Learning curve: Huntsville’s DEI Office hosting citizens academy

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July 16, 2024

HUNTSVILLE – Gather pencils, pens, erasers and notebooks. The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is holding classes for residents.

Call it Huntsville 101.

The city’s ODEI is presenting citizens a chance to learn more about city government and its role within the Huntsville community with the Civic Engagement Academy’s (CEA) fall 2024 session.

Kenny Anderson, Chester Rogers (Facebook)

Residents can apply here for the free six-week program or visit HuntsvilleAL.gov/CEA to learn more. The project aims to empower and educate individuals on community involvement and combines both classroom and interactive instruction, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of civic engagement.

“The Civic Engagement Academy is more than a program; it’s a gateway to fostering positive community impact,” said Kenny Anderson, Director of ODEI. “We encourage all eligible individuals who share our commitment to community involvement to apply and embark on this transformative journey with us.”

The fall 2024 session kicks off with orientation on Sept. 24, paving the way for an enlightening journey for the selected cohorts. Subsequent classes will be held every Tuesday from 6-8 p.m.

Topics are:

Sept. 24: Orientation / How Our City Operates
Oct. 1: Our City Growing
Oct. 8: Our City Safe, Secure & Responding
Oct. 15: Our City at Work at City Hall
Oct. 22: Our City Maintaining
Oct. 29: Our City Engaging
Nov. 5: Our Community Resources
Nov. 19: Graduation

The CEA is open to the first 50 applicants who meet eligibility requirements. Applicants must be at least 19 years old and either a resident, business owner or student in Huntsville or the surrounding area. The program is also open to aspiring or established local influencers with a genuine desire to enhance community involvement.

Selected participants are expected to commit to attending at least five out of six classes to successfully graduate from the program. The curriculum covers a range of topics designed to heighten civic awareness and engagement, equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to make a positive impact within the community.

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