Mission

The mission of the Citizens Network is to be a voice for change in the Capital Region --- engaging a broad-based, non-partisan group of citizens in addressing issues of importance to the region --- those necessary to its future economic and social well-being --- working collaboratively with business and elected officials and other public and private institutions.

Structure

The Citizens Network is a not-for-profit corporation organized under the laws of Connecticut and approved by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization for fund-raising and tax purposes. It currently has a board of eighteen members and anticipates building a larger board and governing structure that involves a diverse group of citizens from the region to  advise it regarding policy and selection of issues.

With sufficient funding the board anticipates hiring a full-time director with an interest and experience in public policy issues, research, writing, marketing, fundraising and community engagement.

Strategy

Based on input from citizens and civic leaders in the Capital region:

• To identify issues of importance to the region and provide necessary research to understand them;
• Form committees to study certain of these issues and publish reports of findings and recommendations;
• Convene community discussions to get the issues, findings and recommendations out in front of people, engaging all of us in identifying and addressing solutions, preparing and paving the way for change.

The Citizens Network does not play a partisan role nor is it an advocate for specific measures. The Network sees its role as engaging citizens in the process that leads them to find and reach consensus around appropriate solutions.