PEOPLE POWER & PUBLIC WILL

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT & ADVOCACY

To create a community where everyone has an opportunity to thrive, more people need to be empowered to vote, speak up, and get involved in community change. Though more residents in Fairfield County are voting in recent years, there are still challenges to overcome. Fairfield County neighborhoods are highly segregated by race and income due to historical policies and practices, making it harder for people to organize, advocate and come together to address inequities in our region. And community leaders and civic groups that are best positioned to design and implement solutions need more funding and capacity to expand their work.

Why should our community prioritize civic engagement and advocacy?

Although voter turnout has increased in our state, especially among young people and people of color – two groups that were historically less likely to vote – voters of color and those with lower incomes are still less likely to believe they have the power to make change, and to feel like their government is working for them. Yet their voices are essential in advocating for the changes that will truly help Fairfield County thrive.

The State of Civic Life in Fairfield County

How is FCCF bringing people together to fix this problem?

Many people care about the future of Fairfield County. As a community foundation, we are strengthening our relationships with aligned partners and connecting local leaders, lawmakers, businesses and organizations to take action together. With your support, our Civic Engagement & Advocacy Fund invests in programs that:

Amplify Resident Voices

We partner with local nonprofits and the Secretary of State to increase civic engagement, sharing information on how to vote and running nonpartisan Get Out the Vote campaigns.

Raise Support for Equitable Policies

We are helping the public understand our region’s racial history and current challenges and growing support for more equitable policies by writing op eds, hosting community dialogues and learning events, talking with government leaders, and submitting public testimony.

Foster Grassroots Organizing

We are increasing our funding, coaching and training opportunities for local nonprofits and community organizers who are most deeply embedded in our communities and working to empower their stakeholders to engage in advocacy.

Accelerate Solutions & Develop Leaders

The Community Equity Incubator provides money and coaching to help diverse community leaders turn creative ideas into real action for social change.

Support This Work

How can I get involved?

Want to join the journey to move Fairfield County forward? Here are three ways you can strengthen civic engagement, advance equitable policy, and support grassroots organizations in our community.

DONATE

Give to our Civic Engagement & Advocacy Fund to be part of our collaborative work in this area.

Give Now

STAY INFORMED

Join our email list to receive information on civic engagement and advocacy, and how you can make a difference.

ADVOCATE

Write to lawmakers, speak at public meetings, and talk to friends and neighbors about the issues and policies that impact wellbeing in our community.

Learn How

To learn more about civic engagement and advocacy in Fairfield County – and how the Community Foundation can help amplify your impact – contact Elaine Mintz, VP of Strategy, Learning and External Relations, at EMintz@FCCFoundation.org or call (203) 750-3200.