The City of Cambridge encourages residents to participate in the civic decision-making process through membership on one of nearly 50 different boards and commissions with subject areas including the LGBTQ+ Commission, Climate Protection Action Committee, Bicycle Committee, Community Advisory Board on the Living Wage, Election Commission, Human Rights Commission, Peace Commission, and many more. Members must commit to serving a full term (often around 3 years) and should bring some familiarity or expertise with the subject at hand.

Volunteer activities have included:

• Participating in monthly meetings

• Researching the subject area

• Reviewing reports, applications, or recommendations

• Making policy recommendations

• Organizing projects and events