Press Releases
01/15/2025
Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas Leads Dialogue on Civility and the Importance of Civic Education
(Hartford, CT) — Connecticut Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas joined Yvonne Alston, CEO of Indelible Impressions Consulting, for a community conversation as part of the Charter Oak State College Foundation’s Shea Lecture Series on Civil Discourse. The event titled “The Power of Us: Empowering Voices, Building Bridges” explored the importance of civility in civil discourse and the role of education and advocacy in fostering meaningful change.
During her remarks, Secretary Thomas discussed the year-round necessity of civic engagement, emphasizing that “Civic engagement is necessary 365 days a year because no policy is written on Election Day.” She highlighted how democratic participation is a continuous process, requiring citizens to act beyond the ballot box by raising issues in the media, organizing rallies, sharing ideas within their communities, and collaborating to create tangible change.
“Voting is essential to our representative democracy, but it is just one part of the process,” shared Secretary Thomas. “Civic engagement is what transforms participation into meaningful progress that shapes our future. By raising awareness, mobilizing action, and advocating for change, we can advance democratic participation and create a society where everyone’s voice is heard.”
This event is part of Secretary Thomas’s ongoing mission to increase civic engagement, educate citizens, and ensure accessibility and transparency in Connecticut's democratic process.
Visit our Civic Engagement Initiatives information page for more information about the initiatives led by the Office of the Secretary of the State.
(Photo: Stephanie Thomas with Yvonne Alston)
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