Knowledge is Power
By: Sabrina Colón, Charlotte Communications & Marketing
When our residents have a better understanding of how local government works, they are better equipped to take an active role in the process. From understanding how council-manager form of government operates, to how capital budgets are coordinated and the roles and responsibilities of multiple levels of government, understanding municipal government is no easy task.
To help teach residents the functions of local government and empower them to be more engaged with us, the City of Charlotte recently launched Gov University.
Gov University is an online hub that gives residents access to online videos, brochures, and most importantly, civic engagement opportunities that help explain of how local government operates and how they can be part of the process.
GOV 101
The official kick-off of Gov University took place at Charlotte Career Discovery Day, collaboration between the City of Charlotte and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, with the help of several community stakeholders. More than 4,000 students visited interactive “industry zones” to explore different career paths. At the Gov University booth, over 200 students tested their local government knowledge by taking out civic engagement quiz, which also linked them to resources relevant to their knowledge and engagement level. City staff were also on hand to share information about city services, engage with students on the local issues that mattered most to them and connect them to resources and additional learning opportunities that matched their individual interests.
Think you can ace our quiz? Test your civic engagement level.
Learning is important at every age. The City of Charlotte, in partnership with numerous North End Smart District (NESD) residents, businesses and community stakeholders created a state-of-the-art digital learning lab at Camp North End called The Nest. In addition to serving as a community gathering space for the eight NESD neighborhoods, The Nest will feature ongoing programming aimed at technology education and digital literacy training.
At the grand opening on the lab, Gov University representatives held a workshop with many of the area’s senior residents to not only share Gov University resources but to also teach residents how to access city services online. Gov University will continue to work the the NESD team to provide ongoing training targeting seniors and those with limited to access to technology.
The Deeper Dive
Another element of Gov University is bringing together the city’s multiple academies to share resources and best practices. The City of Charlotte is committed to educating residents on all areas of our organization. The city offers multiple academies that teach residents how to become civic leaders.
Aviation Academy
The 2018 Charlotte Aviation Academy provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to better understand the inner-workings of Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and its contributions and impacts on our economy, transportation system and community. Academy participants will gain behind the scenes access to current operations and future CLT planning efforts that will impact our local economy. The Aviation Academy is open to community members and public and private sectors leaders from across the greater Charlotte region.
Learn more about the Aviation Academy
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Citizens’ Academy
The Citizens’ Academy program helps CMPD build community relationships and creates a cadre of citizens who are better informed about police work and the services their police department offer to the community.
Learn more about the CMPD Citizen’s Academy
Community Planning Academy
The Community Planning Academy is a free educational program accessible to any resident who is interested in learning more about the role planning plays in building communities. Community Planning Academy’s goal is to empower residents with a better understanding of community planning so they can effectively engage in planning efforts both in their neighborhood and the city.
Learn more about the Community Planning Academy
Civic Leadership Academy
The Civic Leadership Academy is a free 11 session course designed for residents who are ready to take the next step in being community leaders and improving the quality of life in all of Charlotte’s neighborhoods. The Civic Leadership Academy will provide participants the opportunity to grow in their leadership, analyze issues using data, connect with decision makers and other Charlotte leaders, and make a difference in their communities.
Learn more about the Civic Leadership Academy
This is just the beginning. We are working to continually grow this resource to educate more residents so they can be part of the process.
