancy?
When and where does the Board or Commission meet?
Who appoints members?
GET SUPPORT AND APPLY
Contact local organizations you’ve served and ask for letters of recommendations.
Contact your state senator, representative, political party leaders, city manager and community supports for letters of recommendation.
If possible, attend a meeting of the Board or Commission of interest and get support from current board members or commissioners.
MAKE CONTACT
Visit with your Metro-Council or local representative and make sure they are committed to championing you through the process.
Arrange phone conversations and sit-down meetings with as many appointers (including all metro-council members if necessary) as possible to promote your application, interest, and experience.
BE PRESENT
Make sure you and as many of your supports as possible attend the vacancy appointment meeting. Say hello to anyone you know to keep the pressure. If you’ve done your contact work, everyone in the room should know how serious you are about your public service commitment.
DON’T BE DISCOURAGED
Sometimes the Boards and Commissions you have an interest in do not have any vacancies, or there may be several individuals who are also interested. Look at other possibilities while keeping an eye on your first choice. The appointment process can take time. Have patience and check frequently on the status of your application.

WE NEED ENGAGED PEOPLE TO MAKE BATON ROUGE A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE, WORK AND PLAY!

A FEW SIDE NOTES

BREC released a preliminary pathway corridor map: http://www.capp-online.org/
Forum 35 host upcoming (re)Inventing Redstick on Tuesday to discuss diversity in the capital city (press release attached)
Forum 35 with All Star Automotive hosts Reindeer Run 2007 along side the Festival of Lights downtown: http://www.reindeer-run.com/


PLEASE SHARE THIS MESSAGE AND HELP US STACK THE DECK FOR 2008

Share with friends through a private message.
Share with your organizations and have the message included in emails.
Share with colleagues at work or professional affiliates who may have an interest in a particular opportunity.