The Montgomery County Commission for Women is both an advisory board to, and a department of, county government. The Commission’s primary focus is to improve women’s lives through: 1. Identifying inequities in laws, policies, practices and procedures and; 2. Providing recommendations that promote remedies. The Commission is staffed by an Executive Director who works with a 15-member citizen advisory panel. Commissioners are appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by the County Council to serve three-year terms, without compensation. Enabling legislation requires that nine commissioners be endorsed by organizations addressing the needs of women, and six must be individuals who apply on their own behalf. Commissioners are asked to contribute four hours per week in service to the Commission, identifying and investigating issues, advocating remedies and providing public education. The Commission was established under law in 1972. The mandate of the Commission is to advise the County Executive, the County Council, the public, and agencies of the county, state and federal governments on issues concerning women in Montgomery County. (Montgomery County Code Sec. 27 – 29)