Civically Engaged Organization Pledge Toolkit
Welcome!
CEO Pledge Badge:
Download the CEO Pledge Badge and post it to your website, your email signature or on social media to proudly display your commitment to civic engagement!
CEO Pledge Certificate:
Download the CEO Certificate to print and display in your office and/or retail space, serving as a reminder to staff, customers, and vendors to get involved in the community!
Social Media Graphics (click images to download):
Special For April!
National Volunteer Week (April 20-26): Let’s celebrate the incredible volunteers who make Connecticut stronger! This National Volunteer Week, we salute those who give their time and energy to helping make our communities better. Thank you for your dedication and impact! #NVW #VolunteerHeroes #ConnecticutVolunteers
Become a Volunteer: Many organizations in Connecticut rely on volunteers. It takes people with all types of skills to help keep a community running smoothly. Everyone can play a role. Need help finding an organization you’re interested? Check online or call your state representative to ask for suggestions! #Volunteer #Community #TogetherWeCan
Check Sources Before Sharing!
Check Sources First: Before you share, make sure you know the facts! Misinformation spreads quickly, but a little extra time to check your sources can make all the difference. Stay informed, stay responsible. #FactcheckingDay #StopMisinformation #CheckYourSources #StayInformed
Watch for Signs of Misinformation: As the saying goes... If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! And the same is true if the news sounds absolutely horrible. A little fact-checking goes a long way. #FactcheckingDay #VerifyBeforeYouTrust #GoodNewsOrNot #StayInformed
Fact Check: Ready to make a difference? Take the pledge to stop the spread of misinformation! A small commitment from each of us can lead to big change. Let’s all do our part to keep the truth in the spotlight. #FactcheckingDay #StopMisinformation #BePartOfTheSolution
Post Wisely: Let’s make the Internet a more positive space for everyone by posting with kindness. The content we share impacts the world around us. #FactcheckingDay #PostWisely #MakeItCount #Community
Spot Fake News: Spotting fake news doesn’t have to be hard, follow these 3 simple steps to stay informed with only the facts! Stay sharp, stay smart! #FactcheckingDay #SpotFakeNews #CheckYourSources #StayInformed
Voice CT:
First Place Winner: Meet Shenia who took first place in the Secretary of the State’s Voice CT program. When asked for ideas on how to boost civic engagement, she emphasized the importance of opening doors for young people. Young leaders like her prove that civic engagement starts now. Go Shenia! #CivicEngagement #YoungLeaders #VoiceCT
Understanding the State Budget:
Biennial Budget: Did you know Connecticut creates and approves a state budget once every two years? This is called a biennial budget. Learn more about the process at cga.ct.gov! #CTBudget #BiennialBudget #FiscalPolicy
Budget - Expenditures: Where does Connecticut’s money go? Understanding expenditures is key for businesses, schools, and nonprofits to prepare for any changes. Stay ahead by watching spending trends. Learn more about the budget details at cga.ct.gov.#BudgetBreakdown #CTSpending #FiscalTransparency
Budget - Impact: A budget is more than just numbers—it shapes Connecticut’s future! From education to transportation, the budget affects you. See something you like or don’t like? Get informed, get involved, and let your voice be heard! Start by exploring cga.ct.gov. #FiscalPolicy #BudgetAdvocacy #KnowYourImpact
Budget - Revenue: Ever wondered where Connecticut gets its money? The revenue section of a budget tracks all funds going to the state. Understanding revenue helps you see how tax dollars are used and how financial decisions are made. Stay informed by visiting cga.ct.gov. #CTBudget #FinancialTransparency #KnowYourState
Budget - Surplus and Deficit: Is Connecticut running a surplus (extra funds) or a deficit (spending more than it earns) this year?
The state’s financial health affects taxes, public services, and the economy overall. Keep an eye on budget reports and stay informed by visiting cga.ct.gov. #BudgetSurplus #BudgetDeficit #FiscalHealth #CTBudget
Are You Session Ready?
Set a reminder to tune in to CT-N to watch Session meetings, debates and votes until it adjourns June 4. Access CT-N from the Connecticut General Assembly home page, cga.ct.gov, or directly at ct-n.com!
The Connecticut General Assembly is mobile friendly! Search and track bills, find your legislators, and more directly from your cell phone. Easy access to the information you need. Go to cga.ct.gov any time from your laptop or cell!
Do you have insight into certain issues? The deadline to propose bills in Connecticut has passed. But they may not have been written yet. You can contact your legislators with thoughts on how to shape a bill. Now is the time to voice your opinion on topics you know and care about. #CivicEngagement #CTGeneralAssembly #MakeYourVoiceHeard
Stay in the know! Did you know you can track bills in real-time during the Connecticut General Assembly session? Sign up for bill tracking to follow legislation that matters most to you. Keep an eye on the issues shaping our state. #BillTracking #CivicEngagement #CTGeneralAssembly #StayInformed
Curious about how laws are made in Connecticut? Dive into the legislative process and stay informed by visiting cga.ct.gov! From understanding how a bill becomes a law to tracking committee hearings, it’s your one-stop shop for civic engagement. Knowledge is power—get involved today! #CivicEngagement #CTLegislature #LearnTheProcess #StayInformed
In odd years, Connecticut sets a budget for the following two years. Learn about the timeline and process so you can weigh in on what you want to be funded. Go to cga.ct.gov/ofa and click on The State Budget Process to learn more! #CivicEngagement #LearnTheProcess #StayInformed
The Power of Civics
Be an informed and active member of your community!
