Changing
opportunities and challenges in the Greater Madison
Area underscore the need for able, skilled and informed
leadership at every level and in every sector of
our complex civic and economic infrastructure. Civitas
is one of the Greater Madison Area’s
premiere leadership education and training programs
designed to help citizens gain the knowledge and experience
they need to actively participate as civic leaders
in their communities. Civitas is an exciting educational
and informational approach to both encourage more people
to get involved in the processes of local government
and to provide a deeper level of information for those
already engaged.
To enhance their knowledge
and understanding of property taxes, economic development,
municipal finance and budgets, K–12 school
finance and budgets, transportation, human services
and public safety, Civitas participants learn from
the best. One of the goals of Civitas is to give
participants access to the people who know how things
really get done. Our faculty includes the most experienced
administrators and former elected officials in Dane
County including former Madison and suburban mayors,
former Dane County executives, school superintendents
and former school board members and leaders from
state, county and local government and community
organizations. Through presentations, panel discussions
and a variety of hands-on activities to address the
challenges and opportunities affecting the Greater
Madison Area, Civitas will:
- Improve participant understanding of how local
government is organized and works;
- Enhance participant awareness and understanding
of the current challenges and opportunities confronting
our communities;
- Provide participants with meaningful opportunities
to network and interact with each other and with
civic leaders from the Greater Madison area; and
- Allow participants to identify and explore opportunities
for civic engagement.
The registration fee for Civitas
2011 is $300. The program consists of six afternoon
sessions held on the fourth Tuesday of the month, beginning
in February and concluding in September.
Application Guidelines
- Applicants must be residents of the Greater Madison
area and worked in the area for two years.
- Applicants may be nominated by
their employers, alumni of Civitas or Leadership
Greater Madison or may self-nominate.
- Applicants must commit to attending
a minimum of five of the six scheduled sessions and
participate in program activities.
- All applicants must complete and submit the official
Civitas application.
- The $300 tuition* is upon program
acceptance.
- Checks can be made payable to
Civitas and can be mailed to Civitas c/o GMCC, 615
E. Washington Ave., P.O. Box 71, Madison, WI 53701-0071.
*Civitas will work with accepted applicants on tuition
assistance, if necessary. A limited amount of assistance
will be available each year.
Program overview
- Six half-day, afternoon sessions
will be held throughout the year, each focusing on
a specific aspect of local government organization
and operation, including an issue focus and networking
opportunities. Focus areas will include discussions
of property taxes, the local budget process, school
funding, challenges facing urban, suburban and rural
school districts, public services, various aspects
of the local economy and economic development and
the electoral process.
- Participants will not only enhance
their knowledge through presentations and interaction
with recognized local leaders and experts, but may
also have the opportunity to participate in a research
project examining specific local issues.
For additional information about Civitas, please contact
Julie Buss at Wood Communications Group, julie.buss@wcgpr.com or
call 608-259-0757.
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