My wife and I moved to Norwalk two and a half years ago, and over time it has started to feel like home. We’re putting down roots, building relationships, and imagining our future here.
As that’s happened, my broader hopes including creating a healthier, more connected, more civically engaged, and more hopeful community have naturally become focused on this city. Norwalk is no longer an abstract place where I live; it’s where I want to help build something lasting.
This is cross-posted with my friends at the CT Collaborative to End Loneliness. I’ll be posting with them periodically. Find it here.
Noticing an opening
When the new Mayoral election was coming up, and the incumbent mayor stepped down, the field was wide open. I thought it was a great chance to get people involved in local elections and government.
We really can make a difference in local elections. Creating that positive feedback loop between effort and outcome is going to be valuable if we want folks to get more civically engaged!
The conventional wisdom focuses on things like phone banking and door knocking—useful, for sure, but I’m more interested in building real lasting connection and value as we go.
Starting small at the Saturday market
I was already volunteering monthly at a table at the Saturday market in town. It’s a simple setup, but it’s also one of the most relational spaces in the city - a place where people linger, recognize familiar faces, and strike up conversations.
I began adding basic information about the upcoming election - dates, deadlines, and the fact that there even was a local election approaching.
My intention with all of this has been non-partisan in nature. I believe a healthy America is one in which its citizens are engaged, across all political beliefs. I want to see everyone in Norwalk getting in on the conversation!
Learning how hard information can be to find
I wanted to help get more people involved. I raised awareness after the primary ended, shared information on registering, voting, and key dates.
The city wasn’t making that easy. The website had outdated or conflicting information. Some of it referenced the 2024 election. It was surprisingly hard to get even basic details.
Community-led resources filled some of that gap. Our local news site, Nancy on Norwalk, carried a huge share of the burden in helping residents understand who the candidates were and what issues were at stake.
Creating simple tools for participation
I wanted to make things easier. I made flyers, business cards, and a QR code linking to a short-link page with key resources. I tried to create the shortest path possible between people and the information or forms they needed. The goal was straightforward: reduce friction and make it easier for people to stay engaged once their interest was sparked.
I showed up to meetings, debates, events, and discussions. I helped host outreach sessions at a local café, which became as much about conversation and camaraderie as the actual work. We ended up having four meetings, two I hosted and two hosted by others, and more people got involved in outreach.
To support that work, I had to interface with local party leaders to get addresses and details. I learned a lot about the internal process.
Coordinating with the local party and other organizers gave me a behind-the-scenes look at how civic systems function, but just as importantly, it showed me how relationships, not systems, are what actually move people to participate.
Did my work make a meaningful impact on turnout?
No.
I can say that with some confidence. There was a strong national political tailwind this past season, and local results reflected that. If my efforts had any direct effect, I don’t have any data that indicates it.
It turned out to be hugely valuable anyway
As I reflect on everything, I see how important it ended up being for me.
I increased visibility that the election was happening. People saw someone cared enough to print flyers, make cards, and host events. That carries value.
I learned how local elections work, how parties operate, what different roles of government do, and where the city has major opportunities to improve communication.
I learned more about the candidates and some of the people now rising in local government.
Relationships that opened new doors
Perhaps most importantly, relationships grew out of this work.
I’m now joining a task force with Norwalk’s Department of Sustainability, where I was offered the opportunity to chair a committee focused on health and happiness.
For the Sustainable Streets group I’m on the leadership team of, our 2026 platform includes advocating for the city to dedicate more resources to the departments that run street-activation events - events that get people out of their houses, onto the streets, interacting with small-business owners, and contributing to community life.
Looking ahead
This experience is why I’m excited to serve as The CT Collaborative to End Loneliness’ first local Community Connector.
Over the coming months, I’ll be sharing short reflections on what it looks like to foster social connection right where you live - small experiments, simple ideas, and lessons learned from showing up consistently. None of this requires a title or special expertise. It starts with paying attention, creating welcoming moments, and making it easier for people to feel like they belong.
My hope is that these stories spark ideas for residents in other towns who want to strengthen connection locally, in ways that fit their own communities.
If you’re one of those people, drop a comment and let’s collaborate!