Mary J. Kayser, a retired city secretary with decades of experience serving various Texas municipalities, offers her unique and invaluable perspective on careers in local government, and the value of community engagement and volunteering. Her unexpected journey to a fulfilling career in public service began with the decision to accept a part-time job while in college. The lessons she has learned along the way, offer valuable insights for anyone eager to make a difference in their community.
Whether you're pursuing a career in local government or simply looking to get more involved in your neighborhood, her wisdom provides a clear path to understanding the complexities and opportunities within municipal governance.
The Hidden Career Opportunities in Local Government
Many people are unaware of the wide range of career opportunities available in local government. From mechanics to administrators, cities offer a diverse range of positions that cater to various skills and interests.
One of the misconceptions Mary addresses is the need for advanced degrees. She notes, "Many positions don't require a college degree, and once you're inside the organization, you'll see all the options available." She believes this openness to various educational backgrounds makes local government an accessible career path for many.
Her own journey into local government began unexpectedly. She shares,
"When I went back to college, I needed a part-time job to help with tuition. They had an opening in the library, and when they heard that my major was history, they said they could use me in the archives section. I didn't have a clue what the archives were - not a clue!"
This chance opportunity led her down a path she never anticipated, eventually becoming the first Records Manager for the City of Burleson, Texas and later, a City Secretary.
The Importance of Community Engagement
Over the years, Mary has learned the crucial role of community engagement in effective local governance. She emphasizes the need for city employees to be visible and active in the communities where they work:
"Your neighbors, friends, and family all see you working for the city, and out and about doing things, but to them, you are THE city all the time. I once worked for a city secretary who said that unless you spend some time doing things with the community, it is hard to figure out what to do and how to do it. She taught me that early on and I took that to heart. People notice when you show up."
She explains community engagement as being like a two-way door that facilitates understanding between local government and citizens:
"The visual that comes to my mind is like a door that opens between the outside community and into those of us working inside local government, like in the Wizard of Oz, we're behind the curtain. Community engagement is that door that opens between the two – it's a two-way door. It lets people in so they can see what the city is doing, and it lets the people working in the city out into the community, to explain what they're doing, how they can help, and what things are available to them."
Communication is key for breaking barriers and building understanding. It's important to remember that local government aims to be transparent, but the inner workings of municipal operations can be confusing for some community members.
Community engagement helps bridge this gap, allowing citizens to better understand how their local government operates and allows city employees to better serve their community's needs.
The Power of Volunteering
Mary is a strong advocate for volunteering, both for personal growth and the benefit of your community. She encourages people to find their passion and share it with others:
“You need to find something you're passionate about and just put yourself out there. That's the greatest secret!"
However, she also acknowledges that volunteering can be challenging:
"Volunteering is hard work where you may not see immediate results. It may be weeks or months, and you may never know if what you did made a difference. You're going to put a lot of effort in, and you may not always feel like you're getting back what you put in, but you need to know that going in."
Despite the challenges, she finds volunteering deeply rewarding: "For some of us, making an impact is enough. It feeds my soul and I'm happy doing it." She also emphasizes the importance of recognition for volunteers, reminding volunteer managers that "there must be something in it for the volunteer."
Her own volunteering experiences have been diverse and rewarding. She shares a fun anecdote about volunteering at a Fourth of July event:
"I think sometimes people need to get their feet wet by volunteering to do something fun. One of the best things I ever volunteered for was a big 4th of July event in Garland, Texas. For that event, you didn't sign up for a particular thing, they would just put you where they needed you the most. I ended up helping at the concert venue with three or four other people. We helped the ones working with the band by selling T-shirts and helping people find their sizes and it was so much fun!"
This experience highlights her main advice: "Sometimes you have to be willing to sign up for something and just go and see what happens!"
Professional Development and Networking
Her career growth has also been significantly influenced by her involvement in professional organizations. She credits these associations with providing education, networking opportunities, leadership development, and mentorship:
"Through ARMA, I found a lot of opportunities to volunteer and meet people involved in various levels of county and state government. That's probably the first time I realized that there were professional groups that come together to do something because they want to learn how to do it well."
