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Learn How to Become an Effective Community Leader and Engage with Your Local Government

People's Academy for Community Engagement People's Academy for Community Engagement People's Academy for Community EngagementDo you want to make a difference in your community? Are you looking for ways to get involved and make your voice heard? Then, register for the winter quarter of our People’s Academy for Community Engagement (PACE).

PACE is a civic leadership development program dedicated to cultivating the next wave of community leaders. The program builds a pipeline of new leaders in the community through a series of courses and seminars – with classes teaching hands-on skills ranging from community engagement to navigating City government. The Seattle Department of Neighborhoods is now accepting applications for PACE’s winter quarter, which begins January 28 and runs through March 4.

During the five-week program, 25-30 emerging community leaders (18 years and up) will get an introduction to the structure and fundamentals of City government, with a strong focus on how communities and local government can work together. Participants of PACE get a chance to build relationships with key City staff, City Councilmembers, and expert community facilitators.

Winter classes will be held on five Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Yesler Community Center. Topics include: Accessing City Government, City Budget 101, Land Use in Seattle, Community Organizing, Inclusive Outreach and Public Engagement, Public Speaking, Skillful Engagement in Conflict, and more.

Tuition for the five-week program is $100. Tuition assistance is available to those who qualify. The application and details for the winter session are here or you can visit seattle.gov/PACE. The deadline to apply is Monday, January 9 by 5:00 p.m. Application deadline has been extended to Tuesday, January 17 by 5:00 p.m.

Given the popularity of the program, PACE is offered three times a year: winter, spring, and fall. The Spring quarter will begin in late April of 2017. For more information, visit our webpage and for questions, email PACE@seattle.gov.