Have you ever wanted to give back to your community but you didn’t know how? There are dozens of volunteer positions open on Authorities, Boards and Commissions right now throughout Centre County. Your community needs you!

Volunteering for any of these positions offers citizens an extraordinary opportunity to participate in local government affairs. This is a great way to learn how your government interfaces with its citizens. Local governments are often strapped for funds and short staffed. They rely on citizen volunteers to lend their community voice and their knowledge to help address needs and to resolve issues. This type of volunteer experience is also the perfect “training ground” for any aspiring political candidate.

Some of the ABC opportunities might include your township or borough planning commission, zoning hearing board, water authority, parks & recreation committee, industrial development authority and local traffic advisory committee, just to name a few.

Some regional examples of ABC opportunities to serve might include: Council on Aging, University Area Joint Authority Board, C-NET, Centre Region Planning Commission, Recycling and Refuse Authority and Schlow Centre Region Library Board.

Currently there are 22 ABC’s that provide advice and assistance to the Centre County Board of Commissioners, department heads, elected offices and their staff.

Volunteer participation and advice on every one of the Authorities, Boards or Commissions has helped to shape or influence public policy in many areas whether it is at the borough, township, regional or county level.

Centre County Government, along with most municipalities, has their own website where you can find more information and a listing of ABCs. You can also complete a basic application to participate on any of these Authorities, Boards or Commissions. Serving on an ABC is a great way to share your expertise and engage with your community.

Give it a try!