The Citizens’ Academy provides residents with the information, resources, and tools to become knowledgeable community members and effective neighborhood leaders. This is a hands-on multi-sensory experience. At the beginning of the program, participants will be known as Citizen Cadets. At the end of the 9-week program, participants should have an increased understanding of the organizational structure and operations of the various city departments that impact the quality of life in the City of Haines City. Graduates of the program will become ambassadors of the city –assisting with special events and advocating on the city’s behalf. Because the intended outcome is for the participants to become ambassadors, we will be using the book Spark: How to Lead Yourself & Others to Success. Each participant will be required to attend 1 City Commission Meeting for the duration of the program to graduate.
Twenty participants will be required to attend all sessions and will only be allowed one excused workshop. The two-hour sessions are held weekly. For questions, please contact Merissa Green, program coordinator at 863-421-3600 ext. 5149 or email merissa.green@hainescity.com.