Committees

Committees

Mission Statements for the Standing Committees of the West End Civic Association.

To view chairs and vacancies, please visit our Board of Directors page.

Architectural History and Resources

To celebrate and advocate for the preservation of the architectural heritage of the West End , through education and information building. To participate in the making of decisions by WECA and its committees that impact the historic architectural character of the neighborhood.

Beautification and Planting

To make the West End of Hartford a more attractive place to work and live by:

  • Protecting our natural environment, assisting in the reduction of blight, promoting citizen participation throughout the West End in gardening, restoration of the tree canopy, and parks and neighborhood cleanups
  • Creating collaborative relationships with corporate and public partners so as to promote a clean and beautiful neighborhood though re-landscaping.
    Advocating for streetscapes and public responsibility in areas that impact the image and beauty of our public areas
  • Inspiring, teaching and assisting residents in maintaining, restoring and improving their residential landscapes
  • Improving the appearance of neighborhood points of entry though improved welcoming signs and maintenance of medians and flower beds

Community Engagement

To provide opportunities for West End residents to connect with each other through various activities; to facilitate acceptance and understanding of the different cultures and traditions found in our community; to break down barriers based on religious, socio-economic, racial/ethnic, and geographic differences; and to maximize the participation of all community members in neighborhood activities.

DineAround

DineAround is the major fundraiser for WECA, making it possible to support or organize free events and activities including summer movies in the park, block parties & the Farmers Market, as well as providing funding for the neighborhood Newsletter, education support and community and arts grants for individuals & groups. We expect 250+ guests to gather for Opening & Dessert receptions and dinner at homes throughout the West End for this annual event.

Economic Development Committee

Focusing on West End economic development for businesses. Include representatives from/to Farmington Avenue Alliance and Hartford Chamber of Commerce.

Education

To serve as representative and liaison for West End residents with the schools that serve the neighborhood and with city and state representatives and agencies that direct those schools. In this role, the committee:

  • Advocates for and promote the interest of all West Enders in having high-quality neighborhood educational institutions
  • Helps sponsor and initiate educational actions in those schools through maintaining a presence on school governance councils and PTAs
  • Sponsors and organizes public meetings to bring neighborhood residents together with educators, education administrators elected officials and other stakeholders in mutually beneficial information and discussion forums
  • Supports adult residents in furthering their own education with educational support and
    resources
  • Sponsors and organizes other social and cultural activities of educational value

Farmers’ Market

To be an engine for health and community through the operation of a Farmers’ Market. In this role, to provide a successful and lively outlet for Connecticut producers and to bring together in one common place the diversity of Hartford’s residents to purchase healthy food and know one another.

Golf Tournament

The West End Civic Association holds and annual Golf Outing for Education. Funds raised from this event directly support the WECA Education Fund to engage the community in making educational and vocational excellence a top priority.

Housing

To address and support residents with housing issues and concerns in the West End.

Membership

To promote the participation in the West End Civic Association through membership recruitment. To promote the organization and the services and programs offered by WECA. To welcome new residents to the area and to welcome citizen engagement and participation
of neighbors and everyone living in the West End.

North Branch Park River Environmental Committee

“The North Branch Park River Environmental Committee mission is to increase neighborhood awareness, conservation, and safe, environmentally sensitive public access by sharing information, hosting events, commenting upon planning proposals and bridging diverse interests.” 

Planning and Zoning

To help WECA assure that development in the West End of Hartford is consistent with the neighborhood’s short and long term goals and objectives. Open to all West End residents, property owners, businesses and institutions, the Committee accomplishes its mission by reviewing all planning and zoning matters which concern the neighborhood, making recommendations to WECA as to how to proceed, and advocating to city officials, boards, and commissions on behalf of WECA on these issues.

Porchfest

Porchfest is a free music festival held on neighborhood porches. These events are independently organized in more than 100 communities throughout North America. In 2019, the first Porchfest right here in the West End of Hartford. With the generous support of the West End Civic Association (WECA), the event promises to bring talented musicians and community members together for an amazing afternoon of performances and celebration.

Public Safety

To address the safety concerns of the West End. By being a voice and conduit for the community to work with their police department, law enforcement agencies and community groups, the committee will work to resolve overall crime and quality of life issues in the West End.

Scholarships

Newly created committee for April 2020. Mission and details to follow soon

Social Activities

To foster community spirit by offering diverse activities to residents of the West End and to steward WECA’s various social activities by establishing and guiding sub-committees that promote these events.