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Building Equitable Communities with the Sustainable CT Framework


Equitable communities recognize the intrinsic value of each member and the need to connect with everyone, regardless of a person’s race, gender, age, economic status, religious affiliation, or sexual identity.

Sustainable CT believes that our communities can thrive and truly be sustainable only when social equity is achieved; that people’s race, gender, zip code, etc. do not dictate their life outcome.

To build communities that embrace equity, Sustainable CT cities and towns will create a table at which diverse relationships are welcomed and valued, where decisions are made collectively, and where success is measured by the variety of perspectives and experiences represented.

For frequently asked questions on our equity requirement, click HERE.



Sustainable CT Actions: Embracing Equity




Sustainable CT Equity Supports: Help for Your Community


Sustainable CT Equity Trainings

Sustainable CT is pleased to offer three, three-part virtual equity workshop series in 2024. These events provide a comprehensive framework of racial equity, diversity, and inclusion. Attendance at all three sessions of a series is required. Content will be geared to help Sustainability Teams integrate equity considerations into their Sustainable CT initiatives. Who should attend? Sustainability Team members (elected officials, municipal staff, commissioners, volunteers) in registered Sustainable CT communities. Attendance at each series is capped at 35. Attendees may not mix and match sessions between series. This will be a live training series and will not be recorded. Please only sign up if you intend to participate for the duration of each session. Dates and times for upcoming sessions. If you click on the session’s hyperlink you will see a description of the workshops as well as information on how to register. Registration is required.

Winter 2024 (workshops run 10:00 – 12:00 pm): February 1, February 29, March 21

Spring 2024 (workshops run 1:00 – 3:00 pm): April 10, May 15, June 12

Summer 2024 (workshops run 10:00 – 12:00 pm): June 13, July 11, August 1

Attendance in any of these workshop series is eligible for points under Action 1.2 Participate in Equity Training. Contact [email protected] with any questions.

Can’t attend one of our Sustainable CT Equity Training series? We’ve got you covered. Feel free to watch this pre-recorded equity training solo or with your sustainability team. Viewing this recording is not eligible for certification points, but watching this training can provide a solid equity base from which to begin your work.

Sustainable CT Equity Connections

February 1, 2024 - 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Join Sustainable CT Equity Coaches for “Equity Connections” – regular opportunities to share your questions about equity actions, challenges, successes, or just listen to the conversation, and get ideas on how to approach or deepen your equity work. Municipal officials, staff, and Sustainability Team members are welcome to join the Sustainable CT team for these new bi-monthly virtual sharing sessions. Register in advance.

Equity Toolkit:

We walk you and your community through this step-by-step, inclusive process of engagement and co-creation. Check out this list of actions that might align well with your Equity Toolkit. Watch a short video to hear from municipal representatives about their experience using our Equity Toolkit.

Equity Coaching: 

Communities may work one-on-one with a Sustainable CT Equity Coach at no cost. Watch a short video to learn more about the Equity Coaching experience.

Your coaching sessions can be conducted a variety of ways – through phone calls, remotely, or in-person. You will work with your Equity Coach to schedule meetings that are mutually convenient.

Working with a Sustainable CT Equity Coach will help your community achieve the goals of optimizing for equity:

  • Broaden community connections and work together.
  • Value all voices and include the interests of all members of the community in decision making.
  • Create a community where all can thrive and where race, gender, age, economic status, religious affiliation or sexual identity do not determine opportunities or predict outcomes.
  • Recognize and embrace the strengths that all community members bring to our cities and towns.

CT Town Equity Reports 

Reports are available featuring disaggregated Connecticut town data on social and economic well-being and equity.

 

Can’t attend one of our Sustainable CT Equity Training series? We encourage you to watch this pre-recorded equity training on your own or with your sustainability team. Viewing this recording is not eligible for certification points, but watching this training can provide a solid base of understanding from which to begin your work.


We are grateful to the following supporters of Sustainable CT equity work.