How I Want to Serve My City Hall

I’ve been a Parliamentarian before in student government. I’d love to be one again if I do De Anza student government. At any rate, I’m stuck in San Jose for a while longer until I can cope with crowds by myself, and I’m getting my A.A. in film and television in the process, because what I really want is to move to Los Angeles to work as a producer or something with the film industry while getting my MFA in creative writing. City Hall may have plenty of public service opportunities if we take a look at the website. I’m looking at the website just to see what’s happening.

As it is though, my knee injury is still not well enough to get a real job. I’d love a job with the City of San Jose, running for office. But maybe I should take baby steps and go to De Anza and their student government that I may not have time for if I’m trying to get an A.A. in film and television. There are job openings in the government section, and there is an open recruitment section. I just found an opening for a Council Assistant.

A council assistant is responsible for researching issues before the City Council meets. The first step for me ought to be going to a City Council meeting then, because I’d like to see how things are run. The assistant also prepares speeches for the council member, also representing that member at City-related meetings and events. This is an interesting sort of job. Part of me wants to continue working on my business plans, so I can sell them eventually to people who will have a stake in my business. I am not taking SCORE classes right now, which I need to do on a regular basis.

Parliamentarians know Robert’s Rules of Order, and Parliamentary procedure. I found City Council references to old agendas on the website itself. At least being Parliamentarian means that you serve two years at least, or when needed? I’m not sure of the time requirement, but it does interest me. Being Parliamentarian means that you review the organization's governing documents. My student government experience at Foothill College is something that has prepared me for running for office again. But this time around, I cannot use school as an excuse to overload myself, even if I sell a business, and become a full-time student.

The Parliamentarian assists the chair in conducting a meeting. A Parliamentarian sits next to the chair, giving the chair discreet help. The chair is busy running the meeting, so the Parliamentarian has to be consulted whenever the chair rules on something. The Parliamentarian is not like the secretary who takes the minutes. A Parliamentarian cannot make a motion or participate in debate except in the case of the ballot vote. Parliamentarians are somewhat restricted with what they can accomplish, but you learn the virtue of keeping your mouth shut.

To become a Parliamentarian, you have to take and pass the entrance exam with 40 Questions based on Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised in Brief, 2nd edition. You have to pass the NAP examination to become a Registered Parliamentarian. You have to start as an observer, watching City Council in the room, as well as participating in your local groups. This is why I had myself going to Toastmasters for three years. Mastering Council Meetings: A Guidebook for Elected Officials and Local Governments, which is another book you need to read. There is also the Study Guide for Membership Examination that is something a budding Parliamentarian ought to study. Yes, I might have to stick with student government for now.