Town of Amherst Launches New Civic Academy Program
Photo: amherstma.gov
Applications must be submitted by Sunday, September 21.
All About Amherst: Civic Academy, a new dynamic new program designed to give residents an inside look at local government and how to be involved will launch this September. Interested residents should submit a Civic Academy Application by Sunday, September 21.
During this free 8-week program, participants will explore the inner workings of Amherst’s government as they learn about day-to-day town operations, talk directly with town staff, and follow along for behind-the-scenes tours. Participants will not only leave with a stronger understanding of Amherst, but also with the tools necessary to become impactful and civically engaged community members. Learn more at: www.amherstma.gov/Civic-Academy
Program Details
The program will run from October 1st to November 19th, with 8 weekly sessions held on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 pm to 8:00 p.m. at different locations across town. Each session will include relevant department presentations, interactive activities, and/or facility tours. The final session will feature a graduation ceremony, during which certificates of completion will be presented to participants.
Sessions include topics such as:
- All About Amherst: The Basics
- Maintaining Amherst: Town Infrastructure and Facilities
- Keeping Amherst Safe: Fire and EMS
- Keeping Amherst Safe: CRESS, Police, and Dispatch
- Balancing Conservation, Sustainability, and Development in Amherst
- Supporting a Vibrant Amherst Community
- Learning in Amherst: Schools, Libraries, & Recreation
- Budget, Legislation, and Getting Involved
Application and Eligibility
The application for the 2025 Civic Academy is now available. Academy size will be limited to 15-20 participants. Applicants must be current residents of Amherst or students enrolled at a university/college in Amherst. Applicants must be at least 16 years old.
Apply now: amherstma.gov/civic-academy-apply
Applications must be submitted by Sunday, September 21.
Physical copies of the application are also available at the Town Manager’s Office in Town Hall (4 Boltwood Ave). Open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Completed applications can be returned to the Town Manager’s Office or by mail.
For more information or questions about the All About Amherst: Civic Academy program, please email getinvolved@amherstma.gov or call 413-259-3002.
My first reaction to this Civic Academy Program was that it was meant as a joke! Paul Bockelman announced at last week’s Town Council meeting that it’s the brainchild of the town communications director and is intended to increase participation in local government. But it looks like an elitist scheme to give the inside skinny to a hand-picked coterie of Amherst citizens. The group is to be selected by Town officials based on answers to questions in an application. Such exclusivity seems inimical to open, transparent government. On another note, given the deceit and corruption surrounding the Jones Library expansion (remember the blatant voter suppression when the voter veto petition was submitted back in 2021?), the notion that the Town feels qualified to give civics lessons is truly ironic.
This looks like a “knock off” of a program from the UMass Donahue Institute. Selectively grooming the next generation of elected officials? Hmm. Are our taxes funding this?
A possible test of this theory: let every reader of The Indy apply for the program and then see who is selected?
If I am chosen to attend the Civic Academy Program will I receive insight as to why Amherst ranks last in Massachusetts in spending on roadway infrastructure per capita. Will I be able to do anything about it?