Community Involvement – don’t talk about it, do it!
Over the course of the past few years, I’ve actively participated in a multitude of County Commissioner meetings and City Council gatherings. These engagements have afforded me a unique vantage point, peeling back the layers of local governance and revealing the intricate workings behind the scenes. Through these experiences, I’ve been exposed to a spectrum of realities—some uplifting, others disheartening—yet each contributing to a comprehensive understanding of our community’s dynamics. Beyond mere observation, I’ve immersed myself in the realm of civic involvement by becoming an integral part of various Advisory Boards and Committees convened by both the City and County. These platforms serve as invaluable conduits for citizen empowerment, providing avenues for active participation and the amplification of community voices in shaping the trajectory of our shared future.
Presently, while opportunities for involvement may be limited due to availability, it’s worth noting the array of Advisory Boards operational within the County. Below is a list of these boards, each serving as a beacon for community engagement. For those keen on delving deeper, accompanying links provide comprehensive insights and avenues for further exploration:
- Grants Pass Airport & Illinois Valley Airport
- Josephine County Animal Shelter Advisory Committee
- Josephine County 4H/Extension Service District Budget Committee
- City of Grants Pass Bikeways & Walkways Committee
- Josephine County Budget Committee
- City of Grants Pass Collaborative Economic Development Committee
- Josephine County Emergency Medical Services Board
- Josephine County Fair Board
- Josephine Housing & Community Development Council
- Josephine County Library Board of Trustees
- Josephine County Mining Advisory Committee
- Josephine County Parks Advisory Board
- Josephine County Rural Planning Commission
- Josephine County Special Transportation Advisory Committee
- Local Public Safety Coordinating Council
- Rogue Valley Area Commission on Transportation
- Advisory Board on Forest Affairs
- Josephine County Addictions, Mental Health, Public Health Advisory Committee
- Josephine County Cannabis Advisory Panel
- Josephine County Law Enforcement Service District Citizens Advisory Committee
Find current openings here: https://www.josephinecounty.gov/government/committees_and_advisory_boards/advisory_boards_openings.php
View Meeting Agendas and minutes here: https://www.josephinecounty.gov/government/committees_and_advisory_boards/board_agendas_and_minutes.php
In addition, both the City of Cave Junction and Grants Pass boast their own assortment of Boards and Committees, spearheaded by dedicated citizens eager to shape the direction of municipal affairs. For those interested in contributing to the dialogue, pertinent information and resources can be accessed via the following links:
City of Cave Junction – https://www.cavejunctionoregon.us/bc
City of Grants Pass – https://www.grantspassoregon.gov/623/Committees-Commissions
These Advisory Boards and Committees are not just exclusive clubs—they are open forums designed to welcome the public, offering you, the citizen, a tangible opportunity to actively engage with and shape the fabric of your communities. They serve as platforms where your voice resonates, where your ideas hold weight, and where positive changes can take root. It’s easy to sit on the sidelines and critique decisions from afar, but true impact is forged through action. Consider joining a committee or seizing the platform provided during the Public Comment section of City Council and County Commissioner meetings, where you have a dedicated three minutes to articulate your concerns and advocate for change. For me, this journey began here locally in 2020, and since then, I’ve poured countless hours into this endeavor, treating it with a commitment similar to a full-time job. Immersing myself in the inner workings of Josephine County has been an enlightening experience, propelling me to deepen my involvement even further. I’ve come to understand that meaningful change begins at the grassroots level, within the heart of our communities. I invite you to join me in this endeavor, as together, we can steer Josephine County towards a future characterized by safety, security, and prosperity—a legacy that will endure for generations to come. Let’s rally together and make a difference