What is the Transit Alliance Citizens' Academy?
The program will host a maximum of 60 participants over 7 weeks to discuss the complex linkages between transportation, community development and sustainability. These complexities and their relationship to the goals of the Denver Metro Region are uncovered in the program through a variety of speakers from the development community, public health sector, municipal government, the Regional Transportation District and many more. The cornerstone of this unique program is that participants will take their new knowledge and put it in action. Each session will be designed to be very interactive and participants will be asked to follow-up each session with a homework assignment. In addition, participants will spend a portion of each class designing their individual action plan that they will implement in their community upon completing the academy.
Why a Transit Alliance Citizens' Academy?
Transit Alliance has recognized that there is a need for a new generation of leaders that see the inherent link between transportation, community development and the healthy active living that is valued as part of our Colorado quality of life. We work to develop educational programs that stimulate a regional dialogue and encourage stakeholders to take leadership roles. The Citizens’ Academy began in 2007 and in four short years we have seen 7 of our graduates successfully run for elected office in addition to many graduates that hold appointed leadership positions in the region. Combined these graduates will help educate others about the transit investment in the region and how that initial investment will translate into opportunities to further community development and healthy active lifestyles by creating more walkable areas to live, work and play.
Who Participates?
The Transit Alliance Citizens’ Academy is limited to a class of 60 who will be selected on the basis of demonstrated leadership ability and commitment to make future contributions to transportation, community development, healthy living and improving the quality of life in Metro Denver.
Who is Transit Alliance?
Transit Alliance is the movement to make the Denver Metro region the best place to live by supporting investment in transit through unique educational programs. We believe that transit makes this region the best place to live, provides the best chance for economic success for all people and enhances our outstanding quality of life and lifestyle. Transit Alliance began a Citizens’ Academy in 2007 and now has 380 graduates of the program. These movers and shakers are scattered across the region and serving in leadership positions at all levels of community building.
When will the Academy Meet?
The Academy will meet on Wednesday evenings from 6 - 9 p.m. for seven consecutive weeks. The Fall Academy (2012-02) will begin September 12 and end on October 24, 2012. Meetings will be held at the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, 1445 Market Street, 5th Floor, Denver, CO.
Selection Criteria:
- Participants should live or work in the Denver Metropolitan Region.
- Participants should represent a diversity of interests related to transportation and community development and have an interest in sustainability.
- Demonstrated leadership qualities.
- Ability to participate in all sessions.
- Employer consent, where appropriate.
- Reasonable representation by geography and by cultural diversity.
- THIS IS A VERY COMPETITIVE PROGRAM, please be sure to answer all questions thoughtfully and thoroughly as the selection committee uses the applications to select participants.
Funding:
Participants selected for this program will be provided scholarships from supporting organizations and/or Transit Alliance. Forty-percent of participants are sponsored by Transit Alliance’s supporting organizations and the remaining 60% from the Transit Alliance’s general fund. While there is no direct cost to participants, the per person cost of the Academy is $1,000.
Application Process:
Consider participating in or encouraging someone to apply for the 2012 Citizens' Academy.
APPLICATIONS FOR FALL ARE DUE FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012 by 5:00 PM. Selection results will be made August 29.