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Citizens' University
We are currently accepting applications for Citizens' University which will be held in the Spring or Fall of 2006. The program dates will be scheduled after 10 applications are received. Please read the general description of the University below. If you are interested in being a Citizens' University participant, download the application below and follow the directions to return it to the Public Information Office or call (215) 393-6900.
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Citizens' University Documents & Forms
- Agenda (2 page(s), 40 KB)
- Application (1 page(s), 31 KB)
Citizens' University is scheduled every Tuesday for ten weeks in the Spring or Fall. The Citizens' University classes will be held in the Community Rooms at the Township Building beginning at 7:00 p.m. and lasting approximately an hour. Some sessions will be held at other Township facilities which may include the Public Works Department and the fire station. We will accept 20 Montgomery Township residents as University participants. Participants must live within the limits of Montgomery Township (Special exceptions must be approved by the Board of Supervisors). Participants may be recommended by Township employees, the Board of Supervisors and other interested parties. Participants may include any residents who are interested in learning about Township operations or have expressed opinions about Township services, operations or governing.
If you have any questions about Citizens' University after reading the description below, or want to recommend someone as a participant, contact the Community Service Office at (215) 393-6900.
DESCRIPTION OF CITIZENS' UNIVERSITY
The Montgomery Township Citizens' University was developed to educate and inform residents about their local government departments, representatives, programs, and current community issues. The program was designed to create an environment that would support and encourage leadership, participation and responsibility by the Township's citizens. Citizens' University will help the Township develop and maintain an informed and diversified resource of community leadership through education and involvement.
The program is made up of a series of classes that offer background information on all aspects of the operation and management of the Township. The courses for residents are aimed at promoting an understanding and awareness of the Township's structure and services. Citizens' University explores the roles that citizens and the administration have in maintaining an effective municipal government.
Over a period of ten weeks, Citizens' University members meet on ten occasions and actively participate in a variety of tours, presentations and demonstrations. Highlights from the program may include:
- Lectures by Township officials and representatives (Finance, Planning and Land Development, Business Tax Collector, Police Department, Fire Services, Emergency Services, Recreation, Public Works, Sewer Authority).
- Presentations and interactive demonstrations
- Walking and driving tours of Township facilities and public/private sites
- Open dialogue with Township Officials, staff and community/business leaders in order to offer participants an understanding of issues, opportunities and challenges facing the Township
The expected results of the program are strengthened neighborhoods and involved citizens for future boards, committees and commissions. The Township wants to develop, nurture and utilize leadership opportunities within its own community, while familiarizing residents with all aspects of government, business, education, and service industries. The Township hopes that Citizens' University participants will spread the word throughout the community about what Montgomery Township does and the value it delivers to citizens, businesses and visitors.
As more residents are educated through the program, the positive results will benefit the entire community as alumni continue to seek out opportunities to participate and assist existing civic and community organizations and agencies. The long-term benefits will exemplify an ever-expanding network of community leaders and build a stronger bridge of mutual trust and respect between the community and its government. Citizens' University is a unique opportunity for citizens to learn about Montgomery Township's government in order to foster a better understanding and working relationship between citizens and their government.
The inaugural Citizens' University will educate approximately twenty Montgomery Township residents selected by Township staff members and elected officials. Selection will be based on the strength of the application, civic leadership potential, and diversity of the applicants. Members of the first class will represent a variety of residents, including business owners and managers, members of the media, and residents who are retired or self-employed.
The Township strives to continuously maximize opportunities to communicate with community members, business leaders and volunteers. The Township staff manages a government access cable station that broadcasts a bulletin board of events, maintains an up-to-date Web site, and manages a quarterly newsletter mailed to over 7,000 homes. It honors volunteers with an annual appreciation brunch, and recognizes community and staff members who have received special awards at their bi-monthly Board meetings. The Townships' extensive efforts to communicate with its residents have garnered a PSATS Outstanding Citizen Communication Award in 2004, along with three third place awards for the Web site home page, Cable Channel 22, and newsletter. Township staff and officials hope that the addition of Citizens' University and their continued efforts bring residents to view their local government as open, proactive, and inclusive.
