Press Releases
02/04/2025
Connecticut Secretary of the State’s Civic Engagement Program Earns National Recognition
(Hartford, CT) — Connecticut Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas’ Civically Engaged Organization (CEO) Program has been nationally recognized as a finalist for the NASS IDEAS (Innovation, Dedication, Excellence & Achievement in Service) Award for its innovative approach to civic engagement. The nonpartisan initiative encourages organizations to integrate civic engagement into their activities, which is a way that works for them. In just 18 months, over 250 organizations across nearly half of Connecticut’s towns have joined, including large and small businesses, faith-based groups, and non-profit organizations.
"This program proves that civic engagement doesn’t have to be complicated or costly,” said Secretary Thomas. “Any organization, no matter its size, can make a difference. By providing simple, nonpartisan resources at no-cost to our office, we’ve made it easy for businesses and nonprofits to help their employees and communities stay informed and involved. Being nationally recognized for this work is a testament to the power of collaboration and the impact organizations can have when civic engagement is made accessible.”
Organizations across industries have embraced the program in ways that fit their audiences: Kent News, a local newspaper, created and published a voter guide to ensure residents had clear election information; the Connecticut Sun leveraged its platform by recording public service announcements. Others have hosted education events, customizing materials to meet their communities’ needs.
“The Hartford Yard Goats Foundation proudly became a CEO because we believe civic education is vital,” shared Aisha Petteway, Executive Director of Community Partnerships at Yard Goats. “Our CEO membership led to a wonderful collaboration with the Secretary’s office for our Youth Ambassadors program. Together, we devised a fun competition for students to design ‘I Voted’ stickers, and Secretary Thomas led a lesson in civics for the students. This has been a great partnership that we look forward to continuing.”
The National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS), the nation’s oldest nonpartisan professional organization for public officials, invited Secretary Thomas and Arienne Orozco, who leads Outreach and Engagement for the office, to present the CEO program at its winter conference as a model for other states looking to expand their civic engagement efforts. The association fosters collaboration among states and advances best practices in elections, business services, and outreach.
For more information about the CEO Program and how organizations can get involved, visit CEO Pledge or contact Arienne Orozco, Director of Outreach and Engagement, at Arienne.Orozco@ct.gov.
(Photo of Secretary Thomas at NASS Conference taken by Philip Smith, 1LPhoto.com)
(Photo of Secretary Thomas at NASS Conference taken by Philip Smith, 1LPhoto.com)
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