We has some worries (would anyone apply?), some bumps along the way (how come the videos of each session couldn't be viewed by everyone?), excitement (meeting session participants and anticipating how you would react to each session) and some wistfulness when we said good by to all of you and to the last session.
We are sifting through all of the evaluations and will be posting summaries in the next few weeks here and on the City's website. Many of you have commented that you enjoyed the program, would like to continue to learn about the City and recommend a similar opportunity for other Torontonians - we'll be figuring out our plans for 2010 soon - and will be in touch with you over the coming months.
Here are a few things I know that you have learned through this program:
- How to make sure you are registered to vote and how to help get the word out about the next election
- That the City appoints 282 community members to 29 City boards during each term of Council. I encourage each of you to consider putting your name forward, to participate in the decision making of our governing bodies.
- That when you see a development application billboard posted in your neighbourhood – you can pick up the phone and call the planner to learn more and find out how to have your say
- That the City's processes are much more transparent than other orders of government. I urge you to take advantage of the City's open meeting policy and attend committee and council meetings – or follow along on-line
And finally, we hope that you have learned that for government to remain relevant the public must be informed and involved – two objectives of the Toronto Civics 101 program and our continued civic engagement strategy.
We're interested in hearing from you about what you've learned and how you might apply the information gained by the series - or what you are still curious about - post your comments here.
Meg
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