Department of Neighborhoods
Press Release
DEPARTMENT OF NEIGHBORHOODS RELAUNCHES COMPLETE COMMUNITIES UNIVERSITY
First Quarterly Online Course for Emerging Community Leaders Starts October 6
Application Deadline – September 22, 2021
August 27, 2021 -- The Department of Neighborhoods (DON) is proud to announce the relaunch of Complete Communities University (CCU), which will offer a quarterly 8-session online training course for emerging leaders committed to making a positive impact in their communities. The CCU program was introduced in 2018 by the Planning and Development Department as part of the Mayor's Complete Communities initiative. The program has been revamped by DON, incorporating past topics, adding new leadership training content, and opening participation to residents from all Houston communities.
The first course will run October 6 - December 1, 2021, with a break the week of Thanksgiving. The sessions will be held on Wednesdays from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. Interested Houston residents are invited to apply online for enrollment in the course. The application deadline is Wednesday, September 22, 2021. To apply, go to www.houstontx.gov/neighborhoods and click on Complete Communities University.
The objectives of CCU are to coach emerging leaders on methods they can use to develop their civic engagement techniques, cultivate a positive relationship between community leaders and the City of Houston, and promote the participation of residents in civic activities to vitalize neighborhoods.
The course will focus on the following topics: leadership development through civic engagement, volunteerism, and voter education; how city and county governments function and relate to neighborhoods; and how to effectively navigate City services and local resources. The sessions will be presented by department staff with extensive experience in civic engagement and knowledge of Houston communities and will also feature presentations by subject experts with other City departments and partner organizations.
Enrollees will be selected through a competitive review process conducted by department staff. At least 30 individuals will be enrolled in the course each quarter. Selection criteria includes commitment to civic involvement in the City of Houston, leadership potential, skills, and experience. Diversity and representation from all City Council districts will also be considered in the selection process.
For more information, call 832-393-1061.