Become an Aberdeen Ambassador

Citizens Academy Program (CAP) is a program for citizens and business owners in Aberdeen with goals to provide individuals with a better understanding of the town’s municipal services, the council-manager form of government, and the challenges local governments face.

Beginning in October, the Town of Aberdeen will host its annual Citizens Academy Program. The purpose of the program is to improve understanding, communication, and cooperation between local government and those it serves.

The sessions will provide a “toolbox” of information to help citizens navigate the complex system of government operations and services. The program is designed to provide an overview of town government, keeping in mind that providing minute detail is impossible within the established two-hour time constraints.

Citizens will be interested in attending for many reasons including an expectation to become better acquainted with the town and its programs and services, learning about the policies and procedures of town government, meeting new people, or finding ways to volunteer in the community.

Participants may be representatives from a cross-section of citizens — new and lifelong residents; professionals, homemakers, business owners, retirees, civic group leaders, and high school students — all of whom share an interest in becoming better informed about how a town operates.

Specifically, the goals of the Academy are to provide individuals with a better understanding of the town’s municipal services, the council-manager form of government, and the challenges local governments face. The program will help teach and cultivate new community leaders and to help move those new leaders into important positions within the community. The curriculum enables participants to develop leadership capabilities and build strong relationships, and encourage citizen involvement to effect positive change in the community.

Interested participants will submit an application and be selected on a first-come, first-served basis. Class size will be limited to 10 participants. When class capacity has been met, the excess applications are carried over to the next academy.

Applications request the standard information, such as name, address, phone number, email address, and employer name and address, but they also ask for the applicant’s birthplace, length of time living in Aberdeen and Moore County, interests and accomplishments, and expectations from the program.

There is no cost to individuals who attend the sessions, but the Town strongly encourages participants to commit the time to attend each program. The sessions will be held on the following dates from 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. each evening: Oct. 3, Oct. 17, and November 7.

Since many participants will arrive directly from work without eating, dinner will be provided during each session.

Please click here for application.

Contributed.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email