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Presenter urges Pownal to pilot Civic 101 course to boost volunteerism and civic knowledge
Summary
Peter Wagner described a six‑week Civic 101 course that ran in Freeport with 20 participants and suggested a January rollout in Pownal to educate residents about town government and recruit volunteers; the board expressed interest.
Peter Wagner, director of community programs with the regional school unit, told the Pownal Select Board that a six‑week Civic 101 course in Freeport drew 20 residents and paired municipal presenters with moderated Q&A to teach local government basics.
Wagner said the course included presentations from the town manager, town planner, town clerk, finance, public safety, public works and the library, cost participants $10 to avoid a financial barrier and supplied refreshments and small town‑branded tokens at the conclusion. He said he would attend and help moderate and recommended a January timeframe to align with the town’s printed activity catalog.
Board members reacted positively. Chair Jon Morris said the town struggles with public involvement and that a course could help: "I strongly urge the board to consider this for a January rollout." Selectperson Kate Day said a shorter schedule or partnering with neighboring Freeport could be worth exploring; Selectperson Andy O'Brien emphasized focusing on recruiting volunteers for the town's committees, noting that "this town is run 90% by volunteers." Town Administrator Becky Taylor‑Chase and Wagner discussed outreach timing tied to the catalog mailings (August and January editions).
Wagner suggested a possible Civic 201 for residents who complete the initial course and proposed involving 5th‑grade students to encourage family participation. The board asked Wagner to follow up after election and town meeting to start early planning.
Next steps: Wagner will follow up after the election and town meeting; the Select Board indicated support for exploring a January rollout and for coordinating catalog outreach.
