A diverse group of people sit around a conference table while a woman gives a presentation.

Programs like citizens’ universities and town hall tours can be powerful tools for helping adults, teens, and children understand how local government works-and for inspiring lifelong civic engagement. Municipal clerks are often at the heart of local government education efforts, coordinating, promoting, and facilitating programs that demystify government operations. Here are proven best practices for designing and delivering effective citizens’ academies and educational experiences for all ages.

1. Design Programs for All Ages

  • Adults: Offer comprehensive citizens’ academies like Gainesville 101 or Lakeland’s Governmentology 101. These programs typically include a series of sessions covering topics such as city governance, budgeting, public safety, infrastructure, and community development. Sessions often feature tours, hands-on demonstrations, and direct interaction with department leaders.

  • Teens: Develop youth-focused initiatives such as the Weston University Program, which uses a mix of classroom learning, real-world experiences, and simulations of city commission meetings. Programs for high school students should encourage leadership, critical thinking, and an understanding of civic responsibility4.

  • Children: Tailor experiences to be interactive and age-appropriate-think city hall tours, scavenger hunts, or “junior council” activities. Guided tours can introduce children to the basics of local government and the importance of community involvement7.

2. Make It Hands-On and Behind-the-Scenes

  • Include tours of city facilities, public works, police and fire departments, and council chambers. Let participants see where decisions are made and services are delivered.

  • Offer simulations, such as mock council meetings or budget exercises, to give participants a taste of real decision-making.

  • Invite participants to observe or take part in actual public meetings to understand the process in action.

3. Foster Direct Engagement with Officials

  • Schedule Q&A sessions with elected officials, department heads, and staff. Open communication builds trust and makes government more approachable.

  • Encourage officials to share real-world challenges and successes, providing context for the complexities of local governance.

4. Prioritize Accessibility and Inclusion

  • Offer programs free of charge or at minimal cost to remove barriers to participation4.

  • Schedule sessions at varied times to accommodate working adults, students, and families.

  • Provide materials in multiple languages and ensure ADA accessibility to reach all community members4.

  • Actively recruit participants from underrepresented groups to ensure diverse perspectives.

5. Set Clear Goals and Celebrate Success

  • Define program objectives: increasing knowledge, encouraging participation, and building leadership skills.

  • Recognize graduates with certificates, public acknowledgments, or opportunities to serve on advisory boards or committees.

  • Encourage continued engagement by providing alumni with updates, volunteer opportunities, and advanced workshops.

6. Leverage Technology and Innovation

  • Offer virtual tours, online workshops, and livestreamed sessions to reach those unable to attend in person.

  • Maintain a user-friendly website with program information, registration, and resources for continued learning.

  • Use social media and email updates to keep participants informed and engaged between sessions.

7. Continuously Improve

  • Gather feedback after each session and at the end of the program to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

  • Update content regularly to reflect current issues, policies, and community priorities.

  • Network with other municipalities to share resources, ideas, and best practices.

Citizens’ universities and behind-the-scenes education programs are more than just informative-they’re transformative. By opening the doors of local government to residents of all ages, municipal clerks can foster a more informed, engaged, and empowered community.

What strategies have worked in your community? Share your successes and lessons learned!