Opportunities to Engage with the District Government

By Evan Brown (American 2014)

While student engagement with the D.C. government has grown exponentially over the past few years, the ultimate goal is to achieve a continuous and mutually beneficial relationship. Numerous vacancies currently vacant on Boards and Commissions in the District offer a path to such an opportunity.

Students have typically interacted with the government on an event-driven basis. Campus Plan hearings, redistricting, legislation, ANC meetings, and other similar things have drawn student interest. Now, DC Students Speak encourages all students to apply for a Board or Commission if they believe they may be interested.

Some of the committees that may be relevant to students include:

-          Tenant Advisory Council

-          Environmental Planning Commission

-          Advisory Committee to the Office of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, & Transgendered Affairs

-          Commission for National and Community Service

-          Commission for Women

-          Commission on Human Rights

-          Mayor’s Commission on Persons with Disabilities

A full list of vacancies is available here- http://obc.dc.gov/obc/frames.asp?doc=/obc/lib/obc/pdf/vacancy_list.pdf

We believe students are more than qualified to contribute positively to this city through such Commissions and Advisory Boards. Students can work with the government to make this city a better place for all. Through positive interaction and engagement, it is our hope that students and other residents of the city will work together positively and foster productive relationships.

In order to apply, one must fill out a simple form, a tax disclosure request, and submit a resume or biography. A guide to registering is available here (http://obc.dc.gov/obc/cwp/view,a,3,q,520782,obcNav,%7C31356%7C.asp) and here (http://obc.dc.gov/obc/frames.asp?doc=/obc/lib/obc/information/pdfs/obc_application_guide.pdf).

Please feel free to contact DC Students Speak if you have any questions, and we will be happy to support you.