SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
Applications are now being accepted for 25 coveted positions in the newly redesigned Washoe County Engaged Leadership Academy (WCELA). Citizens must be at least 18 years of age to apply for this free, 8-week course scheduled for May 26th through July 14th. Most of the sessions will be held on Thursday evenings, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Two sessions will include tours on Saturday morning, from 9 a.m. to 12noon. This spring will mark the first Washoe County citizen’s academy since fall 2008 after it was suspended due to budgetary reasons.
To address budget concerns as well as enrich the program, Washoe County has partnered with UNR’s Co-Operative Extension citizen training programs to create the revamped citizens academy The interactive sessions are designed to cultivate a partnership between citizens and their community government to help citizens take a more active role in their community. WCELA includes components from Co-Operative Extension’s training programs on leadership skills necessary for local residents to become active citizens in their community, as well as offering presentations by county officials about county services.
John Breternitz, Chairman of the Washoe County Commission, is a graduate of a past Washoe County Leadership Academy program and states “The program provides a valuable opportunity for citizens to interact with local elected officials, staff, and other participants. It is a perfect opportunity for local leaders to become more involved in our community.”
Citizens can apply for the academy by submitting an online application at www.washoecounty.us/citizens/application.html. All applications must be received by 5 p.m. on May 6, 2011. For more information about the program including the 8-week schedule, please visit the Washoe County Engaged Leadership website at http://www.washoecounty.us/citizens/wcla.html.
