Bowie Seeks 33 Volunteers for City Committees and Boards

If you have a passion for education, the city of Bowie wants you. The same goes for administrative review, the arts, diversity, elections, ethics, financial matters, Bowie’s heritage and human services.

The city government has 17 volunteer boards, committees and commissions that conduct activities and advise the city council and mayor on Bowie issues. Ten of those 17 have vacancies, with a total of 33 empty seats the council is seeking to fill.

While all volunteer organizations have ebb and flow when it comes to membership, this is a large number of open slots to occur at one time, said Mayor G. Frederick Robinson. He said the quality of advice the council receives and the number of knowledgeable residents who serve on the volunteer bodies is "amazing."

"People move to other things, and they have very busy lives. It’s hard to find time," said Robinson.

The committees and boards typically meet once a month and members are appointed to two year terms by the council. To apply, write explaining an interest in serving to the city council, care of City Clerk Pamela Fleming, at 15901 Excalibur Rd., Bowie, MD 20716. Also, include a resume or background information. Certain committees require members to file a financial disclosure statement.

For more information, Fleming can be reached at 301-809-3029 or e-mail her. The council interviews applicants before regular council meetings when there is time to do so. Interviews, which did not occur during August, will resume in September.

The amount of time that members spend on each committee varies. As an example, members of the Education Committee—which has seven vacancies and currently five members—typically spend four to six hours a month working on committee matters and more during busy times, said Dawn Brodus-Yougha, committee chairwoman.

The Education Committee, which advises the council on hot button education issues, also awards grants to Bowie educators for classroom projects, recognizes a teacher of the month with a $100 U.S. Savings Bond, grants college scholarships to graduating seniors and holds an Excellence in Education reception honoring the Bowie teacher of the year.

“We’re looking for people with a strong interest in education, time to devote to the committee and those who possess the ability to work effectively in a group,” said Brodus-Yougha.

Other established city committees and boards with vacancies are:

Administrative Review Board/Board of Appeals rules upon appeals of municipal infractions and requests for zoning variances. Vacancies – one.

Arts Committee advises the city on visual and performing arts issues and award grants for artistic endeavors. Vacancies – two.

Board of Elections oversees city elections, nominations for office and voter registration. Vacancies – four.

Community Outreach Committee advises on human services issues, including poverty, mental health, drug abuse, human relations, senior citizens, youth activities and services for the disabled. Vacancies – five.

Community Recreation Committee advises on recreation issues and improving public recreational facilities. Vacancies – one.

Diversity Committee advises on how to achieve the city’s formal long-term diversity goals. Vacancies – three.

Ethics Commission assists the city in interpreting local and state ethics laws regarding elected officials and city employees. Vacancies – one.

Financial Advisory Committee advises on the yearly budget, capital improvement projects and other financial issues facing the city. Vacancies – four.

Heritage Committee is concerned with issues regarding Bowie’s heritage relating to conservation, preservation and beautification of the city. Vacancies – five.