(New Haven, Connecticut) - Imagine trying to navigate civic life without a map, unsure who represents you, how to get a pothole fixed, or where to go when a community issue hits close to home. Connecticut Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas wants to change that with the Power of Civics, a new online learning platform she describes as “a kind of civics GPS helping you figure out where you are, where you want to go, and how to get there.”

 

Created by the Office of the Secretary of the State and launched Monday in New Haven on National Civics Day, the site offers free, self-paced lessons and real-world tools to help residents move from curiosity to confident civic participation. From learning how a bill becomes a law to finding out how to contact local officials or volunteer on a campaign, the Power of Civics breaks down government in plain language and shows users how to take action that matters.

 

“People want to get involved, but they often don’t know where to start,” Thomas said. “This platform gives them the tools to turn their beliefs into action.”

 

The launch event, held at the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven on National Civics Day, included remarks from Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, ESPN analyst and former Major League Baseball player Doug Glanville, State Representative Kevin Brown, and Karen Dubois-Walton, President and CEO of the Community Foundation. Bysiewicz shared a proclamation issued by Governor Lamont declaring October 27 as Connecticut Civics Day, recognizing the importance of civic education.

 

DuBois-Walton said the new platform meets a growing demand for tools that make participation easier. “We know our community is ready for this,” she said. “According to the most recent Community Wellbeing Survey, nearly three-quarters of residents in Greater New Haven feel they can make a positive difference locally — and the Power of Civics site will give them a roadmap to become involved.”

 

Developed in partnership with SOE Software, a civic technology firm, Power of Civics is an online training that empowers users with knowledge so they understand how to navigate the Government and advocate for their interests. Throughout the course, users will learn about elections, the legislative process, how to get involved in their community, and how to engage with candidates and elected officials. Participants will receive an email certificate upon completing all the available trainings. The platform includes videos, checklists, and real-world examples. Students, volunteers, registrars of voters, and staff from the Secretary of the State’s Office volunteered to participate as actors.

 

“We’re proud to partner with the State of Connecticut to bring The Power of Civics to life,” said Jonathan Brill, president of SOE Software. “This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to empower citizens through knowledge and engagement. By helping more residents understand how their government works and how to get involved, we’re strengthening the foundation of civic participation across the state.”

 

Glanville reflected on a personal experience that inspired his own civic engagement. After a brief but unsettling encounter with a police officer outside his home, he began advocating for change and learned how storytelling can bridge divides. “Storytelling brings us together to common listening sessions, where ideas are exchanged and empathy grows,” he said.

 

Bysiewicz emphasized that civic engagement starts at the local level. She also highlighted the importance of voting, sharing the story of a friend who organized a rally in Manchester that drew 600 sign-ups — but found that only about 200 had voted in the previous municipal election. Quoting Congressman John Lewis, she added, “The best way to protect our democracy is to vote — the most powerful tool we have.”

 

State Representative Kevin Brown, chair of the legislative Civics Education, Civics Engagement and Media Literacy Task Force and a high school civics teacher in Enfield, spoke about the importance of building civic awareness early. “If you teach the importance of participation, you’re developing the next generation of leaders,” he said. “This work is important. We have to be intentional. Democracy is precious.”

 

Thomas closed by underscoring that the Power of Civics is designed for everyone. “Whether you’re able to vote or not, whether you have five minutes or five years to give, this platform is for you,” she said. “I encourage everyone to sign on.”

 

The Power of Civics is available now at PowerOfCivics.CT.gov.