Representation Matters

CCM's Free Two-Day Training will Teach Communities of Color the Fundamentals to Run for Public Office and Discuss the Benefits of Civic Participation!

Day One: Saturday, March 1, 2025

Register Here for Day 1

The Campaign School at Yale will examine the ins and outs of developing and running a campaign, featuring a national panel of elected officials. This session will provide a foundation and skillset for launch as community leaders.

AGENDA

10:00 a.m.: WELCOME! 

• Ron Thomas, CCM

10:15 a.m.:  Session I:  Making the Decision to Run, Run a Campaign, Lead in your Community. 

• Patti Russo, Executive Director

11:30 a.m.:  Session II:  Finding Your Voice, Making it Matter,

• Gilda Bonnano, TCSYale faculty

12:30 p.m.:  Session III:  Effective Networking Techniques,

• Patti Russo, Executive Director

1:00 p.m.:  Session IV:  How TCSYale Transformed my life:  Hear from TCSYale alumnae leading locally as they share their individual political paths, and how TCSYale skewed them for success.

• Moderated by Patti Russo, Executive Director
• Panelists:
  • YT Bell, Councilwoman, City of Clarkston, GA
  • Jacqueline Cabrera, Zoning Board Commissioner, City of Danbury, CT
  • Gabriela Koc, Board of Education member, City of Stamford, CT
  • Jason Nova, Special Assistant to Mayor Roberto Alves of Danbury, CT
  • Wendy Tyson Wood, President, NAACP of Greater Waterbury, CT

1:45 p.m.:  Session V: Wrap Up/Next Steps:  Where do I go from here? 

• Patti Russo, Executive Director

Day Two: Saturday, March 8, 2025

Register Here for Day 2

Day Two includes presentations from and conversations with individuals with varying state and local government backgrounds.

 AGENDA

10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.: Welcome 

• Joe Delong, CEO of CCM 
• Patrice McCarthy, Executive Director, CABE
• Thea Montanez, Senior Advisor, Office of Governor Ned Lamont

10:15 a.m. – 11:05 a.m.: Why Representation Matters in Local Government

• Secretary of the State of CT, Stephanie Thomas

11:05 a.m. – 11:10 a.m.: Break

11:10 a.m. – 11:40 a.m.: Getting Involved in Politics and Seeking Elective Office

• Moderated by Patrice McCarthy, Executive Director, CABE
• Darrell Harris, Easton Republican Town Committee Chair
• Tijal Ballam, Rocky Hill Democratic Town Committee Chair

11:40 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.: Poet Laureate Performance

• Manchester Poet Laureate, Nadia Sims

11:50 a.m. – 12:10 p.m.: Lunch Break

12:10 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Municipal Governance 101

• Roberto Alves, Mayor of Danbury
• Danielle Wong, Mayor of Bloomfield

1:00 p.m. – 1:20 p.m.: 50/50 Campaign, Best Practice Sharing to Ensure Gender Equity and Racial Diversity on Local Boards and Commissions

• Tiffany Young, YWCA Hartford Region

1:20 p.m. – 1:25 p.m.: Break

1:25 p.m. –2:45 p.m.: Panel of Seasoned Local Experts Sharing Lessons Learned and Best Practices for Leadership

• Moderated by Melvette Hill, Executive Director of the CT Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity
• Panelists:
  • Aidee Nieves, Council President, Bridgeport
  • Nuchette Black-Burke, Mayor of Windsor
  • Rose Reyes, Councilmember, Windham
  • Caroline Tanbee Smith, Alder Ward 9, New Haven
  • Leonard Lockhart, Board of Education Member, Windsor
  • Jarrell Hargraves, Councilmember, New Britain

2:45 p.m. –3 p.m.: CCM Closing Remarks