Participating in government can be as simple as voting at each election. But you can go a step further by participating in the day-to-day process of local government.

• You can volunteer for one of the many county advisory boards that make recommendations to the Board of Clallam County Commissioners and county departments. Many departments also depend on volunteers for everything from assistance with office functions to projects in parks and on the Olympic Discovery Trail.
• You can influence decisions when it comes to adopting laws, the annual budget, or where to site a new park. You can review proposals for new or amended ordinances and polices or you can testify at a public hearing.
• You can seek elective office.

One of the greatest challenges of governance is finding a balance between the interests of the community as a whole and those who have a special stake in a particular issue. Citizens can help strike that balance by looking for solutions that work for the entire community, not just a small group.