What’s My Official Title?

Member? Commissioner? Volunteer? Here’s what to actually call yourself and why it matters.

You joined the cultural council, you’re showing up to meetings, you’re reviewing grants—but when someone asks what you do, you stumble. Are you a board member? A commissioner? A volunteer? And does it even matter?

It does, actually—especially when you’re representing the council in public, communicating with grantees, or putting it on your resume.

The standard title

If you serve on a local cultural council in Massachusetts, your official title is Member of the [Town Name] Cultural Council. That’s it. You were appointed by your municipality’s Select Board or Mayor, and you serve as part of a network of over 300 Local Cultural Councils across the Commonwealth. If you chair the council, your title is Chair of the [Town Name] Cultural Council.

What you’re not

You’re not a commissioner, a board member, or a director—those terms imply different organizational structures and legal responsibilities. You’re also not technically an “employee” or “staff” of Mass Cultural Council, even though you administer state funds. You’re a municipally appointed volunteer serving in an official capacity.

When precision matters

In formal communications—letters to grantees, press releases, correspondence with town officials—use the full title. In casual conversation, “I’m on the Norton Cultural Council” or “I serve on the local cultural council” is perfectly fine. On your LinkedIn or resume, “Member, [Town] Cultural Council (appointed by Select Board)” gives the right level of context.

Why this matters more than you think

When you accurately represent your role, you build credibility for yourself and the council. Overstating the title can create confusion about authority or decision-making power. Understating it—calling yourself “just a volunteer”—undersells the real civic responsibility you carry. You were appointed to steward public funds for arts and culture. Own that.