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In recent months, thousands of people in Lane County have taken to the streets to protest actions by the federal administration. Protest and direct action have played a vital role in American civic life since the founding of our nation, and today’s demonstrations reflect a shared concern for core American values such as freedom, justice and democracy.
Protest, however, is by its nature a moment in time. American democracy depends on sustained acts of participation that continue long after direct action ends. Other than voting itself, one of the most meaningful ways for everyday citizens to shape public life is to volunteer to serve on a local board or committee. Right now, people in Eugene who care about the future of their city have an opportunity to turn civic energy into lasting impact by applying to serve on city advisory boards, where local government puts American values into practice.
Eugene’s boards and commissions are made up of community volunteers who advise the City Council and city staff on how policies are developed and implemented. These committees help shape decisions on housing, planning, public safety, human rights, the environment and the city budget. They are among the primary ways residents influence how local government translates shared values into real decisions.
That kind of sustained civic work is what led me, years ago, to serve on two of Eugene’s advisory bodies. I served on the Civilian Review Board from 2013 to 2018 and later on the Housing Policy Board from 2018 to 2019. I applied because I cared about justice reform and tenant protections, and I wanted to be part of how those values were translated into local policy.
On both boards, my fellow members and I listened to public testimony, reviewed reports and background materials, debated options and made recommendations to city staff and elected leaders. That work reflected core civic values such as fairness, accountability and respect for process. Through the Civilian Review Board, community oversight helped reinforce the police department’s ongoing emphasis on de-escalation tactics. Through the Housing Policy Board, advocacy that began in 2019 directly informed the adoption of renter protections by city ordinance in 2022.
One of the most common misconceptions about serving on a city board or committee is that special credentials or prior experience are required. In reality, these bodies are strongest when they include people with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences. What matters most is a willingness to listen, to learn and to engage in good faith with neighbors who may see issues differently. If you care about your community and are willing to show up consistently, you already have the most important qualifications.
Understandably, many people feel discouraged or disconnected from public life. National politics can feel distant, divisive and unresponsive, and that frustration often leads people to step back altogether. Local boards and committees offer a different model. They are one of the few places where people with differing views sit at the same table, listen to one another and work toward practical solutions. Respectful disagreement does not eliminate conflict, but it does build trust and produce progress in ways that larger political systems often cannot.
For people in Eugene looking to make a real and lasting difference, this is a moment to step forward. Applications to serve on city boards and commissions are open now, and clear information about each role and how to apply is available at eugene-or.gov/Boards-and-Commissions.
Serving is not about ideology or expertise. It is about helping shape how local government reflects shared values through real decisions.
And a final note: Opportunities to apply for city boards and committees will open in late summer for those who, like me, now live in Springfield.