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Norwalk commission discusses outreach, partnerships and three open seats; plans outreach and committee work
Summary
The Norwalk Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity reviewed committee updates, outreach plans, website/IT questions, partnerships with community agencies and noted three vacant commission seats to fill this summer.
Members of the Norwalk Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity discussed committee reports, outreach plans, volunteer recruitment and operational items during the meeting.
Commission leadership moved to reorder the agenda so committee updates would be discussed first; the motion was seconded and approved. Committees reported progress on social media and outreach: commissioners described a planned city social-media reintroduction post, a proposed group photo, and discussion about whether the commission should maintain an independent social-media account.
On partnerships, commissioners said the city’s general counsel raised no ethical objection to the commission collaborating with community organizations unless a specific conflict arises. Commissioners identified potential partners such as the Triangle Center, the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC), HAVEN and the Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC). The legislative-advocacy subgroup reported outreach calls with Equality CT, the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and other statewide coalitions to coordinate long-term advocacy and letter-writing templates.
Commissioners discussed community events and visibility. Shannon, who also works at the chamber, noted Norwalk Day at the Capitol next month and suggested the commission consider a presence. Commissioners also discussed a Parks and Recreation presentation by Will (referenced as Will Schwartzenstein in the meeting) about promoting girls’ participation in youth sports; commissioners asked staff to follow up on whether the commission could support one or two concrete actions and requested data on participation by gender and race.
Operational items included city website and IT changes that have made agendas and meeting minutes harder to find; staff liaison Michelle agreed to be looped into an email chain to clarify the correct public pages and the commission’s QR/portal signup. Commissioners noted they have three vacancies to fill this summer and asked members to suggest candidates; they also discussed succession planning and the possibility of inviting high-school students or younger residents to serve.
At the end of the meeting, Commissioner Shannon moved to adjourn at 8:07 p.m.; Jasmine seconded and the meeting adjourned.
Why it matters: Filling vacancies, clarifying web and outreach channels, and identifying partner activities determine how visible and influential the commission can be in local advocacy and in supporting citywide programs for women, children and seniors.
