(HARTFORD) – The Connecticut Democracy Center (CTDC) will begin accepting nominations for their annual award celebration, which spotlights Connecticut residents who are committed to strengthening democracy through acts of citizenship, service, and community engagement. The third annual Connecticut Democracy Center Awards will be held at Connecticut’s Old State House on March 12, 2026, to pay tribute to Connecticut’s business, community, and philanthropic leaders. The Philanthropic Leader Award was established in memory of Mary Gawlicki, who served on the CTDC Board from 2018 to 2023. Nominations can be submitted online at http://ct-dc.org/qr.asp?q=CTDCAwardsNoms26 through November 10. The nomination process has been designed to be quick and easy.
As a leader in Connecticut civics education, The Connecticut Democracy Center specializes in bringing people of all ages together, inspiring them to strengthen our democracy and community through productive civic engagement. The Connecticut Democracy Center Awards will recognize community, business, and philanthropic leaders in Connecticut who represent the best models of engagement and whose stories inspire others to do the same. “We introduced these awards in 2024 to celebrate extraordinary people and organizations improving our communities through acts of public service.” said Paul Skaff, President & CEO of The Connecticut Democracy Center. “It is our privilege to shine a light on the people whose dedication and talent bring positive change to communities across Connecticut. By sharing their stories, we remind ourselves that democracy grows stronger when each of us participates and works together for a better Connecticut and nation.”
The CTDC Community Leader Award recognizes an individual (16 and older) who has successfully demonstrated leadership in advancing democratic engagement and the role of citizens in a democracy.
The CTDC Business Leader Award recognizes a business with a presence in Connecticut that shows its commitment to addressing issues that impact people in Connecticut.
The Mary Gawlicki Philanthropic Leader Award is given to an individual or organization that provides support to non-profit organizations working to strengthen civic engagement, community, and/or the institutions of democracy in Connecticut.
The awards ceremony in March will feature an engaging conversation with our award winners on what inspired their passion for community and civic engagement. Guests will also enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast while networking with business professionals, educators, and community leaders equally committed to improving the quality of life in Connecticut.
The Connecticut Democracy Center, founded in 1998, began as a partnership with the Connecticut General Assembly to launch the Connecticut Network (CT-N), the state’s source for complete and balanced coverage of Connecticut state government and public policy. This partnership expanded when CTDC took over management of Connecticut’s Old State House to provide a unique setting for civic exploration. This national historic landmark now hosts tours, exhibits, workshops, and special events year-round, bringing together civic experts, educators, historians, students, public figures, and the general-public for timely and respectful conversations about government, democracy, and social issues. With the addition of an entire family of civic education and engagement programs, including Kid Governor®, Connecticut History Day®, and We The People: The Citizen and the Constitution, the Connecticut Democracy Center now offers people of all ages a lifetime pathway of civic engagement and the tools to take civic action in their communities.
For more information on The Connecticut Democracy Center and the Connecticut Democracy Center Awards, please visit ctdemocracycenter.org.
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The mission of the Connecticut Democracy Center is to inspire people of all ages to engage in civic life and strengthen their communities. We envision a society where everyone is empowered to participate in our democracy. With an entire family of civic education and engagement programs, CTDC provides audiences of all ages with the knowledge and skills needed to be effective modern citizens and productive members of their community.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Monday, September 2029
CONTACT: Barbara Dell, Marketing Manager
The Connecticut Democracy Center
barbara.dell@ctdemocracycenter.org
(860) 246-1553 ext. 116