Newly elected Town Board members Tim Dreffer and Connie Wessner did it. So did many on the town’s other boards and commissions. Even your DavidsonNews.net editor has been through it. It’s Civics 101, the town’s annual civic education program for anyone interested in learning more about town government. Applications are now being accepted for the fourth annual Civics 101 sessions starting in January.
“Davidson residents are well informed and involved in local issues,” Town Manager Leamon Brice said in an announcement. “Civics 101 will take that interest to the next level. Perhaps someone is interested in getting more involved, sitting on a board or a committee, or wants to learn more about how things in town happen. This is their chance to explore the inner workings of our town government and departments.”
More than 100 people have graduated from Civics 101, from school principals and businesspeople to nonprofit leaders and those who’ve gone on to community leadership positions. Besides Mr. Dreffer and Ms. Wessner, graduates include current Town Board member Laurie Venzon, Design Review Board members Brunson Russum and Mike Kessler, Planning Board members Bill Lawing and Paul Dienemann, Recreation Advisory Committee members Olivia Bearden, Chad Randolph and Natasha Marcus, and Public Art Commission member Matt Churchill.
Civics 101 is open to Davidson residents and residents of the ETJ who are 18 and older.
This free program includes information about public safety, planning, parks and recreation, town history, budget preparation and other topics.
Classes will be held at town hall and various other locations. Classes begin Jan. 21 and continue for seven consecutive weeks. Sessions also include a Saturday field trip and graduation ceremony at the March 2010 town board meeting. Students can elect to sign up for a day session from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. or the evening session from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The day class will require a minimum of 15 participants.
Participants should not expect seven weeks of lectures. Classes will be interactive. Acceptance into the program is on a first-come, first serve basis and only 20 participants will be able to participate in each class. Those selected must commit to attending all seven classes.
Applications are available online and at Town Hall.
For more information about the program, please contact Sara-Lynne Levine at slevine@ci.davidson.nc.us or 704 940-9602 or visit www.ci.davidson.nc.us/civics101. Online applications may be completed by registering with the new town online forms program at www.ci.davidson.nc.us/townforms.
