Apply to become a volunteer board member
We see you out there: You want to give back to your community by volunteering, but also would like a unique, interesting, and engaging experience. The Department of Consumer Affairs’ (DCA) licensing entities offer board or advisory committee member opportunities where you can make a real difference for yourself and nearly 40 million other Californians.
WHY YOU SHOULD APPLY
Californians have a lot to offer as board members of DCA licensing entities, and these unique opportunities have a lot to offer you in return, like:
- Increasing your knowledge—Are you interested in finding out more about popular professions and commonly used services? Do you want to better understand how state government protects the people it serves? DCA’s licensing entities administer more than 3.5 million licenses for more than 280 license types including certificates, registrations, and permits for professionals—from architects to accountants, dentists to veterinarians—the learning and serving opportunities are just about endless. And one more thing: Knowledge gained as a successful board or committee member is a stand-out way to enhance your resume.
- Making an impact—Serving as a board or committee member lets you put your personal and professional perspectives to work for the people of California. Board members lead efforts to ensure:
- Consumers are protected from unsafe or fraudulent individuals and businesses.
- Professional educational programs prepare a first-class workforce.
- Laws and regulations are up-to-date and carefully followed.
- License examinations reflect quality and competency.
- Consumer, licensee, and applicant board and bureau services are of the highest quality.
- Meeting new people—Board and advisory committee members get to meet and know people and organizations from all across California. You work with a wide variety of Californians including peer board or advisory committee members and helpful support staff; professional, organizational, and educational representatives; licensees, businesses, and students; and many other interested parties. Meetings take place in-person in various parts of the state, frequently with students and professionals in the audience, or via video (for most appointments, travel expenses and per diem are covered and included).
THREE STEPS TO GET INVOLVED
Now that you’ve found out more about why you should consider a DCA board or committee member opportunity, you’re ready to start taking action:
- Know the board or bureau—Do you have a license from one of the boards or bureaus, or have you used or depended upon the services of one of their regulated professionals or service providers? Find out more about the DCA licensing entities and which you would be interested in serving on as a board member.
- Check out available opportunities—Board or committee member opportunities vary from entity to entity, but opportunities most frequently include:
- Professional Member—As a licensee of a board or bureau, your first-hand experience is extremely valuable—and needed—in the regulatory process.
- Public Member—Representing consumers of licensed services, public board members make their voices heard on behalf of Californians as a whole.
- Apply according to directions—The application process varies between different licensing entities, and DCA has a special site—dca.ca.gov/about_us/board_members/index.shtml—to help current and prospective board and committee members. If you have any questions or just want more details and information, be sure to reach out to the board or bureau of your choice for guidance—they’re happy to help!
Make a difference for yourself and your state—apply for a board or committee member opportunity today!
Related reading: New Law Encourages More Californians to Serve on Public Boards, Bureaus, and Commissions
