Civic Impact Academy Press Release
Charlotte Entrepreneur To Launch Civic Impact Academy, Uniting Government and Community Leaders
CHARLOTTE, NC (June 5, 2024) – Charlotte-based consultant Christine Edwards and her firm Civility Localized are proud to introduce the Civic Impact Academy, a 10-week educational experience designed for two key audiences:
Local Government employees (front line and mid-level management in planning, communication, transportation, management, and budget departments.)
Community change-makers (social impact business owners, community leaders, nonprofit program coordinators, neighborhood volunteers, coalition leaders, etc.)
With the launch of the Civic Impact Academy, Edwards aims to make a meaningful investment in a more equitable Charlotte. As community engagement specialists, Edwards and her team have seen gaps between community members and their governing bodies first-hand. They hope the Civic Impact Academy will address those gaps and build bridges for community-government relations.
The academy is unique as it brings together government officials and community members to learn side-by-side. Government workers can expect to take away the latest in inclusive outreach best-practices. Community members can expect to learn how to navigate civic systems and gain social capital.
Curriculum Highlights:
Foundations of Advocacy & Power Dynamics
Using Media Relations and Storytelling to Create Change
Voice, Representation, Change: Joining a Local Board or Committee
Applications to join the inaugural cohort of the Civic Impact Academy will open on July 1st 2024. Classes begin Fall 2024.
Civility Localized will host a free virtual Information Session for the academy on Friday, June 14th, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM EST. Edwards describes the event as one that will provide “a comprehensive overview of the Civic Impact Academy and its mission to empower community leaders to build more equitable futures.”
Learn More: For more details about the Civic Impact Academy and its mission, visit the official website: CivicImpactAcademy.com.
About Civility Localized: Civility Localized is a Charlotte-based consulting firm specializing in fostering equitable and impactful community engagement. Through innovative solutions and collaborative partnerships on projects like reparations initiatives, transit equity campaigns, and participatory budgeting, Civility Localized empowers communities to build more inclusive futures. Civility Localized was founded in 2018 by civic firebrand Christine Edwards and continues to be an award winning champion of equity in civic and community engagement.