She emphasizes how these connections also led to career advancements and lasting friendships: "The skillsets I learned and experiences I had through ARMA helped me become the first Records Manager in the City of Burleson. That job led me to my City Secretary career. It was only possible through my involvement in the Texas Municipal Clerks Association and the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. These organizations provided me with enhanced education, networking, and leadership opportunities. And a ton of professional colleagues who have become some of my dearest friends."
Educating Elected Officials and the Public
Mary's commitment to public service has also extended beyond her official duties. She has been involved in educating both newly elected officials and the public about local government processes: "The Texas Municipal League (TML) puts on an event several times a year for newly elected officials. I've taught a section on parliamentary procedure for several years and heard people say how helpful it was in understanding more about how a government works."
She recognized that many newly elected officials might feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities:
"Sometimes people run for the city council because other people tell them they should, and they hadn't really thought about it until then, and then they run and win! I realize that these are new council members and some of them do not have a clue about what to do. That can be a lot because they don't want to do the wrong thing."
She has found immense satisfaction in helping these officials understand their roles and responsibilities: "It's a great feeling being able to walk them through things."
Mary has also enjoyed being involved in various educational initiatives with the local communities she has served. She shares an example from her time at the City of Fort Worth:
"I think the community engagement workshops the city did helped people come away with a better understanding of how different departments and programs worked. People are curious about the city, and it can be kind of mysterious if you haven't had the chance to have all your questions answered before."
These workshops provided an informal setting for citizens to learn about their local government and interact with city employees: "People could talk to people from the city, one-on-one. It was good because anyone could attend, and no one was forced to do anything. They could just show up and find out about different things and ask questions, no matter who they were and what type of questions they had."
The Balance Between Formal and Informal Engagement
Mary stresses the importance of having both formal and informal open channels for community engagement. While city council meetings serve an important function, she believes that informal settings are often more effective for community outreach:
"I think having community engagements away from more formal settings, like city council meetings, is the best way to reach people. There must be opportunities for people to express their opinion in a place that is not as formal, so they can be heard, valued, and know that their opinions will be accurately shared with the people who are going to make the final decisions."
She clarifies the purpose of city council meetings to manage public expectations:
"People should understand that city council meetings are meetings where the council is there to do a job. This is their time to do business and we, the public, are allowed to be there, but it is not our meeting. It's the council's meeting and in Texas, we, the public, are allowed to come and express our opinions, but it is still the city council's meeting."
She also emphasizes the importance of transparency in decision-making processes:
"I also think it's important that council members say out loud before they vote on something that they've read the comments and feedback from previous public meetings or events and factored those comments into their decision. The result may be that they decide something different from what the comments were, but if they've read and factored them in, that's what the community should expect from them. The community just needs to hear what went into their decisions."
Conclusion
Mary J. Kayser's story is a reminder of the impact that dedicated individuals can have on their communities through volunteerism, engagement, and service in local government. Her experiences illuminate the path to meaningful involvement, whether you're considering a career in public service or simply looking to make a difference in your community.
Her journey underscores the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone, embracing new opportunities, and finding your passion. By doing so, we can all contribute to building stronger, more connected communities and fostering more effective local governments. As Mary has shown, the first step toward making a difference is often just a matter of saying "yes" to new possibilities.
Additional Information
Check out these organizations and resources Mary mentioned:
ARMA Internal: A professional association focused on records and information management (RIM) and information governance (IG). It provides resources, education, and networking opportunities for professionals in these fields. The organization aims to advance the profession and improve the management of information assets.
Texas Municipal Clerks Association: A statewide organization with over 1,030 members, dedicated to the professional development of municipal clerks in Texas. It offers certification programs and various educational opportunities to enhance the skills and knowledge of its members.
Texas Municipal League: A statewide organization that represents the interests of cities in Texas, providing advocacy, education, and resources to municipal officials. The League also organizes conferences, training sessions, and offers various services to support municipal operations and development.
International Institute of Municipal Clerks: A professional association that promotes the education and development of municipal clerks worldwide. It offers certification programs, professional development opportunities, and a network for clerks to share best practices and resources.