Premise: For the Capital Region and its constituent communities to thrive “the most important thing [we] need to do is to create a regional spirit and civic focus among both public-sector and private-sector leaders and citizens.” – Anthony Downs, Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution.

The Citizens Network concept is based on the premise that the region’s well-being depends upon having ordinary citizens give voice, initially in their respective communities, and subsequently together across city/town boundaries, to issues of significant regional import. Their diverse, broad-based, non-partisan perspective, along with that of business and government, is critical to addressing problems that affect the quality of life of the region’s residents.

The concept of organizing and involving citizens in finding and promoting solutions to pressing regional problems works. It has taken root around the country where it is receiving both foundation and corporate support.  Citizens are making a difference in Jacksonville (www.jcci.org), Birmingham (www.region2020.org), Minneapolis/St. Paul (www.citizensleague.net), St. Louis (www.focus-stl.org) and Ventura County (www.vccf.org/civicalliance/about.html ).

• Our goal is to draw people together from every town in the Capital Region --- engaging them in cross-boundary discussion, debate and action --- addressing and seeking solutions to pressing problems confronting the region.
• Our agenda will build on the findings of the CenterEdge’s 2003 “Connecticut Metropatterns” report regarding the quality of life in Hartford and our surrounding communities.
• We will use an extensive data base and town meetings/community conversations to learn what citizens of the region believe are the most pressing issues to be addressed.
• We will form citizens’ committees to study selected issues (such as finding a better way to finance public education) and report their findings and recommendations.
• We will work with other regional and state organizations that are seeking solutions to issues affecting the quality of life in the region, seeking common ground and a collaborative agenda for the good of the entire region.
• Operating on the premise that citizens have a vital role in setting public policy, we will seek to be the critical “third leg” along with business and local elected officials creating the platform from which new policies emerge.
• Our role is to mobilize and engage citizens in the process of finding solutions --- not to be an advocate of particular solutions.

With your help we can make a difference.  Join others from your community by joining the Network now!  It’s easy – just go to our Membership page.