State Commission Establishes Local Networks via an Organizational Affiliate Program and Local Coordinating Committees with More to Come
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Cyndi Tolosa, ctolosa@cthumanities.org, 860-986-6704
The America 250 | CT Commission, established by Gov. Ned Lamont to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, has been expanding its grassroots networks throughout Connecticut with two different initiatives: the America 250 | CT Affiliate Program and local coordinating committees in Connecticut municipalities. These two initiatives will provide residents of Connecticut with the opportunity to engage with this important anniversary in their local communities.
America 250 | CT Affiliate Program:
The inaugural class of the program was confirmed at the Commission’s Governance Committee meeting on Monday, October 7. Of 49 applications received, 48 were approved by the committee. This program seeks to build a network of organizations that are planning programs and other activities connected to the themes of the America 250 | CT Commission. The themes are: Tell Inclusive Stories, Doing History, Power of Place, and For the Common Good.
Affiliate organizations will have access to use the Commission’s logo on marketing materials and to promote 250th-related events on the Commission’s website, in newsletters, and through social media posts. The next application deadline is Sunday, November 10, 2024.
America 250 | CT Commission vice chair Dr. Jason R. Mancini states, “We are excited to feature and promote the work that is being done by a wide variety of organizations throughout Connecticut, both nonprofits and private companies, who are seeking to meaningful engagement with ideas and ideals that created our Nation.
Local Coordinating Committees:
America 250 | CT Commission Chair and Former Secretary of the State Denise Merrill has been working with the Connecticut Council of Municipalities, Council of Small Towns, and the nine Council of Governments throughout the state to encourage local engagement with the commission.
To date, fifty local committees have been formed across Connecticut. Many have members from local arts and history organizations, community and cultural centers, economic development and tourism drivers, and others interested in voter engagement and civics.
Chair Denise Merrill shares, “I have always envisioned this commemoration to be a grassroots effort with communities throughout the state working with one another to make this a special celebration where all of Connecticut’s residents can see themselves. I look forward to spending more time this fall connecting with local leaders and encouraging more people to get involved.”
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On July 1, 2022, Governor Ned Lamont established the America 250 | CT Commission via Executive Order 22-2 to coordinate the commemoration, celebration, and reflection on the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the formation of the United States of America, which will occur on July 4, 2026. Learn more by visiting ct250.org
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