Residents can apply now for six sessions of Civic Awareness Academy for spring 2025

MADISON – Madison residents can learn about documented policies, along with behind-the-scenes work, as participants of the Civic Awareness Academy. The application process for the spring 2025 sessions opened Jan. 21.

City leaders organized the Civic Awareness Academy to inspire positive change in community engagement and involvement. The six-week discovery program provides participants with an in-depth look at municipal functions.

Participants will receive an insider’s view into the roles of city operations, departments and services, emerging issues and volunteer opportunities, according to the city’s website, madisonal.gov.

Traci Gillespie, who works as Economic and External Affairs Officer for the City of Madison, coordinates the academy’s sessions.

Conducted in spring and fall, the Civic Awareness Academy sessions will include a round-robin segment during which facilitators will encourage participants to share their thoughts and discuss any concerns.

Examples of class content includes guest speakers, classroom instruction, civic simulations, discussion/ engagement activities and facility tours in Madison. Sessions will be conducted in person – no Zoom meetings.

The academy’s intent is to improve community transparency and increase trust in city government. The academy has other goals:

• Making city government better understood and more accessible.

• Introducing participants to city leaders and department heads in City Hall.

• Encouraging residents to become more involved by serving on committees or volunteering.

• Highlighting methods that the city uses to enhance quality of life and engender empathetic responses to citizens.

• Creating meaningful two-way discussions and conversations.

Participants must satisfy eligibility requirements to attend the academy: • Must be a resident of the City of Madison.

• Must be at least 18 years old.

• Must complete five of the six classes to graduate.

• Must have an interest in increasing personal involvement in community endeavors.

During the first session, “Our City at Work,” the class will meet the mayor, two members of Madison City Council and Finance Director. For “Our City Is Protected,” the Police Chief and Fire Chief will discuss public safety initiatives.

For “Our City Is Maintaining,” employees from Public Works, Engineering and Building/Facilities Departments will explain their work in upkeep of the city’s infrastructure. Panelists from the Planning and Economic Development Department will talk about zoning, business development and comprehensive planning.

This session, “Our City Is Playing,” will show how the Parks and Recreation Department enhances the quality of live for residents. The City Clerk and City Council members will explain the ways that boards and committees strengthen municipal government.

Classes will meet 5:30 to 8 p.m. For more information, visit madisonal.gov/1245/Civic-Awareness- Academy.