Accentuate the positive
Many county governments around the country offer introductions and education about local government in the form of County Citizens’ Academies. These offerings help both government and citizens to accentuate positive ways for understanding how public services work. Monroe County Government offered one such academy after much lobbying of the County Commissioners compelled them to offer one. However, after a trial run that sounded very successful and well received, it wasn’t launched again last year…
Any Google search entering in “county government citizens’ academy” will bring up all kinds of webpages exemplifying how other counties do it– and why. Why? Because, as the Syracuse, NY, model espouses:
“As a result of their participation, Academy participants gain a deeper understanding of Syracuse’s history; meet city and county government leaders and department heads; learn about government operations; participate in dialogue with government leaders about successes and challenges; learn about opportunities for community-based partnerships and programs; serve as role models for others interested in social change; help to foster an environment that contributes to quality of life; and help to build a livable, sustainable community.”
The academies are sometimes run by the county government, and sometimes they’re divided into law enforcement oriented academies and other categories. In some instances an outside entity contributes to a partnership for running the academy.
Whatever the case is in Monroe County, we really need to get it going on here!
Mr. Fluck Mill attended the one two years ago and enjoyed it very much. He especially found the jail tour and the tour of the Treasurer’s office really interesting!
I participated in the City of Bloomington Citizens’ Academy in 2004. I enjoyed it very much too!
Hey– here’s the King Cake I baked in case you foodies are curious:
January 7th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
Laissez les bon temps roulez (Let the good times roll)!
Beautiful King Cake! What kind of filling? I ordered one for some old friends and they should be getting it any day now. One of them is originally from Louisiana so I thought she might enjoy a taste from home.
I completely agree about the Citizens Academy, I have attended the Bloomington Citizens Academy and found it very interesting. I also attended the County version at the same time as Mr. Fluckmill. Hopefully Monroe County will start holding its academy again. I volunteered to assist with the second(canceled) county citizens academy and would do so again if they need the help. It’s a great way to help educate citizens about how their government works and how their money is spent.
One thing that seemed to surprise a few people the most is the fact that there are still many counties in Indiana that do not have unified courts. Many people assumed that every county was like Monroe County in that the courts are unified and share resources such as probation, staff, etc.
January 8th, 2009 at 7:13 pm
So nice to hear from you mh!
What a good friend you are to have ordered an authentic King Cake from NOLA!
I improvised my filling and sort of combined a praline and a cream cheese filling…I must say it turned out pretty tasty!
We should join forces in lobbying the Commissioners about Citizens’ Academy…and make some positive, helpful suggestions on a way it could be done, and of course, the reasons why!
I hope all is well with you and the New Year holds lots of good things in store for you & yours!!
January 19th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
I have given up on commissioners Kiesling and Stoffers showing any interest in involving Monroe county citizens in Monroe county government. Maybe Stoops will be able to use some of the $2000 the council appropriated for a county citizens academy. Last I heard from Jeff Holland, the extension services board was interested in the county / Purdue extension office doing a citizens academy as part of their education programs.
January 19th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Greetings Councilman Newmann!
I too have heard from Amy Thompson over at Extension about how they’ll help with a Citizen’s Academy! I think they will be really proactive about it. Why don’t we both find out what’s being developed and talk to Commissioner Stoops together? I’d like to see if something community-based could be designed as a piece to help drive the interest in a County Citizens’ Academy…
I’m glad you still try to work on this initiative. I’m sure before your term is over, we’ll see something good come out of persisting on demanding this service.
Sophia