Why you should get involved

By Dorothy Dowe
Council Member, Greenville City Council

As we head into a new year and consider how to best utilize our personal resources of time, treasure, and talent, service on government appointed boards and commissions might be a rewarding option to consider.

Why? Boards and commissions provide a great pathway to exercising your civic duty and engaging in decision making that impacts us all. Many choose board service to share specific professionally trained skills to assist with the basic functions of government. For example, a person with a background in urban planning could be a valuable addition to our Planning Commission. Similarly, an artistic background or association would certainly be relevant for an appointment to the Art in Public Places Commission.

In addition to service to community, an appointment to a board or commission can be value-added for anyone who has political ambitions. I served on the City of Greenville Public Safety Citizen Review Board (PSCRB) prior to being elected to Greenville City Council. This experience helped me be an effective candidate and was very relevant as our city determined it was necessary to review our PSCRB Board policies following the murder of George Floyd in 2020.

A board or commission seat is also an excellent way to gain perspective on the way government works. Most people have an opinion on the policies pursued by local government, but it isn’t until they are in the room and bearing some of the decision-making responsibility that they are able to appreciate the commitment of our civic leaders.

Becoming part of one of these groups is also an excellent way to build relationships with people you might never have met but who share your love of the Upstate, your interest in a particular subject, and your desire to make a difference.

Each board or commission position is volunteer. The time required varies depending on the appointment. Typically, boards meet once per month with additional workshops scheduled for the city Planning Commission and Design Review Boards. All meetings are open to the public.

In almost all cases, there are more applicants than open positions for the appointments that are to be made. The process is competitive and for this reason, the application itself is extremely important. Applications for city positions are initially reviewed by our staff liaisons to the individual boards and commissions. Staff prepares a list of applicants recommended for interview to the City Council. Council members select which applicants are invited to interview. Interviews last approximately 30 minutes and are typically held with three councilmembers present to interview each applicant. Ultimately the selected applicants are appointed by City Council.

Both the City of Greenville and Greenville County will soon begin the semi-annual review and appointment of citizens wishing to serve in such a capacity. For service on a board or commission in the City of Greenville, there is an online application system that is open year-round, however appointments are made in the spring and fall. To be considered for the spring 2023 cycle, you must submit your application by February 1st. Learn more about the City of Greenville boards and commissions and view a list of vacancies that will be filled this cycle.

Editor’s Note: County Boards and Commissions used to be on the same application schedule, but that changed this year. Application for county boards open on September 1. Watch here for more information and to identify open seats you might be interested in.

Dorothy Dowe is a member of the League of Women Voters of Greenville County