City organizes class relating to government services, programs, departments

Preparations for the 2013 Citizens’ Academy are well underway. The annual nine-week class enters its 15th year this fall.

The class is organized by Vickie Provine, the Program Manager for Neighborhood Services within the City of Bloomington’s Department of Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND).

According to the HAND website, “Citizens’ Academy provides participants with an interactive learning experience that focuses on municipal government services, programs and responsibilities.”

“Citizens’ Academy serves as a springboard into community where neighborhood leaders can learn about city departments,” Provine said.

Knowing how to navigate the city’s complicated bureaucracy, from the Mayor’s Office to the Public Works Department, empowers individuals to become more involved within their communities.

Each class meeting centers on a particular city department. Representatives from the various city departments present students with an overview of how their department works. Classes are meant to be interactive. Students can ask questions to presenters and one another.

“There is no typical day at Citizens’ Academy,” Provine said.

Each department operates differently, so every class is unique. Often times there are opportunities to learn first-hand through field trips and tours.

“Students are able to see how city government affects many aspects of day-to-day life,” Provine said.

Bloomington’s city government is responsible for many of the important services every citizen uses. Citizens’ Academy students are able to see all of the planning that goes in to keeping the city functioning.

Citizens’ Academy graduate and Associate Director for Political and Civic Engagement at IU Joelene Bergonzi said she agrees that the experience helped her gain a more detailed view of the city’s structure.

“It made me understand what it takes to keep the city running,” Bergonzi said.

Bergonzi recommends the experience for IU students seeking a deeper connection with the community.

Besides being a valuable learning experience, Citizens’ Academy is also an opportunity to network and connect with community leaders, Bergonzi said.

Graduates of Citizens’ Academy include Mayor Mark Kruzan, members of Bloomington’s boards and commissions, judges, attorneys, educators and public service providers.

Anyone is welcome to enroll. There is still limited space available for the class session beginning Aug. 15. Applications can be found online at bloomington.in.gov/neighborhoods.

-Brianna Meyer