[Durham INC] Neighborhood College deadline is July 27 (Herald-Sun)

[John Schelp]

An excellent opportunity to learn more about the inner workings of local government...

Neighborhood College deadline is July 27
Herald-Sun, 2 June 2009

Residents looking to play a more active role in their neighborhoods will get their chance to learn how at this fall's Durham Neighborhood College, a class designed specifically for residents to learn about the organization, operations, and services of their local city and county governments. 

Applications are available for the Durham Neighborhood College 2009 Fall Term. 

The final day to apply for the fall session is July 27. All applicants must be current in their vehicle and property taxes. 

The classes will be held on nine Thursday nights beginning Sept. 10 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and on one Saturday morning. Space is limited to 25 people. 

Submit a completed application to the Durham County Clerk to the Board of Commissioners, located at 200 East Main St., Second Floor, Durham, N.C. 27701 

To learn more about Durham Neighborhood College, download an application or apply on-line, visit the City's Web site at www.durhamnc.gov/departments/public/dnc.cfm or the County's Web site at www.durhamcountync.gov/departments/bocc/Durham_Neighborhood_College/index.html. 

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Classes encourage community involvement Aim: To explain link of government to neighborhoods
Herald-Sun, 15 February 2009

Local residents are being encouraged to take a greater interest in their community, with help from the city and county. 

In a joint effort, the city and county governments are co-sponsoring the Durham Neighborhood College, a series of classes taught by local government officials to make Durham residents more knowledgeable about all facets of local government. The biannual program, which began earlier this month, is now in its sixth year of operation. 

The classes are held every Thursday night for nine weeks, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. There will also be one class held on a Saturday morning. The classes each have 25 people, chosen from various Durham neighborhoods. High school students ages 15 and up, as well as Latino residents, are especially encouraged to apply. 

Each citizen accepted into the program pays a $30 fee. Each session is held at a city or county facility and begins with a light meal. 

"We hope participants will learn more about their city and county governments, how they work, and how they impact their neighborhoods," said Amy Blalock, the senior public affairs specialist for the city of Durham. 

"Ultimately, we'd like participants to be able to take that knowledge back to their neighbors and have the ability to be an effective leader in their neighborhood and the larger Durham community." 

Former graduates of the program include members of local governments and their families...

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