Shadowing Program

Nurturing Future Leaders

Member city and towns looking for a way to familiarize students with the roles of municipal officials and the operation of city / town government can offer shadowing. Review the Getting Started Fact Sheet (PDF) to see how a shadowing program can be developed for any aged student from elementary to college.

Participating municipalities may count a shadowing experience toward their Banner City / Town requirements. Also, cities/towns are encouraged to host shadowing activities in November as a Municipal Government Works Month activity.

Minimum Criteria

Municipalities may customize their shadowing experience, however, for a member's shadowing program to qualify for Banner City / Town credit, the following minimum criteria must be met:

• A tour of the community with a municipal government official must be provided
• Each participating city / town may work with the student to determine how the required hours will be met
• Student must attend a council work session or various other meetings
• Student must be exposed to citizen concerns and how the municipality addresses them
• Older students must reflect an understanding of current issues and the decisions that have been or will be made regarding these issues via report (verbally presented to council or written)
• The experience should culminate with the city / town presenting the student with a certificate or citation recognizing the student’s participation

Other Resources

Getting Started: Creating A Shadowing Experience (PDF)

Shadowing Program Check List (PDF)

Forms of Government

Municipal Government Works Booklet (PDF) (outlines how to conduct mock council session and other activities)