macon-bibb county gcaps orientation manual

1

Orientation Session - September 1, 2015

Macon-Bibb County Georgia Civic Awareness Program for Students 2015-2016 Program Year

GCAPS

2 GCAPS

“Creating a community

of civic leaders”

Macon-Bibb County GCAPS Georgia Civic Awareness Program for Students

The Georgia Civic Awareness Program for Students (GCAPS) was

developed by the Association County Commissioners of Georgia

(ACCG) staff and county officials to address the need for increased

civic involvement and awareness among our state's youth. The

Bibb County Board of Commissioners established its program in

2012 with a $3,750 grant from ACCG. The 2014-2015 cohort was

the first under the newly consolidated Macon-Bibb County govern-

ment. We look forward to even more progress with the 2015-2016

cohort.

Youth gain knowledge about their local governments through

hands-on learning experiences and witness firsthand the decision

making process. The objective of GCAPS is simple: to educate

young citizens about the importance of being actively conscious of

their local government environment and the opportunities availa-

ble in the public sector. GCAPS provides civic education by exposing

high school students to the role that local government plays and by

introducing them to the leaders who make local governments work.

As a result of GCAPS, youth become engaged in their communities

and become better informed citizens, they also learn valuable lead-

ership skills and have the opportunity to create and implement civic

awareness projects.

2012

2013

2014

2015

3 Macon-Bibb County Commission

Gary Bechtel - Commissioner – District 1

Larry Schlesinger - Commissioner – District 2

Elaine Lucas - Commissioner – District 3

Mallory Jones, III - Commissioner – District 4

Bert Bivins, III - Commissioner – District 5

Ed Defore - Commissioner – District 6

Scotty Shepherd - Commissioner – District 7

Virgil Watkins, Jr. - Commissioner – District 8

Al Tillman - Commissioner – District 9

Robert Reichert - Macon-Bibb County Mayor

Macon-Bibb County Commission

Welcome from the Commission

Congratulations! On behalf of the Macon-Bibb County Commis-

sion, we are delighted to inform you that you have been ac-

cepted in our 2015-2016 Georgia Civic Awareness Program for

Students (GCAPS).

We are very excited that you will be the first cohort to learn

first-hand the roles and services our new, consolidated Macon-

Bibb County government provides. We have a great program

lined up for you this year, one that will show you how govern-

ment works, what’s changing through consolidation, and how

you can be involved with and improve your community now

and in the future. Throughout the course of the year, you will

take part in leadership training, team-building exercises, attend

Commission meetings, tour county facilities, visit the State Cap-

itol, and interact with local and state leaders.

We hope you will make the most of this unique learning oppor-

tunity.

Sincerely,

Mayor Robert A. B. Reichert

Mayor Pro-Tem & County Commissioner Bert Bivins

Robert A. B. Reichert

Bert Bivins

4 honor code

“All the great things are simple, and

many can be expressed in a single

word: honor.”

Winston Churchill

The Macon-Bibb GCAPS Honor System is intended to promote an

atmosphere of trust and fairness as we conduct our daily lives. The

Honor System is composed of two major components: The Honor

Code and the Code of Conduct. Specific policies fall under each ma-

jor component. Macon-Bibb County GCAPS participants are bound

by honor and by their enrollment in the program to abide by the

honor and conduct codes and to report violations. GCAPS Leaders

are strongly encouraged to report violations of the Honor Code or

Code of Conduct.

As members of the GCAPS community, students are expected to

evidence a high standard of personal conduct and to respect the

rights of other students, leaders, staff members, community neigh-

bors, visitors, and guests. Students are also expected to adhere to

all federal, state, and local laws.

Alleged violations of the Honor Code or Code of Conduct will be

handled by the Macon-Bibb County Assistant County Manager and

the GCAPS Program Manager.

ACTIONS THAT WILL BE TAKEN

10 Demerits: Your school administrator will be notified.

15 Demerits: Your parent(s) or guardian will be notified.

25 Demerits: You will be immediately dismissed from the GCAPS

program.

Honor Code

DEMERITS INFRACTION

5 Non-Compliance of Dress Code

5 Late for Meetings (>10 minutes)

10 Unexcused Absence

10 Wandering away from the scheduled area during

meetings without the permission of a GCAPS Leader

15 Unauthorized cellular use during GCAPS functions

20 Failure to complete assignments/projects

5

We are delighted to welcome you to the 2015-2016 Macon-Bibb

County GCAPS cohort. As a participant you represent yourself, your

family, your school and the community. We have every expectation

that you will be a model member of this year’s group, the first un-

der the new Macon-Bibb County government.

In order to insure that this year’s program runs as smoothly, the

GCAPS Leadership Team has created this Code of Conduct to out-

line our expectations for behavior and dress.

Expectations of Participants

Project an image of consideration, sensitivity, and respect for

each person and for property through language, dress, and be-

havior

Ensure that all personal social networking accounts including, but

not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and MySpace posts,

pictures, music, blogs, and associations be in good taste and rep-

resentative of membership in Macon-Bibb County GCAPS. As a

courtesy, please ask for and receive the permission of fellow par-

ticipants prior to posting pictures of them.

Refrain from inappropriate touching and verbal harassment

Refrain from actions that can result in injury to a person and/or

damage to property

code of conduct

Code of Conduct “Nobody can acquire honor by

doing what is wrong.”

Thomas Jefferson

6 code of conduct

Adhere to curfew during GCAPS activities and events, as specified

Wear appropriate credentials to activities and events

Keep personal belongings with you at all times

Refrain from use of cell phones or other electronic media during

GCAPS activities or events (unless used for emergency purposes

or with permission from a GCAPS leader)

Attend all scheduled activities, arriving promptly, and staying for

the duration, unless arrangements are made beforehand

During any overnight trip, be aware of noise levels in common

hotel areas such as lobbies, hallways, and sleeping areas, espe-

cially during late evening

Maintain the spirit of each activity and event

Report problems of any kind to a GCAPS leader

Receive permission from a GCAPS leader/chaperone before vis-

iting or gathering in a hotel room

Dress Code

Please remember that GCAPS participation includes visits to various

governmental departments and meetings with government and

community leaders. Thus, we expect that your attire be neat and

professional at all times. You may be stylish as appropriate, but

tasteful. In the world of government and business this is often re-

ferred to as “business casual.”

This is not intended to be a comprehensive guide, but one that

helps you in your choice of attire for monthly meetings. If you have

any questions as to what is appropriate dress, please ask a GCAPS

leader.

Guidelines include, but are not limited to:

Good personal hygiene is expected of all students

7

Good grooming includes hair appropriately styled

All clothing must cover the body with no openings, slits or holes

that expose skin or undergarments

All clothing must be appropriately sized and worn with appropri-

ate undergarments

Females

Pants, skirts or dresses of appropriate length – skirts and dresses

may not be more than 2 inches above the knee

Collared shirts, no T-shirts

Heeled shoes should be no more than 3 inches

Backless shoes and sandals are permitted – no flip flops

No tank tops, low-cut tops or spaghetti straps

No sheer, transparent or suggestive lace garments

No overly-tight or over-sized garments

No blue jeans

Athletic shoes may be worn

Males

Pants of appropriate length worn at the waist, with a belt if there

are belt loops; no sagging pants

Shirts with tails must be tucked in

All shirts must have collars

No T-shirts

No tank tops or muscle shirts

Socks must be worn

code of conduct

8 code of conduct

Athletic shoes may be worn

Appropriate Behaviors at an Activity or Event

Side hugs

Shoulder to shoulder or “temple” hugs

Handshakes

“High-fives” and hand slapping

Verbal praise for a job well-done (not regarding physical attrib-

utes)

Inappropriate Behaviors at an Activity or Event

Inappropriate or lengthy embraces

Kisses on the mouth

Touching bottoms, chests, or genital areas

Showing affection in isolated areas of a facility such as a bed-

room, restroom, bathroom, closet, staff-only area, or other pri-

vate room

Any form of unwanted affection, peer sexual harassment or ver-

bal abuse

Compliments or insults that relate to physique or body develop-

ment

Going to an isolated area away from the group on your own, or

being taken to an isolated area by an adult or peer

9

Cause for Removal from GCAPS

Pregnancy or fatherhood

Arrest or conviction

Expulsion or suspension from school

Two consecutive grading periods with a failed class

An uncooperative or negative attitude or displaying disrespect

Grounds for Immediate Removal from GCAPS

Possession of a weapon of any kind

Purchase, possession, consumption or distribution of alcohol

Purchase, possession, consumption or distribution of illegal drugs

Purchase, possession, distribution or downloading of pornogra-

phy

Engaging in any form of sexual activity or peer sexual harassment

If you have any questions regarding any item contained in this Code

of Contact, or if a problem of any kind occurs during a GCAPS spon-

sored activity or event, please contact a GCAPS leader to discuss

the matter.

Student participants and parents understand that failure to agree

to and abide by the GCAPS Code of Conduct means removal of the

student from participation in an activity of event, and/or possible

removal from the program.

Any Macon-Bibb GCAPS member may be suspended or removed

immediately with or without notice for behavior that, in the opin-

ion of the Assistant County Manager and the Program Manager and

board, is inconsistent with the values outlined in this Code of Con-

duct and/or the intent of GCAPS.

code of conduct

10 leadership

In order for youth to be prepared to work in partnership with

adults, they need to develop and/or enhance their leadership skills.

Leadership training prepares youth to manage time, work as a

team, set goals, start conversations, facilitate meetings, and make

effective presentations. Promoting youth leadership development

is a great way to promote positive life skills learning.

To fully participate with adults, youth also need to be informed

about the adult perspective of the problem, challenge or issue be-

ing discussed: the jargon that adults use to describe their work; and

strategies for approaching the work. In other words, we need to be

sure the field is level for all of the players.

Preparation for Youth Leadership Development

We feel that our young people are capable of demonstrating lead-

ership

We will define goals and roles clearly

We will allocate appropriate time and resources

We will implement well-developed sustainability and succession

planning strategies

Leadership

11 community service

Macon-Bibb County GCAPS believes that when young people have

the chance to serve their communities, everyone benefits:

Young people gain skills necessary to success in school, in the

workplace, and in life.

The community develops strong, diverse groups of inspired, civi-

cally-engaged young people.

BENEFITS OF YOUTH SERVICE

Increases young people's feelings of community connectedness,

and reduces engagement in risky behavior.

Contributes to higher reported levels of academic success, gradu-

ation rates, positive civic behavior, and self-esteem.

Youth who participate in community service are 19% more likely

to graduate than those who did not.

Students who participated in service-learning were found to have

scored higher than nonparticipating students, particularly in so-

cial studies, writing, and English/language arts.

Community Service

“Each one of you has something

no one else has, or has ever had:

your fingerprints, your brain,

your heart.

Be an individual.

Be unique.

Stand out.

Make noise.

Make someone notice.

That’s the power of individuals.”

Jon Bon Jovi

12 community service

Volunteering at any age is associated with increased likelihood of

finding employment. Among youth ages 16-24 (not in school, not

working), studies showed an increased likelihood of 5%.

Volunteering in one's youth leads to a lifetime of service and phi-

lanthropy. Most adults involved in community service and/or phi-

lanthropy started as children.

High-quality, well-designed service-learning programs such as the

Macon-Bibb County GCAPS, have been shown to: engage or re-

engage students as they develop problem-solving skills, deepen

academic engagement, enhance academic achievement, and in-

crease a student’s sense of personal commitment and social re-

sponsibility.

Macon-Bibb County Georgia Civic Awareness Program for Students

Notes

14 calendar

August 11 .......................... Applications Available Online: www.maconbibb.us/gcaps

August 19 .......................... Application Deadline

August 20 - 27 ................. Application Interviews

August 28 .......................... Candidates Selected

September 1 @ 3:45 p.m. GCAPS Session #1: Orientation & Commission Meeting

(Cox Capitol Theatre; 382 Second Street & Government Center Chambers)

September 8 @ 4 p.m. .. GCAPS Session #2 (Government Center Chambers; 700 Poplar Street)

September 15 .................... Commission Meeting (Government Center Chambers; 700 Poplar Street)

October 6 @ 6 p.m. ...... Commission Meeting (Government Center Chambers; 700 Poplar Street)

October 8 - 9 ................... Youth Leadership Summit at Mercer University (1501 Mercer University Drive)

October 13 @ 4 p.m. .... GCAPS Session #3 (Parks & Beautification / Solid Waste; 327 Lower Poplar Street)

October 20 ........................ Commission Meeting (Government Center Chambers; 700 Poplar Street)

October 29 ........................ “Click or Treat” ConnectHome City-Wide Roll-Out

November 3 @ 6 p.m. .. Commission Meeting (Government Center Chambers; 700 Poplar Street)

November 4 - 7 ............... National League of Cities Congress of Cities & Exposition; Nashville, Tenn.

