The West Hartford African American Social & Cultural Organization event will bring together local leaders, community organizations, and residents to explore civic participation beyond voting.

Submitted

The West Hartford African American Social & Cultural Organization (WHAASCO) will host “Beyond the Ballot: A Community Conversation on Civic Engagement” on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026. The event will bring together grassroots organizers, community-based organizations, local leaders, and residents to build a stronger, more connected ecosystem of civically engaged people across the Greater Hartford region.

The conversation is designed as a direct charge to the community: to help residents of the Greater Hartford region understand the many ways they can participate in civic life beyond voting. The event aims to build community knowledge, spark new connections, and empower residents with the tools and relationships they need to shape the decisions that affect their neighborhoods.

The event will be moderated by West Hartford Town Councilor Lisa Lazarus. Panelists will include the Honorable Stephanie Thomas, Secretary of the State of Connecticut; Matt Conway, Executive Director of The RiseUP Group, Inc.; Elizabeth (Bette) Marafino, President of the Connecticut Alliance for Retired Americans; Luis Rodriguez-Porter, Director of Volunteer Services at Connecticut Foodshare; and Adrienne Billings-Smith, Employee Development & Community Engagement Manager for the Town of West Hartford and former West Hartford Town Council Member.

Event details

• What: “Beyond the Ballot: A Community Conversation on Civic Engagement”
• When: Monday, September 21, 2026, 6-7:30 p.m.
• Where: Noah Webster Library, 20 South Main Street, West Hartford, CT 06107
• Who: Moderator Lisa Lazarus; panelists including Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, Matt Conway (Executive Director, The RiseUP Group, Inc.), Bette Marafino (President, Connecticut Alliance for Retired Americans), Luis Rodriguez-Porter (Director of VolunteerServices, Connecticut Foodshare), and Adrienne Billings-Smith (Employee Development & Community Engagement Manager for the Town of West Hartford and former West Hartford Town Council Member); grassroots organizers, community-based organizations, local leaders, and Greater Hartford residents

The event is free and open to the public; registration is required. Please visit https://whaasco.org and select “Gallery and Events” to register.

About West Hartford African American Social & Cultural Organization

West Hartford African American Social & Cultural Organization was founded in 1979. Today, WHAASCO envisions a thriving community where African American families are empowered, children are supported in reaching their full potential, and cultural heritage is celebrated and preserved.

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