Serve your community, no campaign required!
It’s (always) election season in New Hampshire. This spring, Granite Staters went to the polls to vote on local budgets, select boards, and school boards in Town Meeting Days. And later this fall, voters in NH’s 13 cities will head to the polls to vote for mayors, city councilors, and school board members.
While these elected roles get a lot of attention, they’re just one piece of the local government puzzle. Every year, hundreds of equally important positions are filled not by election, but by appointment. If you’ve ever thought about getting involved and making a real impact in your community, serving on a local board, commission, or committee might be the perfect place to start, and no campaign signs required.
What are “appointed positions?”
Serving in an appointed position means stepping into a vital role within your local community, one where you can directly influence decisions that shape the places we live, work, and hang out. Unlike elected offices, these positions–on boards, commissions, and committees–are filled through a selection process by a town council, board of selectmen, or mayor.
Appointed roles can range from planning and zoning boards to historic commissions, conservation committees, or even library trustees. The time commitment is often more manageable, with most groups meeting once a month. Appointees help guide local policy, review proposals, and cast votes on matters that come before them. It's a hands-on way to contribute your perspective, skills, and voice to local government.
How to get into an appointed position
Getting appointed to a local board or commission usually starts with a simple step: filling out an application. Once submitted, your application is reviewed by local officials who forward it to your city council or board of aldermen. After reviewing applicants, the council or board will vote on your appointment. If you receive a majority vote, congratulations! You’ve officially been appointed to serve for a set term. It’s a straightforward process that opens the door to meaningful civic engagement and local leadership.
How can I know if a board or commission is vacant?
If you’ve ever wondered how to find open board or commission positions in your community, the best place to start is your town or city’s official website. Most municipalities have a section dedicated to boards and commissions, where you can see current members, upcoming term expirations, and whether any positions are accepting new applicants. Navigating local government websites can be tricky, however, and that’s where The Forward Foundation comes in. We can help you find opportunities to serve, understand the requirements, and figure out where your skills and passions can make the greatest impact. Whether you're ready to apply or just exploring your options, we’ll walk with you every step of the way.
Examples of Appointed Positions
Zoning Board: Makes decisions that are related to land use and building regulations, along with enforcement for any local zoning ordinances.
Planning Board: Helps formulate the master plan for economic development of their communities. They also maintain a map of the municipality and set zoning rules and regulations.
Library Trustee: Helps manage the community library.
Heritage Commission: Oversees the preservation and rehabilitation of historic buildings, documents, and the preservation of the community and aesthetics.
Arts Commission: Promotes and supports all forms of artwork in the community.
