Encore! Fayette | Programs & Curriculum

Curriculum

Each session in this 10-week program covers the changing demographics, major issues, opportunities for leadership and volunteer service. Each weekly session is held at a facility that corresponds with the topic. Participants will meet and hear from key Community Leaders. Participants who complete the program will receive Continuing Education Unit credits from Clayton State University.

Week 1: Orientation This is Fayette
Provide participants with an overview of Fayette County; acquaint them with the Encore program; explore ways to use their life skills and get to know their fellow participants.

Week 2: History/Government of the County and Fayetteville (Pt l)
Give participants a broad, yet in-depth look at the county and local government, their diverse components and how they function to provide services to the public.

Week 3: History/Government of Tyrone and Peachtree City (Pt 2)
In this continuation, participants will gain a clearer understanding of the administrative structure within the cities and the county levels of government and how they can participate.

Week 4: Judicial System & Citizen Involvement
The Encore! Class will learn about the court system; matters dealt with in each court; the issues that affect the safety and well being of children and families and discover ways to become involved in seeking solutions.

Week 5: Business Community and Economic Development
A visit to a major local industry will include a series of presentations on industry recruitment, retention and expansion, as well as the personnel and environmental challenges faced in stimulating high quality economic development in Fayette. Opportunities for direct participation also will be presented.

Week 6: Education and Lifelong Learning
This session will provide an overview of educational programs from “Cradle to Grave”, as well as current trends, issues impacting the community and specific opportunities for lifelong learning and volunteerism.

Week 7: Fayette’s Healthcare System
This very active session will provide valuable information about the key issues related to health and wellness and the sources of service available. Current and future issues and decisions to be made on a personal and community level will be highlighted, and opportunities for volunteering will be explored.

Week 8: Family/Diversity
Participants will get a complete overview of the multitude of programs and services that are available to seniors as well as the general population, and the rewarding opportunities to serve through volunteerism

Week 9: Arts/Culture
The growing array of arts and cultural programs available to residents will be presented, as well as the exciting opportunities for participation.

Week 10: Wrap-up/Civic Renewal/Citizen Participation
This final class will be a celebration of friendship and community, as well as an opportunity to begin charting the future course of the Encore! Fayette program and its lifelong learning potential.

What is the Core Program?

The Core Program is 10 weeks long – one day each week – from approximately 8:30 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. The program begins in January and ends in March. It makes a significant contribution to Fayette County’s well-being by providing the participants with a comprehensive look at the issues and challenges facing the County, including business development, education, health care, public safety, diversity and culture, as well as the arts. It also represents a broad range of remarkable and rewarding opportunities for individuals to become involved in both public and private sector programs as board and commission members, team or project leaders and volunteers.

The Sessions

Tap the wealth of experience of established leaders from all sectors of the community who have helped to both shape and present the curriculum.
Explore social and economic issues as well as community resources opportunities and challenges.
Include site visits, panel presentations and interactive dialogue
Allow participants to explore their own values, philosophies, prejudices and beliefs
Build trust, rapport and networks between participants, presenters and organizations within Fayette County.

Selection Criteria

Class participants will represent our cultural, ethnic, social and geographically diverse community. The Selection Committee will identify those individuals who they feel will try to use their life skills for the long-term benefit of community. Selection will be based upon the information provided in the application.