Vision & Values

We envision a Connecticut that is thriving and equitable, and where all children achieve their full potential.

Connecticut Voices for Children is a researched-based advocacy organization (aka a “think and do” tank) with the following values:

Equity

We believe inequities, especially racial and ethnic inequities, abound in Connecticut and prevent children from reaching their full potential. To address these inequities, we incorporate a deep and holistic focus on racial and ethnic equity in both our work and our workplace.

Integrity

We believe trust and credibility are built over time by delivering high-quality, authentic and transparent research and recommendations that are grounded in fact, data and analysis. We demonstrate respect for multiple viewpoints and engage stakeholders on all sides of an issue and, at the same time, take bold and courageous positions aligned with our values.

Impact

We believe we can influence policy and foster change by producing rigorous research, analysis, and fact-based recommendations, and advocating with relevant stakeholders. We establish and measure performance objectives and seek improvement if we are not achieving the impact we seek.

Community-Centered

We believe listening to multiple viewpoints is important but public policy discourse in Connecticut does not adequately include the voices of children and families impacted by public policy. We engage directly with community members and amplify their voices in our work.

Learning Mindset

We believe curiosity, innovation, and learning are central to our success, both in our issue areas and in our own skills. We prioritize collaboration and risk-taking as we learn and recognize that failure is also a learning opportunity.

Our Policy Priorities

Family Economic Security

Today, so much of a child’s well-being is rooted in family economic security. Children cannot thrive unless families do, which is why CT Voices conducts research and analysis as well as partners with stakeholders to co-create policy recommendations and collectively advocate for systems changes that support affordable housing and health care, criminal and foster youth justice, fair employment with a focus on the early care sector, and tax reform.

Fiscal & Economics

Budgets are a clear reflection of what and who we value. CT Voices identifies and advocates for investments in children and families and their financial security as well as the revenue policies that resource these investments as our primary budget priorities. However, we also conduct research and analysis as well as partner with stakeholders to co-create policy recommendations that advance systemic changes supporting inclusive economic growth all around, and income and wealth equity nationally.

Emerging Issues

The world and state are changing rapidly and we recognize that to keep up with the pace of these changes, we must be nimble and adapt, and address issues and emergencies when they arise, which is why CT Voices leaves room to identify new, timely issues that are of the most emergent import to the well-being of the state’s children and families.

What We Do

A title

Image Box text

Research & Policy

CT Voices is a research and advocacy organization working in the state and nationally to advance economic justice systems change, specifically within the areas of family economic security. We prioritize the research-based, intersectional issues that eradicate poverty and increase income and wealth equity.

To foster policy changes, CT Voices conducts research and analysis on a variety of intersectional challenges facing Connecticut’s children and families, including but not limited to employment and education, health and housing, rights and justice, as well as tax and other budget topics. The Research & Policy Team ensures our work is grounded in facts so that aligned movements are powered with data. To achieve this, we conduct original research and literature reviews, analyze legislation and draft reports. We also work with communities so that our research centers and recommendations are co-created with those most impacted by our existing structures.

A title

Image Box text

Power Building & Advocacy

The Power Building & Advocacy Team is responsible for building power with communities and around issue campaigns, working in coalition to advance moments to movements. To achieve this, we develop opportunities that elevate our partners, take a critical lens to the accessibility of our work product as well as share knowledge through events and other forums. We build wide and deep relationships as well as grow coalitions to advance our collective legislative agenda.

A strong supporter of working through coalitions, CT Voices is a founding member of the CT Justice Alliance, the CT Early Childhood Alliance, and Better Choices for CT. At the national level, CT Voices is a state partner with a number of organizations that share our vision and values. But because policy change is often possible only through legislation, CT Voices works to advance—through the Connecticut General Assembly and state agencies—the sound policy and budget choices necessary for the well-being of our youngest residents and their families, and Connecticut’s future.

A title

Image Box text

Leadership Development

We actively build the leadership of and rely on the next generation of thinkers and doers. Intentionally working with young people in undergraduate and graduate school, we cultivate a strong interest in public policy to advance economic justice at an early age. Our innovative partnerships with area universities and community-based organizations that engage talented college students across the state provides hands-on experience to young people who desire a range of experiences in research, policy analysis, power building and legislative advocacy.

Learn More About Connecticut Voices for Children

Our Team