Use of a wireless computer network helps Vinson Institute civic engagement specialists quickly capture participant input. Here the technology helps then newly elected Gov. Sonny Perdue talk with parents at one of his five Educational Listening Sessions held in early 2003 and facilitated by the Institute.

Recognizing that involved citizens are vital to a democratic society, the Vinson Institute provides client groups with the tools necessary to help advance the public’s awareness of their civic responsibilities generally and to engage specific citizenry in discussions of issues confronting their home communities or the state as a whole. Civic engagement endeavors in 2003 ranged from developing lesson plans for teachers to organizing a series of town hall meetings involving more than 600 citizens.

For example, Institute community and regional development faculty and staff began providing technical assistance to engage hundreds of citizens in an extensive project that will result in revitalization strategies for a large area of South Columbus. In addition to facilitating all meetings and retreats, the Institute provided the leadership task force and work issue groups with guest experts and extensive data on the study area.

“How are we doing?” is a question to which City of Atlanta officials wanted citizen feedback. Institute survey research specialists conducted quarterly surveys of 600 residents on a variety of service-related issues for which the city has responsibility. The Institute helped develop the survey instrument, collected the data, and provided it to city officials, who subsequently released it publically as part of its commitment to accountability. The quarterly statewide Peach State Poll administered by the Institute explored citizens’ views on the economy, the state flag debate, religion and government, electronic voting machines, and the HOPE Scholarship.

An Institute faculty member continued to provide facilitation and decision support to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Public Involvement Task Force as its members worked to develop recommendations for improving its public participation policies.

Two teacher seminars were conducted to increase knowledge of state and local government in Georgia. The Don Mendonsa Local Government Seminar for Teachers introduced participants to the process and structure of local government as well as the issues facing local officials. The Foundations of Georgia Citizenship: Essentials of State Government seminar provided a detailed study of the three branches of state government. Other law-related education teacher training sessions were conducted on request throughout the state. Lesson plans for upper- elementary students visiting the state capitol were revised for the Office of the Secretary of State of Georgia.

In collaboration with the Georgia Historical Society, an educational program on the evolution of the Georgia state flag was conducted in Athens and Savannah for the general public. The second annual Reel-to-Reel Film Series provided the Athens area community with the opportunity to view Peabody Award-nominated programming on the construction, administration, and deconstruction of government.