'I Do Solemnly Swear' Governance Training
The Michigan Constitution requires all public officers to take and subscribe to an oath of office before assuming their roles serving the public trust (Michigan Constitution, Article XI, Sec. 1). There is no other affirmation, general training, or orientation required of all public officers in the state, though specific credentials and election/appointment requirements do exist for specific roles.
This program is designed to equip local officials with the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to govern effectively, promote public welfare, and foster a participatory and transparent democracy. It is an introductory program ideal for newly elected and appointed officials presented as an onboarding learning experience early in their terms, or may serve as a refresher for more experienced officials looking for emphasis on the fundamentals of their job. The program is intended for smaller local government jurisdictions with limited capacity to deliver in-house training for newly elected and appointed officials.The program consists of four units taught live and in person. Each unit is 2.5 hours long and complete with presentations by MSU Extension - Government & Community Vitality faculty, plus individual and group activities to enhance applied and peer learning. Units and topics include:
- Introduction to Good Governance – Better understand local government structure, responsibilities, limitations, and administrative models, plus other fundamentals of serving on a public body, including parliamentary procedure and minimum compliance with the Open Meetings Act.
- From Good Governance to Extraordinary Governance – Gain insights on meeting preparation and handling ethical dilemmas and conflicts of interest as they arise. Learn the Components of Extraordinary Governance to improve the effectiveness of your board.
- Local Government Planning, Spending, and Regulation – Recognize the fundamental financial responsibilities of local government and the importance of long-range planning and capital budgeting. Better understand the notion of police power and state enabling acts that provide local government authority.
- Building Community: People and Prosperity – Expand your perspective on local government as a leader in overall community development. Learn new tools for communicating through conflict and the power of citizen engagement and diverse partnerships.
Participants who complete all four units will earn a certificate of completion from MSU Extension. This program is offered for local officials in Schoolcraft County in partnership with Schoolcraft Tourism & Commerce.
Program Dates & Location
Program dates are April 10, June 5, Aug. 14, and Oct. 9, 2024, at the Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital Administration Building, Conference Rooms A & B (7870W US-2, Manistique, MI 49854). All sessions run 4-6:30 p.m. A light meal with refreshments will be provided.
Cost
$195 / person for full 4-session registration$150 / person for group registration of 5 or more from the same jurisdiction
$55 / individual session
Registrations cancelled less than one week prior to each session will be assessed a $45 cancellation fee.
About the Instructors
The program is taught by Brad Neumann, AICP, Senior Extension Educator, and Eric Walcott, Extension Specialist, both members of the MSU Extension Government & Community Vitality Team. The Extension Government & Community Vitality Team helps individuals and local and tribal governments build capacity to support thriving communities by:- Sustainably leveraging their land-based resources for the benefit of current and future generations;
- Supporting locally elected and appointed officials and their staff in the stewardship of human and financial resources; and
- Using our individual talents, interests, and expertise to meet the needs of our audiences.
Please select this option if you are registering only one person.
Registration for I Do Solemnly Swear Governance Training is open.
Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on September 30, 2024.
Select this option if you are registering five (5) or more people from one organization or unit of government.
Registration for I Do Solemnly Swear Governance Training is open.
Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on September 30, 2024.
Accommodations
Michigan State University is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the event contact two weeks prior to the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.
Contact Information
For more information, contact Brad Neumann, Senior Extension Educator, at neuman36@msu.edu or 906-315-2661.