Inaugural CT Democracy Center Award Winners Announced

(HARTFORD, CONN) – The Connecticut Democracy Center (CTDC) is pleased to announce its recipients of the newly-established Connecticut Democracy Center Awards. The Honorable Alvin W. Thompson has been chosen to receive the CTDC Community Leader Award and Citizen Travelers, the non-partisan civic engagement initiative of The Travelers Companies, Inc. has been selected to receive the CTDC Business Leader Award. The first CTDC Philanthropic Leader Award will be presented in memory of Mary Gawlicki, who served on the Democracy Center Board from 2018 to 2023. The Connecticut Democracy Center established the Awards to recognize those committed to strengthening democracy through acts of citizenship, service, and community engagement. The CTDC will host the inaugural Connecticut Democracy Center Awards at Connecticut’s Old State House on February 1, 2024, to pay tribute to these business, community, and philanthropic leaders.

As a leader in Connecticut civics education, The Connecticut Democracy Center brings people of all ages together through its programming, inspiring them to strengthen our democracy and community through productive civic engagement. The Connecticut Democracy Center Awards will recognize Connecticut community, business, and philanthropic leaders who represent the best of that engagement and whose stories encourage others to do the same. “In our nearly 25 years as an organization, we have worked with and witnessed some extraordinary acts of public service: in government, our schools, and our neighborhoods,” says William Bevacqua, President & CEO of The Connecticut Democracy Center. “We know that democracy is exactly as strong as its people, and this new award exists to shine a light and affirm that we’re stronger when we work together.”

Tickets for The Connecticut Democracy Center Awards are $100 and are now on sale at https://bit.ly/CTDCAwards. The evening includes an inspirational program spotlighting honorees for their passion for community and civic engagement. Guests will enjoy drinks, small plates, dessert, and a champagne toast while networking with business professionals, educators, and community leaders committed to strengthening our democracy.

The Honorable Alvin W. Thompson – CTDC Community Leader Award

Appointed U.S. District Judge for the District of Connecticut in 1994, Honorable Judge Alvin W. Thompson is known for his substantial contributions to the administration of justice in the state. As the Chair of the District of Connecticut’s Public Outreach Committee, he has been equally dedicated to educating young people and the public about the vital role federal courts, judges, and lawyers play in preserving the rule of law. This includes establishing partnerships between federal judges, attorneys, educators, students, community groups, and court personnel to open the federal courthouses in Connecticut for learning opportunities for students. Judge Thompson humanizes the justice system by visiting schools, appearing on career panels, and inviting young people to attend naturalization ceremonies. He has also helped organize the Warren W. Eginton Justice Institute, a week-long summer program for high school students that includes instructional experiences focused on civil and criminal litigation and a Mock Trial competition. His commitment to democratic ideals including equity, inclusiveness, and accessibility can be found in his written words, courtroom, and through public service to his community.

Citizen Travelers, the non-partisan civic engagement initiative of The Travelers Companies, Inc. – CTDC Business Leader Award

Travelers understands that a healthy private sector depends on durable and reliable public institutions and they are invested in strengthening both. That’s why they created Citizen Travelers. Through in-house programming and nonprofit partnerships, they provide 30,000 employees with the resources and support to engage in our democracy as informed citizens and help shape the civic life of their communities.

Mary Gawlicki – CTDC Philanthropic Leader Award

In 1990, Mary and her husband, Ted Gawlicki, teamed up to found Corporate Translations Inc.(CTi). After growing the company, she co-founded the Gawlicki Family Foundation to offer grants to Connecticut and Northeast U.S.-based non-profits committed to transformative change in education, pulmonary health, and municipal and economic development. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded nearly $2.5 million to over 30 organizations, upholding the belief that private dollars power public progress.

The Connecticut Democracy Center, founded in 1998, offers programs that provide people a lifetime pathway to tools to take civic action in their communities. CTDC offers ground-breaking and immersive civics and history programs, including Kid Governor^® and Connecticut History Day^®. CTDC also manages Connecticut’s Old State House in partnership with the Connecticut General Assembly to provide a unique setting for civic exploration. Exhibits, workshops, and events bring together civic experts, educators, historians, public figures, and the public for timely, nonpartisan conversations to explore historical and modern-day perspectives on government, democracy, and social issues. The Connecticut Network (CT-N), also managed by CTDC in partnership with the Connecticut General Assembly, is the state’s source for complete and balanced coverage of Connecticut state government and public policy.

For more information on The Connecticut Democracy Center and the Connecticut Democracy Center Awards, please visit ctdemocracycenter.org.

-000-

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. With an entire family of civic education and engagement programs, CTDC provides audiences of all ages with the information and skills needed to be effective modern citizens and community partners in big and small ways.