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Capitol Day 2023

Connecticut Home
Educator’s Capitol Day

Wednesday, April 5th, 2023

North Lobby of the Capitol Building

 

 

Check-in begins at 9:00 am 

Legislators arrive/ Capitol Day Activities - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Optional tour and Hartford area activities start immediately following Capitol Day - more details coming! 

Capitol Day is Back (after a 3 yr pause)! Join homeschooling families from across the state for a day of fun and civics education at the Connecticut State Capitol building in Hartford, CT.

Our objective? To provide a presence, a handshake, and a word of thanks to our legislators, letting them know how we appreciate the homeschooling freedom we enjoy in Connecticut!

PLANNING AHEAD, PLEASE…

 

• MAKE AN APPOINTMENT to meet with your legislator in the North Lobby on Capitol Day between 10:00 - 12:00. CLICK HERE FOR INSTRUCTIONS TEACH-CT will be inviting all 187 legislators, but it’s YOUR personal invitation to your state senator or representative that will likely make the difference. And if you invite them, please be there. They will look for you!
   
• PREREGISTER - Capitol Day is a free event, but knowing who is coming helps us plan. Thank you for your cooperation. Please REGISTER HERE. If you would like to attend a Free Guided Tour of the Capitol please also indicate that on the registration form.
   
• PLAN TO MAKE A DAY OF IT - There will be family friendly activities immediately following Capitol Day, including a Capitol tour, a scavenger hunt, and discounted field trip opportunities in the Capitol/Downtown Hartford area.
   
• PACK FOOD - The reception for the legislators requires catered food. Please bring any food/drink that will be needed for your family. And, if you are planning to stay for activities after Capitol Day, we recommend packing a lunch - enjoy eating in Bushnell park if it’s nice! There is a cafeteria in the LOB and a few restaurants within walking distance, but they can be pricey.

 

PARKING AND DIRECTIONS

 

• MAP OF THE CAPITOL COMPLEX: Directions to the North Lobby, first floor of the Capitol Building , 210 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT - CLICK FOR MAP
• MORE PARKING OPTIONS in the Capitol Complex area - CLICK FOR MAP
• FREE DASH SHUTTLE MAP - CLICK FOR MAP
• LIST OF ADDITIONAL NEARBY FIELD TRIP OPPORTUNITIES - CLICK FOR PDF

 

DETAILS

 

• CHILDREN: We continue gathering ideas for quiet entertainment options for children. Here’s what we have so far: Homeschooling dad/author Randy Coe reading his book “Jack and The Sands of Time” and interactive story writing fun, a corner with games / puzzles/ coloring/ crafts, writing thank you notes to legislators and bringing them to the Capitol mail room, a scavenger hunt and maybe more! Please contact gro.tchcaet@tchcaet if you would like to help in this area!
   
• TEENS: Did you know that legislators really enjoy talking with young people (maybe more than old people)? That’s what we’ve witnessed at past Capitol Days, and some conversations between teens and representatives have gone on to become internships and job shadowing opportunities. So come join us for some civic engagement! And if you’re not sure what to talk about, CLICK HERE for some conversation tips to get you started.
   
• DADS: We know that many of you will be working during this time, but if you have the flexibility, we encourage you to come. Your presence and active involvement in your child’s education is a rare sight in today’s society - and legislators take notice.
   
• DISPLAYS: We love to have displays at Capitol Day that highlight what the homeschooling community has to offer - be it co-ops, fieldtrips, science displays or tutoring/therapy to help with special learning challenges. TEACH will also have statistics and FAQ information on homeschooling in CT. Space is limited so email gro.tchcaet@tchcaet with “Capitol Day Display” in the subject line, and a brief description to be considered. You need not stay glued to your display the whole time, but we ask that you be attentive, especially with any legislators/aides who seem interested. It’s a great way to start a conversation!

ENHANCE YOUR CAPITOL DAY EXPERIENCE

 

Make an appointment to meet your legislators by inviting them to attend.
Many legislators are eager to meet with their constituents.
It’s also an important part of their job!

DON’T DELAY, CALL TODAY–THE EARLIER THE BETTER!

CLICK HERE FOR INSTRUCTIONS ON MAKING ON APPOINTMENT

 

DON’T KNOW WHAT TO SAY?

Download and practice:  Conversation Tips for Parents and/or Conversation Tips for Teens

 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

                   

• Postcard invitation design
• Follow up phone calls to legislators in late March. (training provided)
• Organizing Hartford area field trips
• Help with quiet children’s activities.
• Help younger children with thank you notes, escort small groups to Capitol mail room.
• Set up, monitoring and take down of the legislator’s reception.
• Registration check-in
• Greeter at entrance to the hall.
• Take down/clean-up

To volunteer or reserve space for a display (limited), contact TEACH by e-mail at gro.tchcaet@tchcaet with “Capitol Day volunteer” or “Capitol Day display” in the subject line.