Community Meeting Review
Watch the meeting at http://www.vvc.edu/offices/president/on-demand-streams.shtml
A. Format: 3.5-4 pgs. Typed (double-spaced, 12 pt, at least 23 lines per page, 1" margins)
B. Mechanics and Substance: please proofread and correct errors; and remember: a good review should provide a short, succinct summary, as well as an effective and creative critical analysis. Be orderly, complete, and clear in your presentation. Be sure to give examples and elaborate in order to reinforce your essential points. Be sure to number your pages and include your name on your review document.
LOCAL CIVIC MEETINGS AND PROCEEDINGS:
You may attend any one of the city council or school board meetings listed below. I strongly encourage an "in person" visit, but if that is not feasible, you can view one of their meetings online. If you view a meeting online, make sure that it is a meeting that is no more than three months old. Always call civic bodies in advance to check proper day/times/meeting locations. Staying two hours at the meeting should be sufficient to complete the Review assignment
VICTOR VALLEY COLLEGE BOARD
Administration Bldg. Board Room
Victor Valley College
18422 Bear Valley Rd.-Victorville
COMMUNITY MEETING REVIEW GUIDELINES:
A. General Comments:
City council, school board, and court meetings or proceedings are a good opportunity for students to learn "first hand" and evaluate the operations of government at the most basic level: the community. This project encourages students to gain some insight into the development, implementation, and arbitration of public policy. And hopefully, whatever the experience, good or bad, the student's appetite for local interests and issues has been increased.
B. Focus Questions and Structure for the Review:
1. Begin your Review with a brief introduction that provides a simple summary/overview to your Review and includes a passage to kindle interest in the reader to read your work.
2. List the officials present at the meeting (city council or school board members). Give the date of the meeting.
3. Briefly describe the major issues or business addressed at the meeting.
4. Which official (or officials) was the most impressive during your visit? Why? Who was the least impressive official? Why?
5. Has your impression of government changed as a result of your visit? How? Is the local neighborhood being served and represented well? Given the tight economic times, were budget decisions made or discussed with an approach of wise and prudent spending?
6. Does your experience with local politics have any relation to your perception of national politics? Do local politics seem to be any more accessible/personable, equitable, and efficient/effective than national politics? What did you find most interesting or surprising?
7. No conclusion necessary.