Citizen Academy series: Focus on Education: Be Involved. Be Infomed. Be the Solution!

Posted by on October 4, 2002

Focus on Education: Be Involved. Be Infomed. Be the Solution!

Wednesdays October 9, 16, 23 and 30th, 6:00-8:30pm
If you’ve ever volunteered at a school, you may have some questions… Why are the classrooms sorely in need of paint? Why is the library closed? Why are the kids, so eager to learn yet so behind grade level?

Citizen Academy is pleased to present a 4-session course* that answers some of these questions, and helps you figure out your part in answering them in positive, effective ways that will make a difference to our students, to their schools and to the future our city. Our workshops are incredibly participatory– you will help shape the discussions and emerge from the course with the support and resources need to put your compassion into action for the kids of Philadelphia!

The programs include a delicious dinner from the Back Home Cafe, and are free, but space is limited. Sign up today via email (janice@philacares.com) or calling Janice Lion, Citizen Academy Manager at Philadelphia Cares: 215-564-4544.

*The workshops will build on each other, but it is not necessary to sign up for the whole course. Call with any questions!

1. From State Take Over to A Fresh Start
Wednesday, October 9, 2002, 6:00-8:30pm Dinner Served!
United Way Building, 7 Ben Franklin Parkway
Presented in Partnership With The Philadelphia Education Fund (PEF)
Nancy McGinley, Executive Director of PEF, will give an overview of the recent history of Philadelphia Public Schools.

The program will highlight successful school/ community partnerships and hear from people making them work, including Principal Alan Workman of Webster Elementary. We will get to know each other as participants share their visions for better schools for our kids.

2. School Libraries?Lending to Literacy
Wednesday, October 16, 2002, 6:00-8:30pm Dinner Served!
Andrew Jackson Elementary School

Tom Jacoby, Executive Director of Philadelphia Reads, gives us the news? good and bad, about what’s going on in our school’s libraries. Philadelphia Cares’ volunteer leaders will share their story about revitalizing a school library.

3. Engaging Tomorrow’s Leaders?Educating Good Citizens
Wednesday, October 23, 2002, 6:00-8:30pm Dinner Served!

Let’s face it: many of us were not enthused by our 8th grade civics class. Is it different today? Join students and teachers inspiring future leaders and discover ways to get involved.

4. Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world?
Wednesday, October 30, 2002, 6:00-8:30pm Dinner Served!

OK, so now we’re ready to act! Participants will meet in small groups working on common goals- i.e. expanding an after-school program to a new site, or advocating for the passage of the Students Bill of Rights. Representatives from various advocacy and service organizations will be on hand to offer practical advice and connect you to necessary community resources.

Janice Lion
Citizen Academy Manager
Philadelphia Cares
100 S. Broad St., Suite 620
Philadelphia, PA 19110
215-564-4544/215-564-4543(f)
http://www.philacares.com