Updated 10/06/2009

 

 

Everything You Always Wanted To Know About
CITIZENS’ COLLEGE: HOW GOVERNMENT WORKS 

"One thing I learned for sure," stated a participant in a reflection period during the final class session, "is how little I really knew about county government."


(one small part of the ever growing “Alumni Club” of Citizens’ College)

History

Encompassing 709 square miles, Chatham is one of the larger of North Carolina’s 100 counties.  It is also one of the faster growing.  Such geographical size and burgeoning population provides special challenges for our system of government.  

Fortunately, numerous not-for-profit agencies and organizations (far more than are found in most other NC counties) exist to assist local government in serving the populace. Chatham Citizens for Effective Communities – Institute, Inc. is one such non-profit group that seeks to empower citizens to enhance Chatham’s future through educational programs such as Citizen’s College. In cooperation with Chatham County government and the office of the County Manager, it launched "Citizens’ College: How Government Works" in the spring of 2006.

Facilitated by CCEC – Institute’s Rita Spina and Assistant County Manager Renee Paschal, the course took students on "field trips" around the county to meet on site with key staff people who form the "behind-the-scenes" team that manages and coordinates all the work of government.   By the end of the weekly sessions, students were impressed by the amount of work accomplished, and by the abilities of those who manage their tasks in the face of ever increasing demands.

Students were also concerned about finding ways and means of bridging the gaps that separate the diverse population spread across Chatham’s large geographic footprint. The program’s promotion of citizen input on matters vital to the health and well-being of the entire county, along with more opportunities for citizens to become better informed about key issues and how government manages them, are but two means toward that end.

A wish expressed by many students is that more citizens take advantage of Citizens’ College to interact with their governmental leaders. It is the kind of "core curriculum" that can benefit every citizen, as attested to by those who have completed the course.  All participants expressed appreciation for government leaders who give of their time and talents to work for and work with citizens. And all agreed that as citizens get to know their leaders, they feel empowered to work along side them to assist in doing what it takes to enhance Chatham’s future.

Schedule of Sessions 

THE NEXT SESSION OF CITIZENS COLLEGE WILL BEGIN ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH, 2010 AND CONTINUE EACH THURSDAY THROUGH  MARCH 18TH FROM 6:30 - 9 PM.

Special sessions for specific groups are occasionally scheduled based upon need and availability of resources.  An example of such scheduling is the sessions held for students of Jordan Matthews High School in Siler City during the fall of 2008.  For more information on this program, please click here.

Enrollment

Enrollment for regular sessions of Citizens’ College: How Government Works is open to all citizens across Chatham County who are at least juniors in high school.

The cost for the regular sessions is $20.00.  Any person who finds this cost to be a hardship is encouraged to apply for a full scholarship.

An Application Form is available on the CCEC website for downloading (visit http://chathamcitizens.org/citizens-college/applicationpost.html   Or, you may call 919-932-3132 or email info@chathamcitizens.org  to request a form.

Citizen Advisory Committee Volunteer Opportunities