Featuring a new look and a more powerful search engine that is easy to use on any device.
2-1-1 Connecticut is pleased to announce its new website, which works on any device, and features a powerful new search engine that makes it easier than ever for users to find what they need.
The new site uses location information from a user’s device (if enabled) to show search results for agencies and programs serving that area.
Search results are displayed in a list form with basic agency and program information. A single click in any search result enables users to call an agency, visit its website, get directions, or see more details. Results are also shown on an interactive map, making it easy for users to locate the programs in their area.
Details from any search result can be shared by email or text message*, and agencies can submit updated information about their programs and services through the “Report Update” button on their listing.
There is so much more to our new site. In the coming weeks, we will be hosting webinars to introduce our new website in more detail, describe its features, answer questions, and hear feedback. These webinars will be free of charge, and approximately 1 hour long. If you would like to receive information about upcoming webinars, click here to let us know.
Overview of Updates and New Features
Below is a short summary of the new features and enhancements built into the new 2-1-1 website.
• Common language search – find what you need without advanced knowledge of professional terminology
• User-friendly search results – filter results by radius, view locations on integrated map, and click to call, visit website, or get directions
o Driving, walking and public transit directions available
o Send agency details to yourself or others via e-mail and SMS
o Suggestions of related search terms
o Over 400 eLibrary papers integrated into search results
o Direct link in each result detail page to report updated information
• Location-aware – uses location info from your device (if enabled) to target searches locally
• Translation – built-in translation functionality with support for more than 30 languages (powered by Google Translate)
• Events calendar – lists upcoming events for programs and agencies that are in the 2-1-1 database
Philosopher and Children’s Literature Author Claudia Mills Speaks at Eastern
Claudia Mills, former philosophy professor and author of over 50 children’s books, spoke at Eastern Connecticut State University on Sept. 23. Her lecture centered on how to effectively instruct, inform and inspire children through literature, or what she called “the dilemma of didacticism.”
Mills focused on how to create engaging, interesting pieces of literature that also teach children valuable lessons and improve their understanding of the human experience. She explained that there are many who argue against didacticism in books, as they claim it makes for lower quality stories that children don’t like to read but Mills dispelled this misconception by comparing and contrasting good examples of didactic books versus bad ones.
She also explained that children’s stories often play an important role in forcing children to engage with relevant moral or philosophical issues. “These books can force children to see how certain issues can affect the human condition both positively and negatively,” Mills said. “The world is full of issues and very few of them are black and white. Watching characters come to important conclusions right in front of you can make morals in stories so powerful for readers.”
She also emphasized how difficult it can be to create quality literature that also tackles complex philosophical issues. Children’s stories often contain examples of characters coming to conclusions that ultimately alter their world view and play a vital role in shaping their character. She went on to explain that these epiphanies are often a result of ignoring whatever wisdom or value you think you should instill in the child, and focusing on what you wish was instilled in you. “A moral has to be rich enough to resonate with adults too,” said Mills. “We can’t be afraid to share our most deeply-rooted truths with children.”