Throughout the four-week program, participants will get a high-level look at:

• General Government — How Village government works, how decisions are made, and the roles of elected officials, administration, the Clerk’s Office, and Finance
• Public Safety — The work of the DeForest Police Department and DeForest Windsor Fire & EMS, including emergency response, community safety, and the services they provide
• Public Services — The people and operations behind streets, utilities, parks, and other essential services that keep DeForest running every day
• Community — Parks & Recreation, Community Development, planning, and the programs and services that help our community grow and thrive
• How It All Connects — How Village departments, services, facilities, and community partners work together to serve residents
• Getting Involved — Opportunities to volunteer, participate in community activities, serve on Village boards and commissions, and become more connected to DeForest

Discover DeForest 101 is open to residents who are interested in learning more about their community, including:

• New residents who want to learn more about DeForest
• Long-time residents who want to better understand their Village
• Residents who have considered getting more involved in the community
• Community members interested in local government and services
• Residents who may be interested in future volunteer, board, or commission opportunities
• Open to current Village of DeForest residents age 16 and older.

Participants can expect:

• Small-group conversations with Village staff
• Facility tours and behind-the-scenes experiences
• Opportunities to ask questions
• A better understanding of Village services and operations
• Information about ways to become involved
• A chance to connect with other DeForest residents

Discover DeForest 101 will be a four-week, small-group experience designed to give residents a high-level understanding of how the Village operates and the many services available to our community.

Each session will combine presentations, conversation, hands-on learning, and opportunities to see Village operations firsthand.

Week 1 — Meet Your Village

Participants will get an overview of local government and the roles of elected officials, Village administration, the Clerk’s Office, and Finance. We'll explore how decisions are made, how the Village is funded, and what happens behind the scenes to keep local government running.

Participants will also meet some of the people who help lead and serve our community and learn how the different pieces of Village government work together.

Week 2 — Keeping DeForest Safe

Take a closer look at the people, services, and resources that help keep our community safe.

Participants will learn about the work of the DeForest Police Department and DeForest Windsor Fire & EMS, including their day-to-day responsibilities, emergency response, community outreach, and more.

This session may include a tour, demonstrations, equipment, or other hands-on opportunities to see public safety operations firsthand.

Week 3 — Keeping DeForest Moving

Explore the services and operations that keep our community functioning every day.

Participants will learn about streets, utilities, parks, and other public services provided by the Village. We'll take a behind-the-scenes look at the work that goes into maintaining public spaces, roads, infrastructure, and the systems residents rely on every day.

Depending on the session, participants may have the opportunity to see equipment, visit a Village facility, or get a closer look at some of the work that happens behind the scenes.

Week 4 — Building a Community Together

Discover the programs and services that help make DeForest a vibrant and growing community.

Participants will explore Recreation and Community Enrichment, Community Development Departments while, learning how the Village supports recreation, manages growth, and helps shape the community.

The session will also highlight opportunities for residents to get involved, connect with their community, and participate in Village programs and activities.

We'll wrap up the four-week experience by reflecting on what participants learned, answering remaining questions, and celebrating the inaugural Discover DeForest 101 class.