Quantum Civics: Introduction to Active Citizenship for Emerging Leaders
We are currently accepting registrations for the Spring 2010 Quantum CivicsTM course. Contact Catherine Beltmann at cbeltmann[at]citizensleague.org or 651-293-0575 x10 to sign up.
Tuesdays, March 16th - May 18th6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
2929 University Avenue SE, Suite 100, Minneapolis
The course costs $500 per participant. Scholarships are available.
About the Introduction to Active Citizenship
Quantum Civics: Introduction to Active Citizenship is a 10-week course for emerging leaders where participants develop a deeper understanding of the themes, concepts and skills of active citizenship. Unlike other leadership courses that focus on the need for formal authority or titles in order to make a difference, or that "policy" is only something that happens in government, this program focuses on the opportunities and obligations that all individuals have to make a difference no matter their formal position or authority.
This course is premised on the Citizens League's belief that there are opportunities to practice active citizenship skills and be a more effective governing member in all types of institutions: work, community, school, government, faith, family.
In addition to learning these values, participants learn civic standards for decision making and practical skills, e.g. effective listening and holding stakeholder one-on-ones, facilitating meetings, understanding the dynamics of power and problem-solving, and transformational relationship building.
Participants will walk away with a personal mission statement and an individual work plan to achieve this mission and individual self-interest while serving the common good.
This course supports the Citizens League's mission of building civic imagination and capacity in all generations of Minnesotans who can have an impact on public policy, connect with other active citizens and civic leaders, and contribute to the relevance and sustainability of the Citizens League.
Outcomes
Connect with other leaders within the Citizens League, and an introduction to the role, mission, and practices of the Citizens League.
Develop a deeper understanding of the themes, concepts, and values of active citizenship, and how these concepts are distinguished from other definitions of "citizenship," democracy, and how individuals can serve the common good.
Build a personal mission statement that speaks to individual skills and goals while incorporating these values of active citizenship into the places where individuals spend their time and can have an impact.
Learn practical skills in the context of active citizenship values, e.g. effective listening and holding stakeholder one-on-ones, facilitating meetings, understanding the dynamics of power and problem solving, and transformational relationship building. How can evaluation using these values help you to improve your situation and its ability to serve the common good?
Develop an individual work plan based upon specific insights from this analysis and the practice of these skills during the course.
An opportunity for additional leadership training, e.g. Civic Organizing 101 at the Citizens League, our ongoing policy skill-building activities, and internal leadership opportunities.
Spring 2010 Course Schedule
Week 1: Common Ground for Common Good
Week 2: Active Citizenship to Leadership
Week 3: Different Models of Public Leadership
Week 4: Public Relationships and Power
Week 5: Facilitating Public Meetings
Week 6: The Institutional Context
Week 7: Institutional Change and Policy-Making
Week 8: Transformational Coaching
Week 9: Building Your Personal Work Plan
Week 10: Work Plan Presentation and Feedback