How Civic Participation Works
Showing up to your government is a right — but the rules, the roles, and the openings to take part aren’t always obvious. This guide explains the kinds of events you’ll find on Open Source Democracy, what actually happens at each, and what your role is as a member of the public.
How to Find and Attend Meetings Using this Site
A step-by-step walkthrough: searching, filtering, confirming with the source, and showing up.
Government vs. Advocacy Events: What’s the Difference?
The two kinds of civic events you’ll find here, who convenes each, and your right to show up to both.
Your Rights to Show Up and Speak
A plain-language tour of the federal and state rights behind public participation, and why the specifics depend on where you live.
Where You Fit In: Event Types and Your Role
Meetings, hearings, comment periods, town halls, rallies, and more — what happens at each and how you take part.
Council vs. Board vs. Commission vs. Committee
What each body is, what it can decide, and where it sits in the chain.
How a Public Comment Period Actually Works
The in-person speaking slot and the federal written docket, start to finish.