The City of York is pleased to announce that CivicsEDU, a rising non-profit organization based in the Charlotte area, dedicated to enhancing civic literacy in schools and communities, will be introducing its new Civic Academy Program in York. The Civic Academy Program is an innovative initiative aimed at educating and engaging participants in a thorough exploration of civic duties, community involvement, and effective governance practices.
The program, structured around interactive workshops, expert-led seminars, and real-world case studies, covers a wide range of topics, including government structure, electoral processes, public policy, and civic engagement. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with civic leaders, policymakers, and fellow citizens to discuss pressing issues and explore solutions that strengthen democracy at all levels.
Participants will engage in a four-week program covering the following topics:
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Session 1: Introduction to Local Government and Civic Engagement – Gain insight into the structure of local government, effective communication strategies, and York’s current growth trajectory, while equipping participants with practical civic engagement tools.
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Session 2: Utilities – Learn about the department’s structure, ongoing projects, how to interact with the department, and when to bring issues to the attention of elected officials.
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Session 3: Planning – Develop a clear understanding of city planning, its significance, and how to engage with residents on current planning initiatives.
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Session 4: Policy Recommendation Workshop – Cohort members will complete a concrete policy recommendation based on their learning and experiences during the program.