TheReview_Jan_Feb_2022 Flipping Book

People are always surprised to learn how things really work, she said: how water is processed at the treatment plant, the strategy behind planning and zoning practices, or the number of services provided through the city’s public services department. Annual “fan favorites” include inside looks at the police and fire departments, weekly facility tours, and a mock game show at graduation, “Who Wants to be a Midlandaire?” Here’s a sampling of past feedback from the Academy’s follow-up survey: “Even after living in Midland my whole life, Citizens Academy took me to locations I might never have gone to.” “After attending this class, I want to make it to council meetings and be more involved by learning at these meetings. [The class] (t)aught me to jump in and get involved.” LASTING RELATIONSHIPS “My favorite aspect of Citizens Academy is the relationship building,” said Guyer. “Ten weeks doesn’t seem to be much time to form a connection, but the Citizens Academy program has proven to foster meaningful, respectful connections, both between class participants and with staff as well.” The result is a vibrant, ongoing dialogue between the city and its inhabitants. “We get the opportunity to educate participants about the ‘why’ behind what we do, and, in turn, the participants educate us, too,” said Guyer. “We get to hear first-hand about participants’ opinions, challenges, hopes, and fears as a resident of Midland—and we can use that feedback to better serve the public.”

Many of those bonds continue long after the Academy is over, leaving lasting impressions on everyone involved. Guyer recalls one bittersweet episode when an elderly participant passed away a few weeks after completing the Academy. When city staffers attended his viewing, they learned from the family how much the class had meant to him and how he’d enjoyed sharing the knowledge he’d gained each week with everyone he knew. In 2018, a guide dog became the Academy’s first canine graduate. “Not only did having a guide dog challenge and educate our staff to think more intentionally about making the Academy accessible for all, but it also was a great opportunity for class members to learn from the participant about her life as a person with visual impairments.” For any city considering Midland’s academy as a model for building community wealth, be prepared for unexpected rewards. “To see a grown adult’s eyes light up when they get to sit in the driver’s seat of a refuse truck or pet a police K9 is a moving experience,” said Guyer. “(It’s an) opportunity to build personal connections with the people we serve while also sharing (our) passion for the work we do.”

Liz Foley is a freelance writer. You may contact her at 810.287.8549 or lizfoley2@gmail.com.

2019 Midland Citizens Academy graduating class.

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THE REVIEW