Citizens Academy seeks new members

Wednesday, July 1, 2009, By News Staff

Citizens Academy seeks new membersJuly 01, 2009Eileen Jevisejevis@uc.syr.edu

The Citizens Academy-a civic organization jointly sponsored by University College of Syracuse University, F.O.C.U.S. Greater Syracuse, Onondaga County and the City of Syracuse-seeks interested Onondaga County residents who would like to become more involved in the community and its governance; learn how local government is arranged and how services are funded and delivered; and participate in dialogues with community leaders.

The free, interactive, eight-week educational program encourages citizen involvement in the community to help sustain quality-of-life for present and future generations.

The 2009 class begins Sept. 16. All Onondaga County residents age 18 or older are eligible. The class is limited to 30 members. Participation is free.

Participants will attend eight Wednesday evening sessions held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. between mid-September and mid-November 2009. Session topics include history and organization of local government; budget and funding; health and safety core services; family programs and partnerships; schools and education; law enforcement and judicial systems; transportation; culture and the arts; regional economic development and land use; and the role of members as citizens of the future. Each session is held at a different public or community facility. A light supper will be provided.

Citizens who would like to participate are invited to fill out an application, which can be downloaded from the Citizens Academy page on the F.O.C.U.S. website: http://www.focussyracuse.org.

Application deadline is Aug. 7.

For more information on F.O.C.U.S. Greater Syracuse and the Citizens Academy, call (315) 448-8732 or e-mail focus@ci.syracuse.ny.us.

University College offers a variety of degree, certificate and community programs, including seminars, lecture series, speaker forums, and workshops. For more information on part-time programs, visit the UC website at http://www.YeSU.syr.edu or call (315) 443-YeSU.