There are over 250 Boards and Commissions in Oregon. Their work ranges from making policy, to advising state agencies, to setting licensure standards and disciplinary action. There are Boards and Commissions concerning many issues, including health care,
education, consumer protection, and more.
Boards and commissions are generally volunteer positions, and often have an expectation of 10-15 hours of work per week. Some Commissions need their members to have specialized knowledge, but many
other Boards and Commissions look for members who are interested in the subject matter and want to participate in the board’s work.
Please know that if you would like to serve on a Board or Commission, a recent law (HB 3028) requires your employer to allow you to take leave without pay for your service on Boards or Commissions. Employers cannot require you to use your vacation, sick leave, or any other form of paid leave in order to attend
Board or Commission meetings.
How do I serve?
There are four steps to service:
Research various Boards and Commissions and determine which one you would like to serve on. ONA staff have compiled a list of options below, but you can see the full list of boards here. If you would like to learn more about a particular Board or Commission, feel free to email the Board or Commission’s staff or board chair. They are usually happy to talk with you about their work, and can answer any questions
you may have.
Once you have found a Board or Commission you would like to serve on, complete an online application via Workday. Even if the Board or Commission you are interested in does
not currently have any openings, applying allows board staff to contact you if an opening does arise. Additionally, please tell ONA’s Government Relations team if
you would like to apply, or have applied, to a Board or a Commission.
Be appointed by the Governor, and, if necessary, confirmed by the State Senate. This step may sound intimidating, but it is usually procedural and does not require an interview process. One ONA member who was appointed by the Governor and confirmed
by the State Senate described his confirmation hearing as “celebratory”, and noted that the committee members did not have any questions for him.
Once appointed to a Board or Commission, it is recommended that you complete a board orientation, and meet with stakeholders and your fellow board members. Then, prepare for and attend your first meeting!
If you would like additional information about service on a Board or Commission, or the application process, please watch the video below. The video features Maya Crawford Peacock, Governor Kotek’s Executive Appointments Director.
Boards You Might Consider
Below is a list of Boards and Commissions you may want to serve on. Each has a RN specific-seat. Please remember there are many other Boards and Commissions, which you can see here. If you are not finding a Board or Commission to fit your interest area, please reach out to your GR team, who can help. Click on the title of the position you are interested in below to learn more.
Offering your expertise and lived experience on a State Board or Commission is incredibly important to ensuring that governmental programs and agencies work. Your service helps keep Oregonians healthy and safe. Furthermore, these positions are a great
opportunity to learn about governmental processes and about the subject matter the board focuses on.
Questions or concerns?
Reach out to your Government Relations team with any questions or concerns.
