Do you work with elected or appointed governing bodies? Is your organization impacted by the decisions of these bodies? Gain a clearer understanding of the pressures, legal constraints, and demands facing members of councils, boards, and commissions. Learn strategies for maintaining good communication and minimizing challenges that can arise in your relationship with these governing bodies. Discover how you can help boards and commissions be more effective in their official capacities, and how staff/the public/stakeholders can more effectively work together.

By the end of this class you should be able to:

1. Have a basic understanding of government structures and the legislative process
2. Understand the open meetings law and where to find resources and information pertaining to the law
3. Understand and be able to use basic motions in parliamentary procedure
4. Understand the role of the public, members of the body, and staff/support
5. Utilize strategies to overcome barriers working with board, commission, and councils

Agenda for the day:

1. Introductions
2. Government structures
3. How a bill becomes a law/legislative process
4. Overview of open meetings
5. Roles of Officers
6. Parliamentary Procedure
7. Role of Public
8. Strategies for working with members
9. Adjourn

Instructor: Lauren Kuhl (BA, University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point) has worked most of her career in a variety of government roles, currently as a Policy Analyst with the Dane County Board. Lauren is a Wisconsin Certified Public Manager.