New classes designed to promote civic engagement are being offered in Wichita. KMUW’s Deborah Shaar has the story.
This new series of classes is called City 101 and organizers hope they inspire community involvement through information.
The program is a partnership between the Wichita Independent Neighborhoods and the Wichita Public Library.
A series of five classes, all free, are offered twice a month for the next five months.
Organizer Don Landis says participants will get an inside look at how the city of Wichita works.
“A variety of topics will be covered from city government and city departments to the nuts and bolts of forming a successful neighborhood association to leadership skills and styles,” he says.
The next scheduled class is about city departments and ordinances, and will be held Wednesday at the Rockwell Library branch on East Ninth Street.
Classes Offered:
City 101: How Wichita Works: City Council, City Manager, District Advisory Boards
Learn about the different branches of the city government, as well as how they work together to get things done. Attendees will find out why it matters to attend public meetings and how being involved in important discussions can make a difference.
Wednesday, Jan. 7, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Central Library
Wednesday, May 20, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Rockwell Branch
City 101: City Departments: How They Work and City Ordinances
In this session, students can learn about the city's various departments, how they work and how to contact them when people need their help. Visitors can also learn how to be an effective citizen by improving ordinance enforcement in their neighborhood.
Wednesday, Jan. 21, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Rockwell Branch
Wednesday, Feb. 4, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Central Library
City 101: Forming Non-Governmental Organizations: Functions and Forms to File
This session will explain non-profit status and other paperwork equired to form coalitions and groups. Participants will also learn how to be effective and successful as an organization.
Wednesday, Feb. 18, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Evergreen Branch
Wednesday, Mar. 4, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Central Library
City 101: Organization, By-Laws, and How to Conduct Meetings and Build Attendance
Participants will learn Robert's Rules of Order, a guide to running successful meetings, building a sample by-law, preparing a productive and interesting agenda, building active participation and enhancing effective communication.
Wednesday, Mar. 18, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Alford Branch
Wednesday, Apr. 1, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Central Library
City 101: Leadership Skills and Styles
In this course, discuss what type of leadership styles work. Students will also learn to develop their own skills in building an effective group.
Wednesday, May 6, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Central Library
Wednesday, Apr. 15, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Westlink Branch
For more information about the courses, visit the Wichita Public Library website.