VALDOSTA, GA – Valdosta and other local citizens who want an inside look at their local government are urged to sign up for the 5th annual Government 101 Citizens Orientation Program, which begins April 7, 2014. Applications are being accepted by the City of Valdosta through the March 14 deadline.
In an effort to educate local youth on the important role that local government plays in community life, the city has modified the Government 101 program to include up to five high school seniors who have a parent or legal guardian also enrolled in the program. The idea was discussed at the recent Valdosta Mayor and Council Retreat and became one of the 12 goals the Mayor and Council set for the year.
“Our hope is that all program participants—both young and seasoned—will develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of how their local government operates,” said Mayor John Gayle. “As a result, we also hope these participants will become more involved in serving their community or even consider public service as their future profession.”
Participants of the program will meet on six consecutive Mondays, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., and will be exposed to the services of all city departments according to the following itinerary:
April 7 Introduction to Class
April 14 Public Safety and Municipal Court
April 21 Engineering, Public Works and Utilities
April 28 Financial Administration, Industrial and Economic Development
May 5 Community Building and Neighborhood Development
May 12 Facility Tour and Graduation
A maximum of 25 people will be selected for the class from citizens who submit a completed application by the deadline and pass the required background checks. If more than 25 people apply, the city will give preference to the applications on a first-come, first-served basis.
Citizens may pick up an application from City Hall or download the form at www.valdostacity.com/
