Dr. Henry Ficklin details youth programs, clergy outreach and constituent services for Macon‑Bibb County

Dr. Henry Ficklin, Macon‑Bibb County’s Community Affairs Executive Director, described on the Making It podcast how he connects residents to county services and runs civic programs aimed at youth and community leaders. Ficklin, a longtime educator and former city council member, said the county’s Georgia Civic Awareness Program (G‑CAPP) exposes high‑school students to how local government works and that an associated internship program has helped many participants get jobs.

Ficklin, who introduced himself as a Macon native and former teacher, said the internship effort has a strong placement record: “I guess about 70% of the people who have gone through our program, either they've been hired here or they got a job somewhere else,” he said. He described one former intern who later secured an IT job with the library as an example of the pipeline’s impact. The program also schedules hands‑on site visits such as trips to the Macon Water Authority to show students how city systems operate.

Ficklin emphasized constituent services as a central part of his role. "When people come to the mayor's office, they don't come to see me, they come to see the mayor," he said, adding that the community affairs office often steps in to guide residents through practical matters, such as completing a quitclaim deed after a relative dies. He described the position as a liaison role that helps residents reach the right department and get problems addressed.

The guest also previewed two civic initiatives. First, a mayor's youth council that will let teens debate issues, draft formal proposals and present recommendations to the commission and mayor. Second, the Mayor's Council of Clergy, a bimonthly luncheon series and email network Ficklin says reaches hundreds of faith leaders. He said the council will sponsor a May 13 seminar (year not specified) featuring the federal district attorney’s office to discuss reducing violence in houses of worship.

Ficklin recounted earlier public‑service work, including leadership in local civil‑rights organizing and an advocacy campaign that, he said, led the state legislature to add sickle‑cell testing to newborn screening. He also reviewed his long tenure in local government, including election to city council in 1979 and later work on appropriations and employee development committees.

The community affairs office offers programs and direct assistance from City Hall (700 Poplar Street). Ficklin gave a direct phone line, 478‑300‑6736, for residents seeking help or information about internships and youth engagement.