This project involves selecting, attending (virtually or in-person), and systematically observing a government meeting, such as a city council session, school board meeting, or county commission hearing. The final tangible outcome is a structured set of notes detailing the proceedings, key discussions, decisions made, and an outline of the public policy issues at play. This demonstrates the ability to engage with civic processes, extract meaningful information from complex discussions, and understand the practical application of governance in a local context. This project requires minimal integration with existing systems, focusing instead on personal observation and documentation skills.
It is geared for individuals curious about local governance, possessing an analytical temperament, and motivated by a desire to understand the mechanics of public decision-making.
Your strengths and how they will be useful
Your strengths and how they will be useful
Skills you will develop
Hard Skills (3)
Soft Skills (5)
Unravel to explain how each skill will be learned / performed successfully during the project.
Potential friction points and how to mitigate them
Potential friction points and how to mitigate them
Summary
By completing this, you become a more informed and engaged citizen, capable of independently analyzing the operations of local government. Your thinking evolves to include an appreciation for legislative process and the nuances of public discourse. Your technical range expands to include structured observation and information synthesis from live events. This allows you to meaningfully participate in civic life, track issues relevant to your community, and opens creative avenues for community organizing or local journalism. You gain the foundational understanding necessary to assess the effectiveness and fairness of local decision-making.
Summary
By completing this, you become a more informed and engaged citizen, capable of independently analyzing the operations of local government. Your thinking evolves to include an appreciation for legislative process and the nuances of public discourse. Your technical range expands to include structured observation and information synthesis from live events. This allows you to meaningfully participate in civic life, track issues relevant to your community, and opens creative avenues for community organizing or local journalism. You gain the foundational understanding necessary to assess the effectiveness and fairness of local decision-making.