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.
The Connecticut Democracy Center (CTDC) provides people with a lifetime pathway to active citizenship and the tools to take civic action in their own communities.
Founded in 1998, The Connecticut Public Affairs Network (CPAN) is the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization at the heart of the CTDC. Beginning with the launch of CT-N in 1999 and the start of its relationship with Connecticut’s Old State House in 2008, CPAN’s successful public-private partnerships with the Connecticut General Assembly have provided the first critical milestones along our Lifetime Pathway. Complimented and augmented by our independent initiatives, CPAN’s entire family of civic education and engagement programs now form the Connecticut Democracy Center.
Founded in 1998, The Connecticut Public Affairs Network (CPAN) is the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization at the heart of the CTDC. Beginning with the launch of CT-N in 1999 and the start of its relationship with Connecticut’s Old State House in 2008, CPAN’s successful public-private partnerships with the Connecticut General Assembly have provided the first critical milestones along our Lifetime Pathway. Complimented and augmented by our independent initiatives, CPAN’s entire family of civic education and engagement programs now form the Connecticut Democracy Center.
Our Programs
Connecticut's Old State House
Located in the heart of Hartford, Connecticut, this building served as a home to all three branches of Connecticut state government from 1796 to 1878. Some of our state’s most important stories of freedom, democracy, and civic action – from the Amistad and Prudence Crandall trials to the Constitutional Convention of 1818 – connect to this National Historic Landmark. Today, Connecticut’s Old State House serves as a history museum, gathering spot and place of civic exploration for thousands of local, national and international visitors each year. Learn more about Connecticut's Old State House, including how to book a field trip! |
Connecticut's Kid Governor
Connecticut’s Kid Governor® is a national award-winning civics program for 5th graders created by the Connecticut Democracy Center. This ground-breaking approach to civics education immerses students in learning about state government, elections and voting, and civic participation through a real-life election for their state’s Kid Governor. 5th grade students in public, private, magnet, charter, and home schools are welcome to participate. Learn more about Connecticut's Kid Governor |