Arlington is empowering the next generation of leaders ready to serve their community through The Arlington Civic Engagement Institute. This six-month program is a collaboration between former City Council Member and award-winning political scientist Dr. Victoria Farrar-Myers and the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce.
At the heart of the program is Dr. Victoria Farrar-Myers, who, deeply rooted in Arlington, created The Arlington Civic Engagement Institute to encourage others to participate in shaping their community and equip them to confidently step into roles that can transform Arlington for the better.
“I’ve always, from an early age, been very passionate about people being involved in their community and civically involved in politics,” Dr. Farrar-Myers says. After her time on the City Council, she knew she wanted to do more for Arlington and young leaders. “I really wanted to be a part of building the next set of leaders. Because traditionally, I was asked a lot of questions like ‘How did you do that?,’ ‘How’d you get started?,’ ‘Why did you pick this as opposed to that?’ In my heart of hearts, my dream had always been to start a center for civic engagement and leadership.”
Understanding the importance of city participation, Dr. Farrar-Myers collaborated with local leaders, gaining enthusiastic support from leaders at the University of Texas at Arlington, Tarrant County College, and Leadership Arlington. Ultimately, The Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, led by President and CEO Michael Jacobson, fully embraced her vision, co-signing the commitment to create The Arlington Civic Engagement Institute.
The Institute stands out with its nonpartisan political focus, specifically designed for individuals looking to take on significant roles in their community, such as serving on boards and commissions, running for school board, or pursuing elected office. Designed entirely by Dr. Farrar-Myers, the curriculum covers essential political and community leadership topics in a series of sessions.
“The first session is about who you are as a leader,” she explains. “You can’t do anything in Arlington until you know what kind of leader you are.”
The curriculum then moves through critical aspects of leadership, such as discovering one’s “why”—the personal motivation that drives each leader to serve. From there, participants dive into campaign fundamentals, governance essentials, and practical skills for community engagement.
In addition to class sessions, cohort members benefit from one-on-one mentoring with Dr. Farrar-Myers herself as well as mentor sessions from city leaders like City Manager, Trey Yelverton, and founder of the Nehemiah Builds Foundation, Bob Kemble, during the “Perspectives Lunches.”
A wide diversity of participants is encouraged to apply. A priority for Dr. Farrar-Myers is recognizing that barriers to entry could deter potential leaders. Communication plans, strategic community partnerships, and scholarships were created so that geographical and financial limitations don’t hinder anyone’s ability to learn about the program and apply.
When looking forward to the future of The Arlington Civic Engagement Institute, Dr. Farrar-Myers is optimistic. Her ultimate hope is that the Institute will continue to attract those ready to take on the responsibility of local leadership, equipped with the skills and understanding to create meaningful change in Arlington, ensuring it flourishes for years to come—one dedicated leader at a time. Applications for the next cohort of The Arlington Civic Engagement Institute will
