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Observer Corps

 

Colorado Citizen Observers

Participants observe local government meetings and report on what has occurred for the benefit of the League as well as the public. Observers learn more about what is happening within our government and, by their presence and submitting reports, encourage government bodies to be more open, accessible, and responsive to those they serve. 


Observers maintain the nonpartisan stance of the League of Women Voters of Larimer County. Prior to a meeting, Observers introduce themselves and wear nametags that identify each as a League member. However, Observers do just that—observe. They do not speak on any issues. During the meeting, Observers take notes regarding any action or discussion they consider noteworthy, including the names of those speaking and voting, as well as how participants voted.


The Larimer County League is very interested in having the meetings of government agencies across Larimer County become more transparent through our observations. ANY government agency is observable—from school board meetings through City and County council meetings.



To find out about how to become an Observer, please contact Sonia Koetting at citizenobservers@lwv-larimercounty.org


Colorado Citizen Observers (COCO)

Colorado Sunshine Laws allow citizens to observe the process and decisions of public meetings. The Observer Corps of the League of Women Voters has long encouraged observing and reporting meeting details to interested groups. At the inception of the United Nations in 1945, members of LWV were invited as official Observers!

More recently, 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 LWV's priorities of voter education and our hallmark position, 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.


Participants in the Colorado Citizen Observers project (COCO) help to raise public awareness by observing meetings and filing unbiased, publishable reports of those meetings for use by local media. They learn established rules for behavior at public meetings and how to make useful notes. We share them on our public-facing platform and on Substack.


Diverse applicants for COCO are encouraged. Observers are trained, but are not required to be members of LWV.  Our ability to pay them depends on current funding of the project.