The Community Advocates Program
Objectives:
The Community Advocates program is an opportunity for University of Florida and Santa Fe Community College students to learn more about crime prevention, safety, the Gainesville Community and how they can give back to their community through outreach and service. Community Advocates will attend a two hour class, once a week from 6:30pm-8:30pm for seven weeks. Each class will take place in a different location throughout the city of Gainesville.
Goals:
Classes provide information and resources on topics including crime prevention, safety, tour of a local fire station, emergency preparation, city codes, alcohol and the community, tour of city hall, tenants rights and responsibilities, community service and much more. The Community Advocates will take their knowledge and share with their community whether it is the apartment complex they live in, condominium complex or residential neighborhood where they own or rent. Community Advocates will help to start a neighborhood watch or organize a crime prevention program for their apartment complex or neighborhood. They will also participate in a community service project with their fellow Community Advocates. These activities will allow Community Advocates to get to know their community, give back to their community through service and share the knowledge they receive in the Community Advocates class with their neighbors.
Class Dates and Topics:
| September 19th | Safety and Crime Prevention |
| September 26th | Tour of Fire Station & Emergency Preparedness |
| October 3rd | Victim Advocates & Sexual Predator Awareness |
| October 10th | City Codes, Alcohol and the Community/DUI |
| October 17th | Community Service |
| October 24th | Civic Engagement |
| October 31st | No Class |
| November 7th | Great Gator Neighbor & Wrap up |
Other dates:
| November 30th | Safety/Crime Prevention & Community Service Completed |
| December 4th | Community Advocates Reception, 6:30pm, location TBA |
Application:
An application must be completed and submitted to Nora Kilroy by Friday, September 7th. The class is limited to 25 participants. Applications will be reviewed and the 25 Community Advocates will be selected and contacted by September 12th. Contact Nora Kilroy at noralk@dso.ufl.edu or by phone 352-392-1261 extension 214 with any further questions.
Scholarship:
Participants that complete all required classes and out of class programs will receive a $200 book scholarship.
Instructors:
Corporal Jaime Kurnick, Gainesville Police Department
Nora L. Kilroy Director of Off-Campus Life, University of Florida
Officer Darin Gentry, University of Florida Police Department
Kari Mattox, Santa Fe Community College
Lucy Paltoo, Santa Fe Community College
The Community Advocates program is co-sponsored by the Gainesville Police Department, Off Campus Life, UF, University of Florida Police Department and Santa Fe Community College.