Boards and Commissions

When women get involved in the political process they tend to support issues that affect women's lives such as education, housing, affordable health care, child and eldercare, and violence against women. Research also shows that when women are involved, the issues they are concerned about become the issues that policymakers address.

Also, when women get involved, institutions traditionally dominated by men become more accessible to other women (WV Governor’s Commission for Women). Boards and commissions are examples of networks that women can get involved in to make these events happen. Boards and commissions are advisory or regulatory groups that work with state agencies or professional groups.

Regulatory boards and commissions set licensing standards and professional requirements for members. The members are those working in the state agency or professional group. In fact, advisory boards and commissions provide guidance and advice to the program or agency with which they are affiliated. The importance of women serving on a board or commission to the improvement of West Virginia women is vital.

Serving on a board or commission is a great way to get involved in civic life and to make a difference. As a member of a board or commission, women can influence public policy, improve expertise in a given area, gain recognition for contributions, and advance a career. Many people use their seat on a board or commission as a stepping-stone to another appointed position, an elected office, or a federal advisory committee (WV Governor’s Commission for Women).

This would be a perfect way for a woman to become known in the public sector as a civic leader and knowledgeable on public policy issues. However, there are many different boards and commissions and their roles vary, which is important to know when deciding upon what board or commission to join.

Please visit the Links page in order to find the Secretary of State's web page Link for more information on joining a board or commission.