Commissioners plan an annual outreach calendar to boost event participation

Commissioners discussed new-business items focused on outreach and event participation. Christina Testabuzzy and several commissioners noted missed opportunities at recent events and suggested closer coordination with other city groups.

Emma Dignati and Simone Morris urged earlier notice for events so commissioners can plan attendance; "the more notice that we all have ... the greater chance there is that folks are available," Emma said. The commission discussed partnering with the Bikewalk Commission on recent efforts (a local "GirlTrek" event that focused on Black maternal health) and noted low commissioner turnout at the Memorial Day parade and Pride-related events.

Sharon Balante volunteered to assemble an annual, month-by-month events calendar drawn from the city calendar and Visit Norwalk listings so the commission can prioritize representation at select events. "I'll do it by month," Sharon said, and commissioners agreed to use the shared calendar to indicate who will attend which events.

Staff and commissioners pointed to public resources (the city calendar on norwalkct.gov and visitnorwalk.org) as reference sources for events and suggested the outreach plan (including social media and possible collateral such as tablecloths or shirts) be folded into the social media project plan for the commission. No formal vote was taken; members agreed to continue coordination and to review a draft calendar at the next meeting.