The City of Rochester is pleased to announce new dates for Civics 101, a community-based learning course offered by the Office for Public Information and Community Engagement.

The course outline features several topics, including ‘How Rochester’s Municipal Government Works’, ‘How to Find Information’, ‘How to Vote (and why it’s so important)’, ‘How to Make Your Voice Heard’, and ‘How to Get More Involved’. 

The facilitated presentation encourages participants to explore skills needed for active citizenship and recognize how individual civic actions can affect change in local government.

The City’s Public Information Manager, Matt Wyatt, says it’s the mission of his office to encourage Rochester residents and business owners to get more involved in municipal government, exercise their rights, and “make their voices heard”.

“Getting involved in municipal government can feel overwhelming to anyone that has never done it before,” said Wyatt. “The goal of this beginner’s course is to put people at ease, provide the tools and resources needed to find accurate information, and empower citizens to get involved.”

Civics 101 is a free, one-time course held quarterly in the City Hall Annex, 33 Wakefield Street, on the second floor. To be more accessible, Wyatt says that each class will be scheduled at different dates and times to accommodate as many schedules as possible.

“We realize that it’s best to schedule classes at times that are convenient to working people,” said Wyatt. “There will be one in the morning, afternoon, evening, and on the weekend. Hopefully, people will take advantage of it, find it helpful, and encourage others to sign up.”

Click here to register online for any one of the following dates/times:

• Thursday, February 8 (9:00 am – 10:30 am)
• Thursday, May 9 (6:00 pm – 7:30 pm)
• Thursday, August 8 (9:00 am – 10:30 am)
• Saturday, November 9 (9:00 am – 10:30 am)

Registration is required. Participants are encouraged to bring paper and a pen for note-taking. Laptops, tablets, and other wifi-enabled devices are optional. For additional information and general inquiries, contact Matt Wyatt at (603) 330-7195 or matthew.wyatt@rochesternh.gov.