Become an Observer

The Open Meetings Law
​The Open Meetings Law ensures "the right of all citizens to have advance notice of and to attend all meetings of public bodies at which any business affecting the public is discussed or acted upon, with certain limited exceptions to protect the public interest and preserve personal privacy." Consistent with this purpose, the general requirement of the law is that "all meetings of public bodies shall be open to the public at all times." 

How Do Observer Reports Work?
LWV observers are exercising that recognized right to be present at any public meeting.

The Observer Reports come from volunteer observers who are members of the League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria (LWVGP). The reports are presented here as a public service. They are in no way "official," but are intended solely as an informal means of enabling citizens to monitor the meetings of local government bodies. Every effort has been made to make these reports accurate. However, like all materials of this nature, they are subject to human error. 

 

Who Can Be an Observer?
Any League member can join the Local Government Observers (LOGO) group to observe a local government. You select the local government group of your choice, and attend meetings regularly. LOGO members meet as needed to discuss their observations and whether to recommend any League action. A "seasoned Observer" will attend your first meeting or two with you to help you understand things we might look for. You are asked to send in a meeting report to the Voter editor and LOGO chair monthly. 

Complete the form below to learn more about getting involved in LOGO. 

Why Do We Have Observers?
Informed and active participation of citizens in government, increased understanding of major public policy issues, and influencing public policy through education and advocacy is an important part of the League of women Voters. 

​An Observer Corps helps meet that mission. By regularly attending public meetings of local governmental agencies, the Observer Corps' members keep elected officials aware of the organization's interest in local government and helps all the organization's members be better informed citizens through the reports on those meetings.

What is an Observer's Goal?

​OBJECTIVES
To monitor governmental bodies for information of importance to the League and the community/state.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Attend assigned meetings, arriving promptly.
• Take notes/fill out observer form or report actions of interest.
• Advise the board of opportunities for action on League positions.

What Do Observers Observe?

​Some of the things Observers notice include:

• Does an agency's website(s) list the current board members?
• Does the public have appropriate opportunity to speak to the issues on the agenda?
• Are the public meetings noticed per the Open Meetings Act?
• Are minutes of previous meetings, agendas, background information available to the public?
• Do the elected/appointed officials discuss agenda issues prior to voting or does it seem to be pre-determined what will happen? Is the discussion done respectfully?
• How long are the meetings and are there reporters there? Does the information you heard coincide with reports of the meeting?