Homewood Citizens Academy Back For Second Year, Registration Open Now

HOMEWOOD, IL — The Village of Homewood has brought back its Citizen Civics Academy program for Homewood residents and business owners.

The course is a series of six free, educational sessions designed to teach Homewood residents about the inner workings of Homewood’s local government, officials said.

Citizen Civics Academy participants will learn about the many responsibilities and functions of the Village, the relationships between Village departments and the community, and how services are provided.

The Academy's goal is to educate the public and increase awareness about what their local government does for them, provide an inside look into government operations, and develop a better understanding of their role in local government.

Classes take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday evenings beginning Sept. 23, 2024 and ending Oct. 28.

Classes will be held at Village Hall, with the exception of one class each being held at the Public Works facility, fire department, and police department. Participants must provide their own transportation to the Village campus located 2020 Chestnut Rd. and the Public Works facility located at 17755 Ashland Ave. Participants will be invited to the Village Board meeting on Nov. 12, to be recognized for the completion of the academy.

The course serves as a unique opportunity for residents to connect with the heart of local governance, breaking down barriers and demystifying the functions of municipal services. As participants become more informed about the critical roles various departments play, the program encourages them to actively engage in community initiatives, fostering a stronger sense of collaboration and understanding between the village and its residents. Through education and interaction, the Village of Homewood aims to build a more informed and involved citizenry, laying the foundation for a vibrant and thriving community.

To participate, applicants must:

• be residents or business owners of Homewood.
• be 18 years old and provide own transportation.
• plan to attend all classes. If a participant misses more than one class, they will not graduate from Citizen Civics Academy.

Applicants must submit an application before the deadline of Sept. 3. Class size will be a minimum of five participants and capped at 40 participants. All applicants must consent to a background check in order to participate in the police department portion of the academy.

For more information on the academy and to apply, visit the Village website.