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In the face of uncertainty over the past few weeks, our work at the local level has never been more critical. I am grateful for the collaboration across Norwalk that continues to prioritize support for our community—regardless of immigration status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. At Norwalk ACTS, we are committed to our mission to drive equitable outcomes for every child and young person in our city.
As we navigate the challenges ahead, advocacy and coalition-building will be essential. If you are part of a Norwalk-based organization, I invite you to apply for our Civic Influencer Program. This program brings together a diverse cohort of 10-20 Norwalk ACTS members to learn about advocacy, strengthen civic engagement, build community connections, and advance equity-focused policies. By breaking down barriers for historically marginalized voices, the program ensures that our local and state governments truly reflect the communities they serve. Apply Here
Margaret Watt, Director at Positive Directions and a member of our SEH Steering Committee, recently presented the 2024 Norwalk Youth Survey Findings to both the Board of Education and The Norwalk Partnership. Compared to 2022, we’ve seen notable decreases in depression, acute anxiety, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, disordered eating, past-month bullying, and unsupervised weekday time. While these improvements are encouraging, we recognize there is still significant work ahead, especially in supporting our marginalized communities.
In line with our Social Emotional Health Initiative, we are launching our SEH Pledge Campaign for all youth-serving organizations to further strengthen these efforts.
Read more below!
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Join members of the Backbone Staff as we commit to Wednesdays with Community Mindfulness Project from 12:15 PM - 12:30 PM throughout February and March.
Take a moment for a mid-day, science-based 15-minute mindful meditation.
Join us and Community Mindfulness Project for this moment of self-care here
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Our partner focus for the month of February is the Norwalk Health Department and their Wellness Wednesday Webinars in collaboration with the Norwalk Public Library. | To access the free webinar contact Kelley Tomlinson at 203-854-7982. We encourage you take advantage of the next 3 webinars as mindfulness, fitness, and wellness is key to showing up as your best self. | |
Out of School Time Locator
Portal: UPDATE
An updated Norwalk ACTS OST Locator Portal is launching in 2025!
Out of School Time Providers, please submit Year-Round, After-School, and Summer 2025 Programs here!
Questions?
Contact, Senior Data Analyst, Ray Leslie, rleslie@norwalkacts.org.
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Civic Influencer Program: Community Organization Cohort
Is your organization represented in the 2nd Cohort of the Civic Influencer Program?
List of confirmed speakers below. Learn from these amazing leaders in the program.
Apply & Learn More here
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TUNE IN
Governor Lamont will be making his annual budget address to a joint session of the General Assembly. on Wednesday, February 5 at noon, and you can watch live on CT-N (link here).
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Registration is now open for the 5th Annual Representation Matters
It's a free, two-day virtual training, March 1 & 8, 2025 to encourage racially diverse candidates to run for public office, serve on boards and commissions.
This session will provide a foundation and skillset for launch as community leaders. Includes presentations from and conversations with individuals with varying state and local government backgrounds. Register Here
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State Legislative Process
in Full Swing
The 2025 state legislative session is moving into a new phase in Hartford with public hearings beginning and Governor Lamont presenting his biennial budget to a joint session of the General Assembly on February 5th.
Our statewide Cradle to Career Coalition has released our policy agenda and legislative priorities for the session and we are tracking multiple bills. Since we recognize that every issue in the legislature connects to the well-being and success of children, families, and communities, our advocacy work pushes for comprehensive solutions that promote equity, resilience, and long-term prosperity.
Balancing Fiscal Responsibility...
Read more
| The League of Women Voters of Norwalk held their Annual Legislative Forum with the Norwalk Delegation last month. If you missed the event, watch the recording here. | |
Friday, February 7
2:45-4:15 PM
Pizza Lyfe in Westport
Sunday, February 9
11:30-1:00 PM
Cafe Dolce in Norwalk
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We Support Norwalk's
Immigration Community
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Know Your Rights and Q&A with an Attorney with Building One Community
Date: February 5, 2025
Time: 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Type: Hybrid - In person and Zoom
Location: 417 Shippan Ave. Stamford, CT 06902
Languages: Spanish
Date: February 11, 2025
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Type: Hybrid - In person and Zoom
Location: 417 Shippan Ave. Stamford, CT 06902
Languages: Spanish
Visit here for more information, to register for Know Your Rights, and Spanish Flyers.
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SEH Pledge
The SEH Initiative is dedicated to fostering a community-wide commitment to strengthening relationships and connections for Norwalk’s youth. A key part of our goal is to equip youth-serving adults with the skills necessary to build and reinforce meaningful relationships.
To support this goal, we have developed the SEH Pledge — a commitment for all youth-serving adults and organizations to ensure they are equipped with the best skills and practices to support young people effectively.
Leaders of youth-serving organizations, sign the pledge and join us in our commitment to creating a stronger, more connected community.
| Shanda (Liaison of the Year), Joey (Mentee), Anamilena, Carmen (Mentee), Luis (Mentor) , Jasmine (Director of the Norwalk Mentor Program) | |
Celebrating National
Mentoring Month
The Norwalk Mentor Program hosts their annual event at Maritime Aquarium every January to celebrate National Mentoring Month. Currently, the Norwalk Mentor Program serves 412 students in Norwalk Public Schools.
“The Norwalk Mentor Program is such an impactful and important program for the community. We are bringing community members from all walks of life, who are not only giving their time, but their hearts to such deserving students in Norwalk. We all need that listening ear, warm heart, and kind words from someone that wants the best for us and will help us succeed,” says Jasmine Prezzie, Director of the Norwalk Mentor Program and former mentee.
Mentors and Mentees explored the aquarium, enjoyed dinner, a 4D movie, and Shanda Basin of Norwalk High School received the School Liaison of the Year Award.
Consider becoming a Mentor today! Learn More
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Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) Training
The Stamford Youth Mental Health Alliance (YMHA) is offering Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training for adults who interact with young people.
The free course covers common mental health challenges, adolescent development, and a five-step action plan for assisting young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Space is limited.
Training Sessions: February 12th or March 26th
Email: youthmentalhealthct@gmail.com
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Kathleen Callahan, the CT Cradle to Career Coalition Policy Director will be joining us to discuss the process to advocate for proper funding and legislative solutions for Early Childhood Education.
As a member of the Cradle to Career Coalition, we advocate for:
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The critical importance of early childhood development, from prenatal stages through age five.
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The transformative role of education in shaping economic and social mobility.
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The power of youth, family, community voices, and service providers in designing effective policies and programs.
Learn how we can advocate this Legislative Session for our children and families on February 27th at 2 PM.
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Thank you Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance for hosting the Storytelling for Advocacy Training. We are ready to participate in this year's legislative session.
Thank you Holly Hundal from Kentucky Voices of Health for facilitating a great workshop. Norwalk ACTS and Norwalk Early Childhood Collaborative are members of the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance. Thank you for your partnership!
Everyone has a story and a voice. Problems are not partisan. Democracy is participatory.
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Norwalk ACTS uses a Collective Impact approach that brings people, organizations, and systems together, in a structured way, around common goals to achieve social change. It is rooted in the belief that no single organization or entity alone can create lasting social change on its own. | | |
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Norwalk ACTS
[www.norwalkacts.org]
Connect with us on Social Media
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