Get involved: Volunteer for a county board, committee or commission

Your county government encourages you to get involved by applying to serve on a board, committee or commission. If you have a specific passion, area of expertise or interest, volunteer for a member vacancy today.

As a member, you can make an impact on government policies and assist in representing the needs of your fellow residents. Through your involvement, you can learn more about local government operations and procedures, and better understand what is happening in your community.

Board, committe, and commission members advise the Charles County Board of Commissioners. Many boards and commissions are accepting new members. The Board of License Commissioners (Liquor Board) is seeking a District 2 resident to fill a vacancy. The liquor board is a five-member board that reviews and approves the issuing and renewing of county liquor licenses.

The Library Board of Trustees has an open vacancy for an individual with a passion for our local libraries. The board of trustees deals with all aspects of the library, including services, staff, rules and regulations, and other functions for proper delivery of library services.

The Commission on Individuals with Disabilities is seeking someone who would like to increase social acceptance and ensuring full participation of individuals with disabilities in county life. The commission provides the board of commissioners with advice, information and assistance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Those passionate about our aging community can apply for a vacancy with the Area Council on Aging. The council promotes the welfare and betterment of our county’s senior citizens by working actively the community; developing awareness of problems and concerns; and promoting community support for senior programs.

For a complete list of current board vacancies, visit www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/Commissioners/Boards. Citizen advisory members must be Charles County residents, and appointees may serve on only one board, committee, or commission at a time, for the purpose of providing board county representation, unless specifically provided by county ordinance, code, or resolution.

Even if you are not a board member, you can still get involved in County Government by attending meetings, or viewing them live on Charles County Government Television, which broadcasts on Comcast channel 95 and Verizon channel 10, or the county’s website at www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/Media-Services/CCGTV/CCGTV. To view upcoming meeting dates, visit our online calendar at www.CharlesCountyMD.gov and select the “Boards and Commissions” option.

For further information about boards and commissions, visit www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/Commissioners/Boards, or contact Carol DeSoto at 301-645-0691 or DeSotoC@CharlesCountyMD.gov. Citizens with special needs, contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming meetings — whether it’s in the audience or as a new board, committee or commission member.

Carol DeSoto is the senior commissioner specialist with Charles County Government.