If you are seeking an opportunity to become involved in your community, stepping up to be an alternate member of a land use board is an excellent way to dip your toe in the water and learn the ropes. Joining a land use board as a full-fledged member can be challenging; after all, learning how meetings work and when it’s appropriate to speak (and listen) can be tough. But being an alternate affords you the opportunity to serve your community, make a difference, and learn! Here are some of the best reasons to join a land use board as an alternate:
- Learning opportunities. As an alternate member, you will learn a great deal about land use regulations and procedures. While you’ll only be a voting member if there is an absence, you participate in the discussions and will gain new insight into the inner workings of your municipality’s planning efforts.
- Share your voice and opinions. Even though you’re an alternate, you will still participate in debates about matters that are vital to your community. This allows you to formulate opinions, express them, and influence the outcome of a decision. Renters, women, people of color, and young people are all historically underrepresented in municipal government. Even if you aren’t voting, you have a seat at the table and bring an important perspective.
- Potential for future involvement. If a current board member resigns or is unable to attend a meeting, you may be called upon to act as a voting member. In many communities, serving as an alternate member is the first step in becoming a full member. As full members reach a term limit or resign, the longest serving alternate is often appointed as the replacement. If your town elects full board members, then serving as an alternate is a helpful qualification when talking to voters. Serving as an alternate will also allow you to determine whether being appointed or elected as a full voting member is of interest to you!
- The need is prevalent and strong. 89% (!) of communities in New Hampshire have at least one vacancy, and there are over 900 total vacancies — with over 800 of these as unfilled alternate positions! Joining a land use board in an alternate role allows you to get involved, make an impact on your community for decades to come, and determine whether an expanded role in public service is of interest to you. Many communities are actively looking for alternate volunteers and will appreciate you stepping up!
- Every alternate position is appointed. Yes, you read that right: every alternate land use board position is appointed, not elected. Getting elected to one of the land use board vacancies requires a good deal of commitment and possibly funding for a campaign, whereas getting appointed as an alternate typically requires a letter of interest and board approval.
Many community members are daunted by the prospect of becoming a voting member of a land use board. It just seems like a lot! But being an alternate can be an effective way to get involved, share your voice, learn about your community, and experience the true joy of making an impact in your community. Contact us to learn more, or click here to see openings in various municipalities around the state.
