Since the 1950s the League in Tyler has been active in monitoring local governments, much of the time through the Observer Corps. This year we hope to revive an honored and important League job.

An Observer Corps program is a structured way for individuals to exercise their right to know. Organized under the auspices of grassroots organizations like the League, they provide a valuable service to the community, helping citizens be aware of the decisions that affect their lives and they promote government transparency and openness.

Who Are the Observers? An observer is an individual who attends a governmental meeting, notes what happens at the meeting, and reports back to the League, and hopefully to the community. By attending public meetings of local governmental bodies and agencies, observers learn more about what their government is doing. They learn about issues facing their community and are empowered to take action, if warranted. They also learn how issues are being addressed.

Why is the Observer Corps Important? Observers keep elected and appointed officials on notice that someone is watching what decisions are made and how they are being made. They help ensure that the issues are being handled in an open way—”in the sunshine.” Ideally, observers are monitoring both the issues and the process used to discuss them. While not every item up for discussion will relate to the League’s priorities, ensuring that the meeting is being conducted in an open and acceptable way is critical to all the League’s efforts and the health of our democracy.