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Citizen Observer Project
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Promoting and Protecting the Citizens Right to Know


The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that democratic government depends upon informed and active participation at all levels of government. The League further believes that governmental bodies must protect the citizen's right to know by giving adequate notice of proposed actions, holding open meetings, and making public records accessible.


Citizen Observer Project Goals

Increase citizen engagement with local government decisions and identify overlooked issues.



At the inception of the United Nations in 1945, members of the LWV were invited as official Observers! Today in Larimer County we honor Colorado Sunshine Laws by publishing summaries of decisions and performance of the town governments in our diverse communities on Substack.


This may include any of the 100 public meetings that take place each month in our county. Governments we aim to watch consistently include Loveland, Fort Collins, Wellington, Timnath, Windsor, Berthoud, Thompson School District, Poudre School District and the Larimer County government. Will you follow any of these?


This most recent iteration of the project began around the time that LWVUS recognized journalism and local news as a Pillar of Democracy, around 2022. Because we no longer quietly file reports mostly hidden from the public, the new iteration is referred to as the Observer Project (rather than the traditional Observer Corps).


The League of Women Voters of Larimer County has partnered with Colorado-based organizations aimed at creative solutions to support embattled local journalism while fostering public trust. Our participation in this sphere exemplifies the LWV's priorities of voter education and our hallmark position, the Citizens Right to Know.


We are especially excited that we have vastly expanded the detail of our reports with the benefit of an exclusive AI tool built for government analysis. The reports are extracted from government documents and are NOT advocacy, though it’s clear facts and trends revealed could support or instigate advocacy. We use AI to assist our human engagement as we aim to foster access, accountability and participation.

Observer Reports




Participants in the project help raise public awareness by observing meetings. With the help of a unique AI program created specifically for government analysis, composing reports is no longer required. Observers serve as a liaison so that the subject governments are aware we are reporting, and they have a personal contact. Helping the team review veracity and readability of the reports is part of the role. Gathering electronic documents for analysis is another part.


You can read Observer Reports on our Blogs.

They are also available on Substack.


Diverse applicants for this role are encouraged. Membership in LWV is helpful, but not a requirement for participation.