CT Data Collaborative Opens Registration for September Seminars on Key Data Topics

The Connecticut Data Collaborative has announced three September seminars on timely data topics, focused on data measuring racial profiling, geographic idiosyncrasies in Connecticut that can impact use of data, and bridging data gaps and building community connections in the midst of seismic changes in federal policies.

The sessions – all open to the public - will be led CTData senior staff members and guest expert panelists, including Ken Barone of the Connecticut Racial Profiling Prohibition Project, U.S. Census Bureau Data Dissemination & GIS Specialist David Kraiker, and Tabitha Sookdeo, Executive Director from CT Students for a Dream.

“These sessions will highlight important issues that are currently impacting the collection and use of data, bringing together experts in data collection and analysis to lead discussions of the challenges and opportunities ahead,” said Michelle Riordan-Nold, Executive Director of CTData. “Data-reliant decision-making is in jeopardy, and these conversations are as critical now as they have ever been.”

Two of the sessions will be virtual, the third will be held in New Haven. On-line registration is now open for all three sessions, at www.ctdata.org The sessions are:

September 16, 11:30am-1:00pm (Virtual)

Racial Profiling in Connecticut: Using Data to Measure and Address Disparities - Across the state, racial disparities in traffic stops remain a key point of strain between communities and law enforcement. Ken Barone of the Connecticut Racial Profiling Prohibition Project (CTRP3), alongside a panel of law enforcement and community leaders, will explore what it takes to build trust in data. They will examine why skepticism exists, how transparency about data’s limitations matters, and why shared ownership of the work is crucial. Learn about CTRP3 and its efforts to advance accountability and trust through openness. Sign up for the event here.

September 24, 10:30am-12:00pm (Virtual)

Learn About Connecticut Geographies with a Census Bureau Expert! - You might believe Willimantic is just another Connecticut town, but it's actually a borough that sits within the town of Windham. These kinds of distinctions can make it harder to track down the correct data. In this webinar, U.S. Census Bureau Data Dissemination & GIS Specialist David Kraiker will help you understand the way the Census Bureau categorizes different Connecticut communities and show you how to access data about them using data.census.gov. Register here.

September 26, 9:30-11:00 am (New Haven)

Data for Democracy: Bridging Data Gaps and Building Community Connections - With nonprofits facing funding cuts and rising expenses, having access to accurate data is crucial for managing resources and meeting the growing needs in our communities. As federal data becomes less predictable and reliable, we, nonprofit and public sector professionals, must think creatively about navigating this changing landscape and find partnerships that can help us maximize the resources available. This session will discuss federal policy changes and how they may impact future data availability.

Additionally, Tabitha Sookdeo, Executive Director from CT Students for a Dream, will discuss data collection challenges faced by immigrant populations. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, data professional, or simply passionate about evidence-based social change, join us to create a more resilient, informed, and connected data ecosystem in Connecticut. Reserve your spot here.

CTData’s Continual Outreach to Businesses, Nonprofits, Residents

CTData works throughout Connecticut with nonprofits, advocates, policymakers, community groups, and funders to further the use of data to drive policy and improve programs and services, budgeting and decision-making at the state, regional and local levels.

Among its initiatives, CTData works with nonprofit organizations to develop Data Strategic Plans© to map out their use of data to further organizational missions and offers a range of programs and working groups through the CTData Academy. CTData operates a data “helpline” for assisting data users with obtaining, displaying, interpreting, and using data.

Among its areas of responsibility, CTData has been designated as the lead organization for the State of Connecticut in the U.S. Census Bureau’s State Data Center Program and is a member of the National Neighborhood Indicators Partnership (NNIP). More information about CTData is available on the website at www.ctdata.org.