INSIGHT Citizen's Academy
Get to know your local government! The City of Winchester's INSIGHT Citizen's Academy provides area residents an opportunity to discover their city through interactive, hands-on activities and to gain exposure to the wide range of government services, programs, functions and challenges. This year, the City is offering two academies from which to choose - a new lunchtime Academy in the spring and the evening program in the fall.
Thursday Evenings
August 30 – November 8, 2012
6:30 - 8:30 pm
(Several optional sessions held on Tuesdays)
$25 per person, non-refundable
Lunch Provided at 6:15 pm each Thursday
Register by: August 24
Register now for the 2012 INSIGHT Citizen’s Academy!
Objective back to top register
Familiarize local residents with the various functions of Winchester’s government; encourage continued involvement; enhance residents’ ability to navigate through the complex system of government services, and provide an avenue for open communication with City officials.
“This program was one of the highlights of my life in Winchester.”
Benefits back to top register
-
Gain a deeper understanding of how local government works from the people in the government who directly serve you - Meet government leaders and staff members and visit various government facilities
- Understand how you can become engaged in public affairs
- Participate in dialogues with City staff about successes and challenges
- Serve as a role model for other community residents interested in social change
- Help foster an environment that contributes to the quality of life for all residents
- Gain the knowledge needed to become a member of a City advisory board or commission
- Help build a livable, sustainable community
“Having the opportunity to meet the people first hand was the best part - as it made the workings of the government come to life.”
Curriculum back to top register
At every session, discuss the City’s past,
present and future with department leaders and staff. Get to
know the people that make the daily decisions and find out how and,
most importantly, why decisions are made. Government operations
can be complicated if you don’t have the opportunity to be a
part of the action. Now
you can get inside, get explanations, meet local officials and gain
a new INSIGHT into your local government.
“Everyone we met with was very enthusiastic about sharing with us what they do, and explaining a lot of processes. I really liked the fact that they all wanted questions and were eager to answer them.”
Schedule back to top register
Each session lasts for no more than 2 hours with several optional tours held on Tuesdays. A light dinner will be provided prior to each Thursday session at 6:15 pm. A welcome reception is held at the beginning and graduation ceremony with a mock City Council meeting is held at the end of the program. During the mock council meeting, you have the opportunity to be a council member and discuss and vote on real-life scenarios. The mock meeting is led by the Council President and Mayor.
NOTE: Schedule is subject to change. INSIGHT participants will be notified of the final schedule prior to the start of the program.
NOTE: Schedule is subject to change. INSIGHT participants will be notified of the final schedule prior to the start of the program.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Thursday, August 30
Welcome Reception | Winchester’s History
Thursday, September 6
Big Picture - City Values & Goals | City Manager | Council
Tuesday, September 11
Attend Council Work Session (6:00 pm)
Thursday, September 13
Budget Process | Human Resources | Public Information Office | FOIA
Thursday, September 20
Economic Development | Old Town Development | Parking Authority | Walking Tour of Old Town
Thursday, September 27
Infrastructure – Current and Future | Public Utilities | Tour of Water Plant
Tuesday, October 2
Tour of Waste Water Treatment Plant
Thursday, October 4
Public Works | Tour of City Yards
Thursday, October 11
Comprehensive Plan
Thursday, October 18
Police | Emergency 9-1-1 | Tour of Timbrook Public Safety Center
Thursday, October 25
Fire & Rescue | Tour of Shawnee Fire Station
Tuesday, October 30
Community Resources Team (CRT)
Thursday, November 1
Social Services
Thursday, November 8
Graduation | Mock Council Meeting
Program Registration back to top register
To ensure a spot in the program, please download the registration form and
submit the
completed form and payment by August 24, 2012.
Contact Amy Simmons at (540) 662-4946 if you should have any questions about the program.
Prior to the start of the program, you will receive the complete program schedule with meeting locations via mail or email.
The fee to participate in the 2012 INSIGHT Academy is to help cover the cost of materials and food. Because these activities do create obligations for City personnel, we ask that you make every reasonable effort to attend all scheduled events.
We also welcome past graduates to participate during any portion of the academy at any time.
“If I were were Emperor of Winchester, I would make this program mandatory.”
History back to top register
The INSIGHT Citizen’s Academy was created in 2004 in an effort to open communication between the citizens and the City of Winchester.
The International City and County Management Association (ICMA) featured Winchester’s INSIGHT Citizen’s Academy as a case study at its 2009 leading practices conference. City Managers from across the country attended the conference to learn about proven programs in other communities so that they may implement similar programs at home. Being featured at ICMA’s conference is a compliment to the program and an honor for the City of Winchester.
Since 2004, over 150 people have graduated from the program and many have gone on to serve on an advisory board and Council (Les Veach, John Tagnesi, Milt McInturff, and John Hill). There is always something new to discover at the City of Winchester’s INSIGHT Citizen’s Academy!
“It is something everyone should participate in. Thanks for everything!!!”
“Great job by the City. It really makes one feel they can be a part of things.”