Deadline EXTENDED: Sunday, June 30, 2024
Now Accepting Applications for 2024 Cohort!
Welcome to the Arlington Civic Engagement Institute, where passionate individuals converge to cultivate informed citizenship and to drive positive change within their communities. The Institute is an initiative born out of a collaboration between the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, Arlington’s oldest and largest business organization, and Dr. Victoria A. Farrar-Myers, an award-winning political scientist and former Mayor Pro Tempore of the City of Arlington, Texas. At the heart of our mission lies a fundamental belief in the critical role of knowledgeable individuals occupying elected office and other leadership positions in our community. These leaders serve as the cornerstone for the economic vitality of our communities, wielding influence over policies that shape our city's business environment, neighborhoods, schools, and more. Their decisions reverberate far beyond governing chambers, directly impacting the prosperity and well-being of every resident. Join us in empowering citizens with the tools and knowledge necessary to advocate for effective governance, to lead where they are in our city, and to foster a thriving and vibrant community. Together, we can build a future where informed leadership propels us toward shared prosperity.
Course Overview
During this transformative journey, participants can expect a comprehensive program designed to deepen their understanding of civic engagement and to develop their own style of leadership. The course fee of $600 per person includes access to invaluable resources and experiences aimed at honing leadership skills and fostering meaningful connections. Before the sessions commence, each participant will undergo an individual Strengths Finder In Leadership assessment, laying the groundwork for personal growth and an enhanced sense of self. Over the course of six half-day sessions, scheduled monthly (4th Friday) from August to February, attendees will delve into critical topics ranging from knowing and leading in the community, the "why" and "how" of seeking elected office, and leading in office. Following each session, there will be an optional lunch and networking opportunity, providing a platform for collaborative exchange and relationship-building.
We hold ourselves to the highest standards of engagement and commitment, therefore 100% attendance is required to ensure the full benefit of the program. As a testament to their dedication and newfound expertise, each member will receive a certificate of completion, a professional headshot, and a candidate video upon finishing the course. These tangible assets will not only signify their achievement but also serve as powerful tools for advancing their roles as leaders in the community and making a lasting impact in their communities. Join us on this enriching journey towards becoming informed, empowered leaders ready to shape the future of civic discourse and economic vitality.
Institute Program Sessions
- Pre-Work: Knowing Yourself
- Session 1: Knowing Your Community
- Session 2: Leading in your Neighborhood
- Session 3: Leading in your Community
- Session 4: Seeking Elected Office, Part 1 – The “Why”
- Session 5: Seeking Elected Office, Part 2 – The “How”
- Session 6: Leading in Office
Application Requirements & Eligibility
- STATEMENT OF CAREER JOURNEY: Describe your professional journey, including achievements, activities and milestones, and how your journey has prepared you to lead in the community. Examples would be professional experience and educational background, professional activities, leadership positions held, special recognitions received, etc. (Max 250 words)
- STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY SERVICE: Address your community involvement in the greater Arlington area, and how you hope to build off this service as a future community leader. (Max 250 words)
- PASSION STATEMENT: Answer the question, "WHY are you passionate about serving Arlington as a community leader, including possibly as an elected official, and what do you hope to achieve?". (Max 250 words)
- RESUME
- LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION: Addressing the applicant's character, work ethic, and leadership potential
ELIGIBILITY TO APPLY
- MUST be a resident of the greater Arlington area (includes: Pantego and Dalworthington Gardens)
Course Commitment
The Arlington Civic Engagement Institute is an interactive experience in which each session builds off of prior sessions, thus requiring Institute participants to make a serious commitment to fully participate in all aspects of the program.
- Course Fee: Once participants are selected, the course fee of $600 must be timely paid in order to ensure admittance into the Institute's program. Failure to meet the payment deadline will result in the applicant not being admitted to the Institute cohort. Alternate financial arrangements will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Mandatory Pre-Work: Active participation and completion of the Pre-Work component of the programming is required, and an applicant who does not fulfill this obligation will not be permitted to continue in the Institute programming.
- Mandatory Attendance: Attendance at each Institute session is required to receive the Certificate of Completion at the end of the Institute. Personal emergencies, illness and catastrophic events will be evaluated on an individual basis.
- Photo Release: Participants in the Institute program will be required to sign a Photo Release form.