“What have I gotten myself into?” The drive and enthusiasm
that propels a citizen to run for election—and win—may
soon be overshadowed by uncertainty regarding the job that lies
ahead.
Enter the newly elected officials training conducted by the Carl
Vinson Institute of Government. This customized instruction provides
participants with a solid foundation in how local government
works, explains Gordon Maner, local programs manager with the
Institute’s Governmental Training, Education, and Development
Division (GTED). “Sessions are taught by GTED faculty,
experienced government officials, and subject experts,” he
adds. More than 400 new officials have attended the city and
county programs since the Fall 2004 elections.
What are the hot topics? “Everyone wants to know where
the money goes in local government and how the law applies to
them,” Maner reports. “Financial instruction for
the new officials includes an introduction to governmental budgeting,
applicable state laws, and differences from the private sector,” explains
Sabrina Cape, GTED financial programs manager. The programs also
help eliminate some of the mystery surrounding leadership. “We
focus on how to manage the influence that comes with being an
elected official in a way that results in positive outcomes for
the community,” emphasizes Jim Stephens, GTED associate
director.
“We can provide the new officials with instruction and
resources, but having the opportunity to network with each other
and share information is also beneficial to them,” adds
Kitty Schollenberger, GTED conference coordinator. “These
folks really do care about their cities or counties and want
to make a difference.”
The nationally-recognized programs are done in partnership with
the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) and the
Georgia Municipal Association (GMA). “People run for office
because they have definite goals, but they don’t understand
how these goals can (or cannot) be accomplished within the framework
of county government,” notes Jerry Griffin, ACCG director. “The
training gives new officials a good start on handling the complex
responsibilities found in city government,” adds Jim Higdon,
GMA executive director.
When they leave their basic training, the officials are equipped
with new knowledge and the latest edition of either the Handbook
for Georgia County Commissioners or the Handbook for Georgia
Mayors and Councilmembers. Vinson Institute legal experts Betty
Hudson and Paul Hardy supervise development of the handbooks,
which are published by Vinson Institute’s Office of Publications
and Communications. The all-in-one guides have appeared in numerous
editions since the 1970’s, with more than 15,000 copies
sold collectively. Each book covers roles and duties of officials,
sources and limits of power, and government structure, plus a
variety of other subjects.
Competing
in a Global Economy
The University of Georgia is at the forefront of the globalization
movement in higher education with a wealth of opportunities for
international experiences. Our students are flocking to study-abroad
programs, thriving on the challenges inherent in confronting a
new cultural environment. More and more, students on campus are
also making choices that reflect an understanding of the importance
of global awareness—from living in a residence hall-based
language community to starting a radio program in another language
to minoring in a foreign language. These experiences, whether at
home or abroad, influence how our students perceive the world and
their place in it. We’re producing graduates prepared to
be world citizens—well informed, culturally sensitive and
technologically sophisticated. They’re ready to take on the
challenges of our global society, and they’ll be equally
at home whether in the Peach State or the Republic of Georgia. |
