Riverdale Neighborhood University’s (RNU) Spring class will begin in March of 2010. RNU is dedicated to providing the highest quality training to citizens of Riverdale to foster a sense of commitment, pride and excellence. Instruction will be provided in topics designed to engage, inform and equip citizens with the training and technical assistance needed to increase their capacity to become better advocates for their communities.

Riverdale Neighborhood University provides opportunities for networking and sharing practical ideas for problem solving, decision making and managing community development initiatives; cultivating community interest and neighborhood support; orienting citizens to specific policy issues and government practices; and informing citizens of available resources. All Neighborhood University courses are free. Courses will be offered on Wednesdays starting March 3rd-31st, 2010 for five weeks from 6:00 pm– 9:00 pm.

Neighborhood University is open to the general public. Those citizens interested in participating in the spring session of Riverdale Neighborhood University should complete an application and mail or hand deliver it to the Riverdale City Hall, 6690 Church Street, Riverdale, Georgia. Classes are limited to 20 participants and selection will be made competitively. Citizens must attend all sessions in order to graduate. Preference will be given to applicants who live or work within the city limits. Deadline to apply: Friday, January 29, 2010.

Riverdale Neighborhood University will utilize numerous partnerships to provide a diverse range of highly qualified and committed instructors who are dedicated to building stronger neighborhoods in the city of Riverdale. Subject matter experts will be sought to donate their time, knowledge and experience to the Riverdale Neighborhood University.

 

Instructor and course evaluation forms are distributed upon completion of each course and then reviewed by Neighborhood University staff in order to consider the suggestions and requests of the participants.

Understanding Your City Government – This course will acquaint citizens with basic information regarding its city government. Information will be presented on the following topics: role and operation of city government, services provided by the city and the county, revenues collected by the city and the process used to develop an annual budget.
The Role of Elected and Appointed Officials – This course is designed to provide citizens with information regarding the role of elected/appointed officials and the city’s volunteer boards and commissions. Participants will also attend the Mayor & Council Meeting.

Community Oriented Policing – This course will take you behind the scenes to explore the philosophy and work of Riverdale’s finest—Riverdale Police department. Participants will have the opportunity to gain information on topics such as crime scenes, patrol procedures, gang activity, etc. There will also be hands-on activities.

Riverdale Fire Services (RFS)—This course is designed to provide citizens with information on the operation of RFS and fire prevention techniques. Participants will also attend the Mayor & Council Meeting.

Economic Development & Public Services—This course will provide citizens with vital information on the programs and services of the Community Development and General Services Departments. The course is designed to help create and maintain safe and healthy communities, expand cooperative efforts, enhance community-oriented government and work toward environmental code awareness and enforcement. Skills such as partnership building, prevention tactics and problem solving are all essential tools that will be taught in a supportive atmosphere.

Fundamentals of Grass Roots Leadership – What does it mean to be a community leader? This introductory course is designed to train citizens to identify core values, qualities and skills required for effective leadership. Participants will learn to maximize their potential for personal and community empowerment.