Palm Beach County, through the efforts of the Office of Community Revitalization (OCR), has designed a six-week, hands-on educational course on community revitalization and civic engagement, intended to help community residents who are interested in improving their neighborhood. The Resident Education to Action Program (REAP) supports the formation of neighborhood associations and empowers residents to seek a better quality of life. The theme for this year’s is “There’s No Place Like Home!”
The mission of this program is to provide an opportunity for the residents of Palm Beach County to acquire a greater knowledge of and appreciation for the civil government system through active participation in the system. This course is open to youth and adults neighborhood leaders, and any interested citizens who would like to learn about civic engagement, resident empowerment and available County and community resources to assist in neighborhood revitalization efforts.
During the course, participants will learn community-building skills such as: solving the crime epidemic, crime prevention methods; code enforcement policies; and financial management techniques. Participants will be encouraged to solve a neighborhood improvement problem and will also be given the opportunity to apply for a grant through the “America’s Next Top Neighborhood Award Grant Program”. The program encourages citizens to be knowledgeable neighbors about how County government works.
Sessions are facilitated using a variety of innovative techniques including group activities, lectures, guest speakers, individual outside work, and oral presentations. The course and all materials are free. A commitment for the entire six-week course is required. Seating is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Courses will be held in the Western and Central Palm Beach County locations from January 24, 2008 through April 22, 2008. To register for REAP, for additional information regarding this program or other OCR activities, please contact LaToya Ricketts at (561) 233-5239.
CCRT
