Wilton Coalition for Youth Members Launch “Wilton is Where You Belong” Campaign, Aim to Foster Inclusivity and Combat Hate

The members of the Wilton Coalition for Youth announced the launch of a comprehensive initiative aimed at promoting inclusivity and combating hate within the Wilton community.

The Wilton Coalition for Youth is made up of two dozen organizations, town departments and individuals who serve youth and families in Wilton who are working together to coordinate efforts aimed at preventing substance misuse and promoting the mental health and emotional well-being of youth and families. The effort is spearheaded by the Wilton Youth Council.

Calling it the “Wilton is Where You Belong” campaign, and using the hashtag #Wiltoniswhereyoubelong, the Coalition’s members have begun to plan a series of community-driven activities and events designed to educate, engage and empower Wilton residents to stand against hate and embrace diversity.

“This campaign underscores our commitment to creating a welcoming and loving environment for all residents, regardless of their background, race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation,” Wilton Youth Council Executive Director Chandra Ring said.

The first effort under the campaign’s umbrella of events is a Volunteer Fair on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Wilton Library. The event will encourage Wilton residents to learn about local not-for-profit organizations and provide an opportunity to volunteer within the community.

“Many of Wilton’s organizations benefit from and are run by volunteers,” Ring said. “We also recognize the health benefits that volunteering brings individuals — it’s shown to improve both physical and mental health and also brings a sense of belonging while building community relationships for volunteers.”

Ring added that even though the Coalition members initially came together out of a shared mission of serving youth in Wilton, the overarching goal is to help people of all ages strenghten their sense of belonging.

“We recognize that many adults are struggling to build community connections — volunteering is an excellent way to foster and build these relationships. Get involved in the Wilton community and find your sense of belonging,” she said.

Other events being planned by the Coalition this year include a Community Cultural Fair in April that will highlight the music, food and traditions of cultures represented in the Wilton community, and a “capstone event” in June featuring the return of the Wilton Pride Festival and a Wellness Fair for all residents.

Other initiatives that are part of the Wilton is Where You Belong campaign include:

• Public art and media project: Local artists and students will be invited to contribute to a mural project and multimedia campaign that visually represent the theme #Wiltoniswhereyoubelong. These artworks will be displayed around Wilton to inspire unity and pride.
• Social media outreach: A dedicated social media campaign using the hashtag #Wiltoniswhereyoubelong will highlight personal stories from residents, showcase community events, and provide resources. Residents are encouraged to share their own stories and experiences to spread the message of inclusivity.
• Partnerships with local organizations: Collaborations with local businesses, non-profits, and faith-based organizations will amplify the campaign’s reach and impact. These partnerships will support initiatives that promote social justice and equality.

Ring said coalition members are hoping the community at large will embrace the campaign.

“Whether by attending events, contributing to public art, or sharing stories, everyone can play a role in fostering a more inclusive environment,” she said.

The members of the Wilton Coalition for Youth include: Cider Mill PTA, Doctors’ Pediatric; The Hub: Behavioral Health Action Organization for Southwestern CT; Kids in Crisis; Middlebrook School PTA; Mountainside Treatment Center; NAMI-CAN: National Alliance on Mental Illness—Child and Adolescent Network; Riverbrook Regional YMCA; Susan Rappaport, LCSW; St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church; Silver Hill Hospital; SPED*NET Wilton: Special Education Network of Wilton; Temple B’nai Chaim; Trackside, the Teen Center of Wilton; Wilton Congregational Church; Wilton High School PTSA; Wilton Library; Wilton Police Department; Wilton Presbyterian Church; Wilton Pride; Wilton Public Schools; Wilton SEPTA: Special Education PTA; Wilton Youth Council; Wilton Youth Field Hockey; and Wilton Youth Services.

For more information on how to get involved with the Wilton is Where You Belong or the Wilton Coalition for Youth, email Wilton Youth Council Executive Director Chandra Ring.

Editor’s note: GOOD Morning Wilton has updated the list of Wilton Coalition for Youth members to include Wilton Pride, which was not included in the information on the Youth Council website.