Why You Should Volunteer
The town we call home is run by a small army of volunteers. Some of the best known volunteer work is by those who run Guilford’s charitable organizations. This work is critical to the community. However, too many people in town are unfamiliar with the work of those who serve on local boards and commissions. Many residents do not vote in local elections even though these choices probably have the most bearing on our daily lives. Many of us likely moved to Guilford because it seemed better in some way than wherever we were before or better than another town we were considering. Whatever that difference was, it was probably due, at least in part, to decisions made by a local board or commission. From our schools to our zoning, from our police to our natural resources, from the trees on the Town Green to the health of our finances, most of this work happens under the oversight of a board or commission made up of volunteers.
The Town of Guilford keeps a list of the openings on boards and commissions as well as information about all of them on their website. The commitment usually consists of a couple of evenings meetings each month but some meet only as needed. If you are currently serving the town on a board or commission and you have changed your registration to Independent, please let the First Selectman's Office know via the following address: BrinkmanT@guilfordct.gov.
Please let us know too! independentguilford@gmail.com
These are some of the things that are decided by votes of a local board or commission:
- The distance someone can build something from their neighbor
- The size and content of the town budget
- If we buy a new fire truck.
- If the town should buy a piece of property
Some Places Where You Can Volunteer
Complete List of Guilford Boards and Commissions
The Town of Guilford keeps a list of the openings on boards and commissions as well as information about all of them on their website here. The commitment usually consists of a couple of evenings meetings each month but some meet only as needed.
Independent Party, Guilford Town Committee
The Independent Party, Guilford Town Committee is a group of up to 60 Independent Party members that will be needed to do party business such as helping with bylaw updates, assisting the officers and paying attention to where representation might be needed in service of the town. During campaigns there may be a need for fundraising. And, particularly at the outset, committee members will need to serve as ambassadors to help introduce IG to the people of Guilford.
Board of Education
The Board of Education is comprised of nine local citizens who are elected to serve unsalaried, staggered four-year terms on the Board. Candidates are proposed by the Town's political parties, with no party allowed to hold more than a bare majority of seats.
Sustainable Guilford Task Force
Sustainable Guilford Task Force (SGTF) is advisory to the Board of Selectmen, charged with guiding Town Boards, Commissions, and Departments to further advance the principles of sustainability, equity, and environmental stewardship within and beyond our community while fostering community support. Sustainable Guilford Task Force is further charged with pursuing continued growth and recognition through ongoing certification at the highest level developed by Sustainable CT.
Zoning Board of Appeals
The Zoning Board of Appeals is charged with hearing and deciding appeals on Zoning matters regarding alleged errors or special exceptions or exemptions, and with determining and varying the application of zoning bylaws, ordinances or regulations.
Board of Ethics
The Board of Ethics is charged to act in an advisory capacity to ensure that each Town public officer, official, employee and appointee, whether paid of unpaid, and whether full or part-time, is governed by a Code of Ethics as established by an ordinance.
Guilford Youth and Family Services
The purpose of the Guilford Youth and Family Services Board is to develop and provide proactive prevention, education, clinical services and treatment programs for Guilford youth and their families. The Guilford Youth and Family Services Board interacts and coordinates with other agencies serving the Guilford community in making every effort to avoid duplication in services.