Connecticut's Changing Population:  Positioning Today to Meet Tomorrow's Challenges

The State of the Connecticut Nonprofit Sector Symposium is an annual opportunity for Connecticut nonprofit, business and government leaders to convene, assess the condition and needs of the Connecticut nonprofit community, and to discuss collaborative strategies for facing common issues. The Symposium strives to bring to the state level the national discussion of the roles, process and impact of government, business and nonprofit collaborative interaction.

The annual symposium is developed in partnership with the University of Connecticut Center for Continuing Studies, the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy and the Connecticut Association of Nonprofits.

The second annual symposium held on January 28, 2005 at the Aqua Turf in Southington focused on changing demographics. What are the mutual challenges and opportunities we will all have to face together as a state and the strategies we should consider? How as state leaders and citizens, do we position ourselves today to meet tomorrow’s challenges of Connecticut’s changing population?

On behalf of the State of Connecticut, it is my great pleasure to extend sincere greetings and a heartfelt welcome to everyone gathered at the Aqua Turf for the State of the Connecticut Nonprofit Sector 2005 Symposium. This annual symposium will provide a variety of strategies that governments, businesses and nonprofit sectors can utilize to plan for Connecticut’s changing demographics. I am truly honored to welcome and congratulate this year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Harold “Bud” Hodgkinson, for his generous contributions, distinguished service, and outstanding leadership within the area of demographics.

It is my great privilege to extend my words of tribute to all. Please know that you have my best wishes for a memorable symposium.

M. Jodi Rell
Governor

I am pleased to welcome you to the State of the Connecticut Nonprofit Sector 2005 Symposium. This year’s symposium directs your attention to Connecticut’s changing population. As is true across the nation, the demographics of our state are undergoing important transformations. It is critical that people involved in this work discuss how the changing profile of Connecticut’s population impacts planning for business, government and nonprofits for the decades ahead. As Connecticut’s flagship public research university, the University of Connecticut is pleased to contribute to this effort.

I thank the Center for Continuing Studies, our nonprofit partners, the symposium’s planning committee and you here today for the work you will do to benefit people in every community and sector in the state.

Philip Austin
President, University of Connecticut

Program Highlights

Keynote Address

 Dr. Harold "Bud" Hodgkinson, one of the nation's leading demographers and the Director of the Center for Demographic Policy, Institute for Educational Leadership in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Hodgkinson revealed some fascinating facts and trends on both the national and state level, and provided insight into the issues we will all need to address. Although presented with a touch of humor, Bud indicated that we are at risk if we ignore the implications of today’s changing demographics on tomorrow’s society. Click here for remarks from Dr. Hodgkinson’s presentation.

Statewide Stakeholder Panel: Assessing Needs, Leveraging Strengths

Designed as a Q & A format, panel members representing business, nonprofits and government, offered their unique perspectives on the challenges that will arise from Connecticut’s demographic changes and thoughts on how these could be addressed by the three sectors, individually and collaboratively.

Transcript of discussion ( forthcoming).
Moderator:  Faith Middleton, host of NPR’s acclaimed The Faith Middleton Show.
Panelists:
	Pete Gioia, Economist, CBIA Shelley Geballe, Co-President, Connecticut Voices for Children Fred Carstensen, Professor of Economics and Director, Connecticut Center for Economic Analysis, UConn W. David LeVasseur, Undersecretary, Office of Policy and Management K.C. Burton , Senior Associate, Annie E. Casey Foundation

Facilitated, Interactive Strategy Sessions

An opportunity for Symposium participants to discuss and respond to the remarks offered in the keynote address and by the panelists. Attendees at each table engaged in productive, cross-sector conversations identifying problems and strategies to combat the ramifications of the state’s changing population. Comments coming soon.

Annual UConn Center for Survey Research and Analysis Survey Results

Chris Barnes presented results from a recently conducted public opinion survey focused on charity and population growth in Connecticut. Questions ranged from the importance of nonprofit organizations and charities in the community to business involvement in the community to changes in the diversity of Connecticut’s population.  Report findings.

Media Coverage

A video of the 2005 Symposium produced by CT-N will be broadcast on your local CT-N station in the near future. Please check this site for dates and times. Also, if you are interested in purchasing a video of the Symposium, please contact CT-N at 860-240-8526.

Next Steps

Provided are attendees’ comments and suggestions for moving forward. Please check this site for announcements on future related activities and programs, including information on the 2006 Symposium.