City Of Huntsville: Get To Know Your Government: Civic Engagement Academy Applications Go Live

Huntsville AL

12 July, 2022

7:59 AM

Description

Press release from the City of Huntsville: July 11, 2022 Do you want to help shape Huntsville's future while learning more about the City's government? If so, Huntsville's Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (ODEI) is launching a new program just for you. ODEI's Civic Engagement Academy (CEA) is designed to introduce residents to City government through a series of integrated classes that are interactive, dynamic, fun and creative. Participants can engage with City leaders and learn multiple ways of getting involved with local government. "The Civic Engagement Academy will help up-and-coming Huntsville residents build relationships with key City personnel while also making government more accessible," Mayor Tommy Battle said. "You'll leave the program better acquainted with municipal leaders while understanding how our departments enhance quality of life and welcome community involvement." CEA is a free, six-week program offered biannually that incorporates both classroom and interactive instruction. Following an orientation session Sept. 27, fall cohorts will meet every Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 4 through Nov. 15. To be eligible, citizens must be at least 19 years old; a Huntsville resident, business owner or student; an aspiring or established local influencer; and have a desire to increase community involvement. Those selected must also complete at least five out of six classes to graduate. The Fall 2022 Cohort will focus on the following topics: Oct. 4 – Our City at Work at City HallOct. 11 – Our City Growing & PlayingOct. 18 – Our City Safe, Secure, RespondingOct. 25 – Our City Communicating & CaringNov. 1 – Our City MaintainingNov. 15 – Our City Engaging ODEI Director Kenny Anderson is working closely with Assistant ODEI Director U'Meeka Smith on the CEA, which is part of ODEI's vision to promote community engagement, multicultural and social justice education, and leadership development. "The CEA's goal is to help close the gap between what citizens think the City of Huntsville does and what we actually do," he said. "We encourage anyone who meets our eligibility requirements to apply for the fall cohort, which we expect will be the first of many to have far-reaching impacts among our diverse community." Citizens can apply here or visit our website at HuntsvilleAL.gov/CEA to learn more. Need more details? Please contact the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at 256-883-3993 or email Anderson at [email protected]. This press release was produced by the City of Huntsville. The views expressed here are the author's own.