Asheville residents who’ve felt left out of local government decision making in the past are encouraged to apply for limited spots in two upcoming citizen training academies.
Under the “Organizing and Uniting to Re-Power” banner, O.U.R. Asheville Academy seeks to educate, activate and energize a new cadre of community leaders, with training sessions spread over eight weeks.
Applications now are being accepted for the first 12 “trainees,” who will have an orientation on Saturday, April 6. The academy is open to young people or adults who live within Asheville city limits.
According to a report from city staff, the interactive, hands-on training covers topics including: community connectedness, community research, community development and mental health, and community mobilization.
The training is open to adults or young people who live in city limits. Applications now are being accepted for the first 12 participants, or “trainees,” whose orientation will begin Saturday, April 6. Applications for a second group will be announced in May.
Those who successfully complete all eight weeks of the academy will receive a $500 stipend and certificate of completion and opportunities to offer input on on other city projects and initiatives.
“This co-designed academy was born out of community input the city received during the re-imagining public safety and equity-focused budget engagement efforts that took place during the pandemic,” Dawn Hitch, the city’s Director of Communication and Public Engagement, said in a release. “Staff sees this as a great opportunity to invest in our community and strengthen connections with groups who have historically been left out of the decision making.”
For more information or to apply, see: