Town of Normal Community Education Program

The All About Normal program, offered by the Town of Normal, is a community education initiative aimed at increasing public understanding of local government operations and fostering civic engagement. The program provides an opportunity for residents and community members to explore the inner workings of municipal services, meet elected officials and town staff, and actively participate in discussions about the community’s future. Initially launched in 2009, the program was temporarily suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic and has returned with expanded eligibility and a renewed focus on interactive learning. Designed for individuals aged 15 and older, the program prioritizes residents of the Town of Normal but is open to others who express a strong interest in learning about the community. The educational format includes speaker presentations, group discussions, hands-on activities, and site visits to various municipal facilities such as the City Hall, Normal Police Department, Normal Fire Department, Normal Public Library, Children’s Discovery Museum, and the Normal Theater. These experiences aim to deepen participants’ knowledge of the Town's history, governance structure, planning and land use, public safety, economic development, cultural enrichment, and community partnerships. Participation in the program is limited to 20 individuals, encouraging a focused and interactive group learning environment. The series of sessions will be held weekly on Wednesday evenings from October 8 through December 10. Each session runs from 6:30 to 9 p.m., emphasizing active engagement and collaboration among participants and facilitators. The purpose of the All About Normal program is to inform and inspire community members to contribute meaningfully to the civic life of Normal. Through the program, the Town hopes to empower participants with a comprehensive understanding of how local government functions and the ways in which residents can become involved in shaping policies and initiatives. This aligns with the program’s theme of “Community Learning for a Brighter Tomorrow.” There is no cost to participate in the program, and no prior community leadership experience is required. The Town of Normal emphasizes inclusivity and encourages applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and perspectives. While the program does not offer monetary grants or financial awards, it represents an investment in community capacity building and civic education. Applications are open through Friday, September 26, 2025. Interested individuals must submit their applications by this deadline to be considered for the current cycle. There are no references to pre-application steps or rolling deadlines. This is a structured program with a clearly defined start and end date, and while the program has been offered in the past, no information is provided about whether it will recur annually or in future cycles. For more information, individuals may contact Jacob Smith, the Town of Normal’s administrative analyst. While no phone number or email address is provided in the public notice, he is identified as the primary point of contact for the program.