CITIZENS Citizens Academy Mission Statement ACADEMY To improve citizens’ understanding of the workings of effective government, and encourage their involvement in the community to help sustain quality of life for present and future generations. September 9–November 4, 2015 Participants will: • Gain a deeper understanding of how local governments work together •Meet government leaders and department heads •Learn about government operations through direct exposure to experts in the field • Understand how citizens can become engaged in public affairs •Learn about opportunities for communitybased partnerships and programs • Serve as role models for other community residents interested in social change •Help foster an environment that contributes to the quality of life for all citizens • Help build a liveable, sustainable community Citizens Academy For more information, call F.O.C.U.S Greater Syracuse at 315-448-8732 fax: 315-448-8733 [email protected] Visit us on the web: citizensacademycny.org “Making a presentation to Citizens Academy on what I do in my job in government gave me an opportunity to leave my desk and meet with the actual people I serve. It was a great experience for me to be able to articulate how their tax money is spent. Their questions gave me a new perspective on what I do every day.” • Find out how your local government works. • Learn about how you can join with local government leaders to effect change. • Help create the future of your community. Sponsored by: Citizens Academy presenter Citizens Academy 2015 The Citizens Academy is an interactive educational program that informs citizens about how local governments are organized, and how services are funded and delivered. It is a place to learn about citizen involvement through an integrated approach to economic vitality, social equity, and a healthy environment. Sessions are held on Wednesday evenings: • S eptember 9, 16, 30 (no class September 23) • O ctober 7, 14, 21, 28 • November 4 5:30-8 p.m. at various government and community facilities. Light supper will be provided. Participation is free. The Citizens Academy is open to all residents of Onondaga County 18 years of age and older. Class will be limited to 35 members. Citizens Academy Application Please APPLY ONLINE at citizensacademycny.org or complete and mail or fax an application to: F.O.C.U.S Greater Syracuse, 201 E. Washington Street, Syracuse, New York 13202-1427; fax: 315-448-8733 Please print legibly. Name__________________________________________ Home address___________________________________ Your Community, Your Future Session Topics • O verview and expectations Local governments past, present, and future • W hat’s the Plan for Sustainability? Planning, land use, and transportation City/State/ZIP__________________________________ Daytime/evening phone___________________________ Cell phone______________________________________ E-mail address_ _________________________________ Employer/Organization___________________________ Business address_________________________________ City/State/ZIP__________________________________ • C ommunity Vitality Community development, health, and human services Occupation/position______________________________ Preferred mailing address: What our Alums say: • E conomic Vitality Jobs and economic development “I feel so much more educated on how our city operates, why certain decisions are made and just how important our roles are as informed citizens and how influential we can be.” • E nvironmental Stewardship Water and waste management “Citizens Academy has been one of the best, if not the best, ‘continuing education’ experiences of my life. The subjects have been fascinating…and the speakers have been willing to share their knowledge and experiences. The Q&A sessions were extremely valuable.” • S chools, Scholars, and Resources Education and the future ❏ home ❏ business Please attach a separate page to respond in detail to the following questions: 1. Why are you interested in participating in the Academy? 2. How do you plan to use what you learn? 3. What are your current community activities? 4. How long have you lived in Onondaga County? • P ublic Safety Law enforcement and public safety 5. How did you hear about Citizens Academy? Attach a brief resume (optional). • D ollars and Sense Local government budget and finance Applications are due by Friday, July 31, 2015. 4/15