#CTPlaces Coalition To Hold Regional Advocacy Forums To Prep for 2017 Legislative Sessio

Middletown, Conn. – Nonprofit groups representing Connecticut’s heritage, preservation, library, and humanities organizations are preparing to work with a newly elected Connecticut General Assembly, which convenes Jan. 4, 2017. To set the stage, The #CTPlaces Coalition has scheduled seven regional advocacy forums across the state in November and December. The Silas Bronson Library in Waterbury will host a forum next Monday, Dec. 5, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

The forums will preview the upcoming session and brief organizations about the potential impact of the state’s budget challenges and other important issues. Information will also be shared about effective ways to interact with state lawmakers.

“The organizations cooperating as part of The #CTPlaces Coalition are dedicated to preserving and enhancing the state’s quality of life and economic competitiveness,” said Douglas Fisher, executive director of Connecticut Humanities, a coalition member. “These organizations represent Connecticut’s special places -- museums, libraries, historic homes, and heritage sites – and when we come together with one voice, we are stronger.”

Other members of The #CTPlaces Coalition include: Connecticut Coordinating Committee for the Promotion of History, Connecticut Historical Society, Connecticut League of History Organizations, Connecticut Library Association, Connecticut Library Consortium, Connecticut Preservation Action, Connecticut State Library, and the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation.

The seven regional forums are scheduled as follows:

• Fairfield County – Monday, Nov. 21, 10 to 11:30 am, Fairfield Public Library
• Northeast Connecticut – Monday, Nov. 21, 3 to 4:30 pm, Windham Textile Museum
• Greater New Haven – Thursday, Dec. 1, 3 to 4:30 pm, Hamden Public Library
• Western Connecticut -- Monday, Dec. 5, 10 to 11:30 am, Silas Bronson Library, Waterbury
• Southeast Connecticut – Wednesday, Dec. 7, 9:30 to 11 am, Groton Public Library
• Greater Hartford – Monday, Dec. 12, 3 to 4:30 pm, Connecticut Historical Society, Hartford
• Northwest Connecticut -- Wednesday, Dec. 14, 10 to 11:30 am, Litchfield Historical Society

Individuals or groups can register for a forum by clicking here or by visiting CTPlaces.org.