November 10 @ 4 p.m. GCAPS Session #4 (Animal Welfare; 4214 Fulton Mill Road)

November 17 @ 6 p.m. Commission Meeting (Government Center Chambers; 700 Poplar Street)

December 1 @ 6 p.m. ... Commission Meeting (Government Center Chambers; 700 Poplar Street)

December 8 @ 4 p.m. ... GCAPS Session #5 (Fire Department;1191 First Street)

December 15 @ 6 p.m. . Commission Meeting (Government Center Chambers; 700 Poplar Street)

January 5 @ 6 p.m. ...... Commission Meeting (Government Center Chambers; 700 Poplar Street)

January 12 @ 4 p.m. .... GCAPS Session #6 (Traffic Engineering; 780 Third Street)

January 13 - 15 ............... HOPE Global Forum 2016; OMNI Hotel at CNN Center; Atlanta, Ga.

January 18 ........................ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Festivities

January 19 @ 6 p.m. .... Commission Meeting (Government Center Chambers; 700 Poplar Street)

January 25 ........................ Georgia Municipal Association Mayor’s Day; Atlanta Hilton; Atlanta, Ga.

January 29 ........................ Macon-Bibb County Follies; Douglass Theatre; Historic Douglass Theatre

2015-2016 Program Year Tentative Calendar (Revised 8/29/2015)

15 calendar

February 2 ........................ Ground Hog Job Shadow Day

February 2 @ 6 p.m. .... Commission Meeting (Government Center Chambers; 700 Poplar Street)

February 16 ...................... GCAPS Session #7—Day at the Capital; Atlanta, Ga.

February 16 @ 6 p.m. .. Commission Meeting (Government Center Chambers; 700 Poplar Street)

February 23 ...................... Macon-Bibb County Day at the Capital; Atlanta, Ga.

February 27 @ 7:30 p.m. ”Building on Beulahland” by Robert McDuffie Center for Strings

(Grand Opera House; 651 Mulberry Street)

March 1 @ 6 p.m. ..... Commission Meeting (Government Center Chambers; 700 Poplar Street)

March 8 @ 4 p.m. ........ GCAPS Session #8 —Macon Water Authority

(Frank C. Amerson, Jr. Water Treatment Plant; Dr Lee Rd, Macon, GA 31211)

March 15 @ 6 p.m. ...... Commission Meeting (Government Center Chambers; 700 Poplar Street)

March 17 - April 3 .......... International Cherry Blossom Festival

March 28 - April 1 .......... National Government Excursion—Washington, DC

April 5 @ 6 p.m. .......... Commission Meeting (Government Center Chambers; 700 Poplar Street)

April 12 @ 4 p.m. ........ GCAPS Session #9 (Middle Georgia Regional Airport; 1000 Terminal Drive)

April 19 @ 6 p.m. ........ Commission Meeting (Government Center Chambers; 700 Poplar Street)

April 28 ............................ GCAPS End of Year Celebration (Historic Terminal Station; 200 Cherry Street)

April 30 - May 1 .............. ACCG Youth Caucus; International Convention Center; Savannah, Ga.

May 3 @ 6 p.m. ............ Commission Meeting (Government Center Chambers; 700 Poplar Street)

May 10 .............................. GCAPS Session # 10 (EMA Bunker; 700 Poplar Street)

GCAPS Members are required to attend two (2) Commission Meetings for participation and observation.

2015-2016 Program Year Tentative Calendar (Revised 8/29/2015)

Dear Parent/Guardian,

Thank you for allowing your student to participate in 2015-2016 Macon-Bibb County Civic Awareness Pro-

gram for Students (GCAPS) cohort. The program year begins on Tuesday, September 1, 2015. This year’s pro-

gram, the first under the new Macon-Bibb County, includes many exciting activities. A tentative program

schedule is enclosed in this Orientation Manual , however please note that activities are subject to change.