Help Stop Misinformation
How to Spot Videos Generated by A.I.: Don’t be fooled by videos that have been created by A.I. and are fake! Learn a few tricks to know when you’re watching a fake video. Let’s put a stop to spreading misinformation. Visit MyVote.CT.gov for all your trusted election information! #trustedinfo
How to Spot Photos Generated by A.I.: A.I. can create some realistic photos. But there are ways to spot a fake! Don’t be misled and don’t spread misinformation. And be sure to visit MyVote.CT.gov for all your trusted election information! #trustedinfo
Accessible Voting
Accessible Polling Place: Federal and CT state laws require that polling places be accessible for all voters who want to vote in person. Find out about other voting rights in CT at MyVote.CT.gov! #DisabilityVote
Ballot Marking Devices: Ballot marking devices can be used by voters with a disability or anyone who prefers this option to vote. The device allows voters to make choices audibly, by using a touchscreen display, or with a sip/puff attachment. Watch a video to understand this system at MyVote.CT.gov! #DisabilityVote
Absentee Ballots for Voters with Disabilities: Having a disability that prevents you from voting in person is one of six reasons you can apply for an absentee ballot. Learn more at MyVote.CT.gov/absentee! #DisabilityVote
Holding Your Place in Line: If you have a disability and can’t stand in line at your polling place, don’t worry! You can ask the moderator to wait in line for you while or you can ask to be moved to the front of the line. Learn more to advocate for yourself at MyVote.CT.gov! #DisabilityVote
Assistance Filling Out the Ballot: Do you need help filling out your ballot because you have a disability? No problem, you can choose someone to help you! Some people are not allowed to help you such as your boss. Find out all the details of who can and can’t assist you at MyVote.CT.gov. #DisabilityVote
Voter Education:
Brochures to Print, Post or Email (click images to download):
Your Say. Your Day. Early Voting allows you to vote in person safely and securely before Election Day. To learn how to vote early, click the images below to download educational brochures, or visit MyVote.CT.gov for more information about elections in Connecticut.
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English |
Español |
Early Voting Social Media Posts (click images to download):
What is Early Voting?
Early Voting is coming to CT this year! Are you ready? Go to MyVote.CT.gov for all you need to know about Early Voting. #earlyvoting
The First Election with Early Voting
If you are affiliated with a party, you can vote in the Presidential Preference Primary. Make sure you know when and where to vote! Visit MyVote.CT.gov for all you need to know about elections in CT.
How are Ballots Counted?
Early Voting will work differently than Election Day voting. Make sure you know the facts! Visit the Early Voting page on MyVote.CT.gov for all the info. #earlyvoting
Early Voting versus Absentee Ballots
Don’t be confused. Early Voting is not the same as voting by Absentee Ballots. Learn the difference at MyVote.CT.gov. #earlyvoting
Early Voting Locations
Early Voting locations are announced shortly before each election. Be sure you know where to go! Visit MyVote.CT.gov to find the location in your town. #earlyvoting
Early Voting on Weekends
Weekdays can be busy with work and life! Don’t worry, Early Voting includes Saturday and Sunday for most elections. Visit MyVote.CT.gov for Early Voting dates and times. #earlyvoting
Other States with Early Voting
Did you know Early Voting has been occurring in other states for decades? It may be new to CT, but it’s not a new concept. Be sure you’re ready for Early Voting by going to MyVote.CT.gov for all the facts. #earlyvoting
With Early Voting starting, what hasn’t changed?
Yes, Early Voting starts this year. But not everything has changed! You can still vote on Election Day or by Absentee Ballot. To find out more information about all voting options, visit MyVote.CT.gov. #earlyvoting
Learn about Parties in CT
What’s the difference between being an Independent and being Unaffiliated in CT? It’s huge! If you’re an Independent, you’re registered with the Independent party. If you’re Unaffiliated, you’re not enrolled in any party. Be sure you know how you’re registered. Find out at MyVote.ct.gov/lookup today!
Absentee Ballot Informational Videos (click images to view videos):
Absentee Ballot Facts.
(brief video to post)
Absentee Ballot Voting Explained.
(in detail - English)
Voto en Ausencia, Explicado en Español
(en detalle - Español)
Civics 101 Document:
Email this non-partisan educational document to staff and/or clients to help them better understand how government works and why voting is important.
CEO Pledge Starter Social Media Posts:
CEO Pledge Announcement Option #1
- Facebook / Instagram / X: We just became a Civically Engaged Organization (CEO), committing to help make our community an educated and strong place for us all to live and work. @CTSots has info about how to engage with your community at civics101.ct.gov. Who else is in??
CEO Pledge Announcement Option #2
- Facebook / Instagram / X: We/I have a new title to add to my/our business cards – CEO! We’ve committed to being a Civically Engaged Organization to help educate our community on how to get involved. Everyone can text VOTE to 860.321.4221 to stay informed about key election dates.
Voter Registration Tip
- Facebook / Instagram / X: Are you registered to vote? It’s easy to do and can be done online! Visit voterregistration.ct.gov/OLVR/welcome.do to get started! #CTSots
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