Civic Impact Academy 2025 Kick-Off
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Civic Impact Academy Kicks Off Second Annual Cohort To Strengthen Civic Engagement
CHARLOTTE, NC (September 16, 2025) – Civic Impact Academy successfully launched its second annual cohort with a kick-off event on September 3, 2025, bringing together a diverse group of local government representatives and passionate community members. The event marked the beginning of an intensive program designed to foster collaboration and improve civic engagement, community relations, and overall community well-being in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The kick-off event provided an opportunity for cohort members to connect, share their motivations for joining the program, and gain an overview of the curriculum. The cohort is intentionally composed of both public servants and private citizens, recognizing that community building requires a collaborative approach from all civic stakeholders.
"We were thrilled with the energy and commitment displayed at our kick-off event," said Christine Edwards Pitkin, Founder of both Civility Localized and the Civic Impact Academy. "The shared dedication to improve their communities is truly inspiring. By bringing together individuals from different sectors, we are creating a powerful network of leaders who are equipped to drive meaningful and lasting change in our region."
The Civic Impact Academy’s 2025 curriculum has been both expanded and tailored to a changing civic landscape. Not only is this year’s cohort longer (spanning fourteen weeks instead of ten), but it also includes more opportunities for in-person and hands-on learning. This focus on practical skills and strategies for fostering stronger community connections is a direct response to feedback from community members and the 2024 cohort. The aim is to increase civic participation and build communication between residents and local government. Over the next several months, participants will engage in workshops, discussions, and hands-on projects designed to put theory into practice.
About Civic Impact Academy: Civic Impact Academy launched in 2024, bringing together public servants, community change-makers, and experts from all over North Carolina. Each cohort learns, networks, and solves for real-world community design challenges through 14 weeks of in-person and virtual learning. The Civic Impact Academy is designed to build stronger communities through education and collaboration with local government.
About Civility Localized: Civility Localized is a Charlotte-based consulting firm fostering impactful community engagement. Civility Localized empowers communities and governments to build better futures through innovative civic solutions and collaborative partnerships.
Civic Impact Academy B-roll images from September 3, 2025 Kick Off Event at VAPA
