Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 4, Number 11, 1 November 1987 — Government Participation Encouraged [ARTICLE]

Government Participation Encouraged

Many decisions are made at the governmental level affecting our lives that it seems we have no influence over. There is one way, however, that the ordinary citizen may make his or her voice heard, and that is through participation on an advisory board or commission. Most public boards and commissions in Hawaii require that the general public as well as experts from that particular field be represented in the decision-making process.

Some boards are strictly advisory: that is, the head of the Department that includes the board listens to what the board members have to say, and then decides whether or not to act on that advice. Other boards are considered working boards: they meet frequently, discuss a lot of issues, set policy and make decisions about procedures for the Department. Being a board member ean make you feel more like a member of your community, especially if you are the only representative from your area. In that case you beeome your area's spokesman. In there instances, you become a more concerned member of an "interest" community. For example, if you're a parent worried about your kids getting involved in drugs, you ean express your eoneem and perhaps take action through your school community eouneil, thus being a member of a community of concerned parents.

Progress through boards is often slow. But then, members leam to act as part of a group, and not just as an individual. Newcomers leam the art of effective listening as well as negotiation and persuasion. And then there is the satisfaction of knowing that, even if what you would like hasn't been selected by the group, your opinion has been heard and recognized, something that rarely happens when you stay at home and read in the paper about decisions that were made you don't particularly like. Alu Like is interested in seeing more members of the Hawaiian community participate on Oahu's board and commissions. Currently there are vacancies for those who have an interest in the following important areas:

• Children and youth issues. • Elderly Affairs — This board needs several members age 60 or older. • Developmentally Disabled — This board especially needs those who are disabled or are the parents or guardians of the disabled. • Handicapped — Especially those who are or their guardians. • Health issues. • Land Use. • Mental Health and Substance Abuse. • Voting. Other board vacancies include: school issues (through school community counciIs); Kakaako development; education; fishing industry; University of Hawaii Board of Regents; transportation; and vocational rehabilitation. If you would like to serve or want more information, eall the writer at the Alu Like O'ahu Island Center, 5235422. — Nancy Heinrich.