Citizens Academies: Motivations and Meaning for Public Administrators
Advisor Information
Dr. Carol Ebdon
Location
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
2-3-2018 12:30 PM
End Date
2-3-2018 1:45 PM
Abstract
Citizen participation is a growing trend in public administration today. Citizens are increasingly expected to engage with government beyond voting at the polls through active participation in a variety of activities, including citizens surveys, attending public hearings, and participating in various boards and task forces. Despite the increasing number of opportunities for citizen participation, there are still questions about the best way to engage citizens and what tools they should have to participate successfully. Citizens academies are one avenue for increasing citizen engagement in government and providing them with the skills to do so successful. This exploratory case study explores the citizens academy of Omaha, Nebraska. Data program materials, interviews with organizers, and post-survey data from citizen participants. Results discuss the varying motivations and meanings organizers and participants have for these programs and how that relates to their assessment of program success.
Citizens Academies: Motivations and Meaning for Public Administrators
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Citizen participation is a growing trend in public administration today. Citizens are increasingly expected to engage with government beyond voting at the polls through active participation in a variety of activities, including citizens surveys, attending public hearings, and participating in various boards and task forces. Despite the increasing number of opportunities for citizen participation, there are still questions about the best way to engage citizens and what tools they should have to participate successfully. Citizens academies are one avenue for increasing citizen engagement in government and providing them with the skills to do so successful. This exploratory case study explores the citizens academy of Omaha, Nebraska. Data program materials, interviews with organizers, and post-survey data from citizen participants. Results discuss the varying motivations and meanings organizers and participants have for these programs and how that relates to their assessment of program success.