While the major of our activities will be local within Bibb County, there are some which will be outside the

County. Please complete the following information offering your permission for your child to participate.

_________________________________________ has my permission to participate in the 2015-2016 Macon-

Bibb County Georgia Civic Awareness Program for Students cohort and attend all trips and program activities.

I understand there are inherent risks involved with any trip or activity and, therefore, agree that Macon-Bibb

County, together with its employees, representatives, agents, and volunteers (collectively, “Macon-Bibb”)

shall not be responsible for and are hereby released from any liability for any personal injury, death, or prop-

erty loss incurred in connection with any event occurring within the time period noted above and/or during

any program sponsored activity. I also authorize Macon-Bibb to seek emergency medical treatment on behalf

of me and/or my (minor) child in the event that such treatment is deemed necessary or appropriate by Ma-

con-Bibb, and I release Macon-Bibb from any liability related to that decision or treatment.


Parental Participation Agreement

Please complete this entire form. You will not be eligible to participate in the 2015-2016 Macon-Bibb County

Georgia Civic Awareness Program for Students cohort unless this form is completed, signed by you as the In-

vitee, signed by your Parent/Guardian, and finally signed by your School Leader (Principal or Headmaster).

This document shall be retained by Macon-Bibb County GCAPS and may be referred to and shared.


Student Participation Agreement

Macon-Bibb County is committed to providing the best possible experience for the students who participate

in our GCAPS cohort. To ensure that each student enjoys the full value of this program, it is essential that the

students fully understand the responsibilities connected to this program. By signing this document, you

acknowledge that you have read, understand, and accept the contents of the Orientation Manual.

__________________________________ _________________________________________ Student Signature Printed Name __________________________________ Date

- over-

Kindly return this form signed to your Principal or

Headmaster on or before end-of-day Thursday,

September 3, 2015

I understand that participation is voluntary and further understand that transportation for any activity or

event may be provided in vehicles driven by Macon-Bibb County employees or by third-party commercial

contractors. I understand and agree that the scope of this release does not extend to willful, wanton or in-

tentional misconduct on the part of Macon-Bibb.

__________________________________ _________________________________________ Parent or Legal Guardian Signature Printed Name __________________________________ Date

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

Name of parent or guardian ____________________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________________________________

City _______________________________________________________________________

State & Zip Code ____________________________________________________________

Primary email address for parent or guardian _____________________________________

Primary cell phone (parent or guardian)__________________________________________

Family home phone __________________________________________________________

Work phone (parent or guardian) _______________________________________________

Please include any SPECIAL CARE INSTRUCTIONS for your student, including medical conditions, allergies, etc.

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________


School Leader Support Agreement

As the educational leader for _________________________________________ , I support his/her participa-

tion in the 2015-2016 Macon-Bibb County Georgia Civic Awareness Program for Students cohort. I will work

with the Macon-Bibb County Government in resolving any problems, if and when necessary.

__________________________________ _________________________________________ Principal or Headmaster Signature Printed Name __________________________________ Date

Kindly return this form signed to your Principal or

Headmaster on or before end-of-day Thursday,

September 3,2015


Notes

20

Commissioner Bert Bivins, Ambassador

Charles L. Coney, Assistant County Manager

Alisha Duhart, Human Resources

Austin Thomas Harrison, Mercer Intern

Spencer Hawkins, Emergency Management

Karol Kelly, Cooperative Extension

LaTanya Lester, Juvenile Justice

Dominique Lewis, Recreation Department

Reginald McClendon, Legal

Reggie Moore, Recreation

Joseph Wozniak, Mercer Intern

Macon-Bibb County 700 Poplar Street | P. O. Box 247 Macon, Georgia 31202-0247 Tel: (478) 751-7170 Fax: (478) 751-7931 www.maconbibb.us/gcaps

“Training in excellence from youth upward makes a person passionately desire to be a perfect citizen, and teaches him to rule, and to obey, with justice.”

Plato

GCAPS

Macon-Bibb County GCAPS Leadership Team

macon-bibb county gcaps orientation manual

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