Citizens' Academy
Get familiar with Weston government inside and out at the 2016 Weston Citizens’ Academy! Take tours of some of the Town facilities, meet with Department Managers, and engage in hands on activities! Ask your burning questions about the “who, what, where, when, why and how” of the Town, and learn about the role you can play in Weston’s government.
The program is specifically designed to familiarize citizens with the processes and procedures associated with Town and school services and will consist of a series of presentations, discussions, and visits to Town departments/facilities.
The objectives are to facilitate and deepen public knowledge and understanding of how Weston’s Town Government operates; promote two-way dialogue between Town staff and residents; and enhance public participation by communicating opportunities for residents to become involved. All sessions will be led by town and school staff at their respective facilities.
Participants will attend nine 2-hour interactive workshops, detailed below, and must commit to attending all nine sessions. The first session will be held on Thursday, September 22 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room at Town Hall. The remaining teaching sessions will be held on the succeeding Thursday (9/29, 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27, 11/3; 11/10.) A final “graduation” session will take place at the Board of Selectmen’s meeting Wednesday, December 14th.
Early registration is suggested as the Academy will be limited to 25 participants. Efforts will be made to be inclusive of all age groups and preference will be given to those who have not previously been to Town Meeting or served on any Town Boards or Committees. There is no fee for attending the Academy.
For further information, please contact: Molly Fitzpatrick at 781-786-5090.
For registration, please email: humanresources@westonmass.org
Objective
The program is specifically designed to familiarize citizens with the processes and procedures associated with Town and school services and will consist of a series of presentations, discussions, and visits to Town departments/facilities.
The objectives are to facilitate and deepen public knowledge and understanding of how Weston’s Town Government operates; promote two-way dialogue between Town staff and residents; and enhance public participation by communicating opportunities for residents to become involved. All sessions will be led by town and school staff at their respective facilities.
Schedule
Participants will attend nine 2-hour interactive workshops, detailed below, and must commit to attending all nine sessions. The first session will be held on Thursday, September 22 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room at Town Hall. The remaining teaching sessions will be held on the succeeding Thursday (9/29, 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27, 11/3; 11/10.) A final “graduation” session will take place at the Board of Selectmen’s meeting Wednesday, December 14th.
Registration
Early registration is suggested as the Academy will be limited to 25 participants. Efforts will be made to be inclusive of all age groups and preference will be given to those who have not previously been to Town Meeting or served on any Town Boards or Committees. There is no fee for attending the Academy.
For further information, please contact: Molly Fitzpatrick at 781-786-5090.
For registration, please email: humanresources@westonmass.org
Date | Topic |
---|---|
Sept. 22nd | Introduction and Overview: the history and structure of Town Government |
Sept. 29th | Land Use: Conservation, Building, Planning, Zoning, Assessors & Board of Health |
Oct. 6th | Town Clerk, Finance/Budget & Info. Technology: public records, voting, budgeting process & types, Town IT systems |
Oct. 13th | School Department |
Oct. 20th | Police and Dispatch |
Oct. 27th | Fire & Emergency Services |
Nov. 3rd | Public Works & Public Facilities: streets, parks, cemetery, water, engineering/GIS, transfer station & facilities |
Nov. 10th | Community Services: Library, Council on Aging, Recreation & Housing |
Dec. 14th | Board of Selectmen meeting: graduation |
The Citizens' Academy will meet 8 consecutive Thursdays from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. with graduation on Wednesday, Dec. 14th.
Tuition is free, but enrollment is limited. Enroll by emailing humanresources@
westonmass.org
or calling 781-786-5090
Program Schedule (PDF)
Tuition is free, but enrollment is limited. Enroll by emailing humanresources@
westonmass.org
or calling 781-786-5090
Program Schedule (PDF)