Carly Caldwell described the five-month Citizens Academy as “incredible,” “wonderful” and “informative.” The Gaston County native signed up for the Gastonia Municipal Citizens Academy to learn more about City operations. She has a business degree from Appalachian State and has worked for the City’s Keep Gastonia Beautiful program since February 2016.
“I learned something new from every class,” Caldwell said of the Municipal Citizens Academy. “This program gave me a new perspective about the depths of each department and the significance of all of the moving parts within the City.” And she said the reality of all of those “moving parts” had special meaning for her, as a City employee. “It showed me the importance of all of the departments and employees working together,” she said.
For two Thursdays a month, over a total of 10 sessions, the participants learned about the nuts and bolts of City government through presentations, discussions, field trips and a police ride-along. “I really enjoyed the passion and excitement every department portrayed when presenting on their assigned night,” Caldwell said. She especially liked learning about Gastonia’s history, taking part in a mock Planning Commission meeting and learning about safety information from the Electric Department. In the photo on the left, Caldwell learned what goes into fighting fires. “It was incredible to see how much goes into every detail of the City and everyone that it takes to make it happen.”
Another participant, Amy Pearson, was also impressed by what she described as City employees’ “passion and dedication.” Pearson, who does not work for the City, said she was surprised by how many employees have worked for the City for 20 years or more. Pearson said the Citizens Academy showed her that “the City is run by great people and is a great place to work and live.”
Caldwell said the 14 people in the program all became friends and looked forward to the classes. Participant Cassandra Byrd said, because of the relationships built during the Citizens Academy, the participants will “help move the City forward in a positive way.”
Caldwell recruited several of her classmates to volunteer with Keep Gastonia Beautiful projects, including the Highland Community Garden and Adopt-A-Street. She recommends that more City employees sign up for the program. “This course will give you a renewed spirit of becoming more involved, vested and gain a stronger sense of passion for your job,” Caldwell said.
Applications for the 2019 Gastonia Municipal Academy will be accepted starting in August, with classes to begin next January.
Read more about what residents said about the Municipal Citizens Academy