News from WeCAN Feb 8 – 14
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Feb 8 – 14


Updated with late-breaking announcements

At the end of this e-mail is some additional information about WeCAN finances,  text messages, links to send us events and a link to sign up for e-mails. You can find a copy of this and older mailings as well as pictures, videos and other information at wecantogether.net.

If your e-mail system shortens this message, you can read it on line here.

Cancelled: I-91 Sunday Visibility Brigade

Sunday,  Feb 8, at 1-3 pm 

Organizer: Sponsored by Indivisible Greater Falls and Grafton Supporters of Democracy 

Location: Kurn Hattin Road near Wellington Hill East Rd., Westminster, VT 


Cancelled due to concerns of severe cold with wind.

We will be back out there next week, Frb. 15 same time, same place hopefully with warmer temperatures and no significant wind!

Contact for weather and other questions:
samaher@vermontel.net 


This website may have updates, but there is no need to register.


Citizens Bank Picketing

Mon – Fri,  Feb 9 – 13, at 11 am – 12 noon 

Organizer: Patriotic Response to Renegade Government 

Location: Parking lot near Brattleboro Citizens Bank 


We’ve been picketing for 2 weeks now, mostly along Route 5 beside Citizens Bank, and on occasion at the bank entrance.  Some of us have chosen to engage in civil disobedience, which has included blocking the entrance to the bank, singing, and for some, getting arrested.  We’ve shared information with people who had no idea that CB was funding ICE prisons, and we’ve gotten names on petitions from account holders demanding a change in the bank’s policy.  


Our numbers have grown. As more and more people learn about our on-going action, more and more account holders are discovering what Citizens Bank does with their money and they’re not happy about it.

Let’s keep up this momentum! Please join us for peaceful, lawful picketing all next week, Monday to Friday from 11-12.

We will not engage in civil disobedience this week. 


Contact: patrioticresponse@yahoo.com 


Website: https://www.boycottcitizens.org/ 

Tuesday Protest on The Common

Tuesday, Feb 10, at 10:30 am

Organizer: Vera Riley

Location: The Common, Park Place, Brattleboro


On every Tuesday at 10:30 am for a half hour, there will be people to protest the illegal actions of the Trump administration at both the East and West ends of The Common in Brattleboro (which is on Park Place) from Route 30 to Putney Road.
If this time/place is inconvenient for you, consider starting your own protest area/time which works for you!


Contact: Vera2847@gmail.com

opposing Trump’s agenda! Encourage them to keep it up! Join us in writing postcards and letters to Vermont legislators

Hosted by Brattleboro Indivisible and ACLU-VT
 

Contact: indibrattleboro@gmail.com 

Vigil in Putney

Thursday, Feb 12, at 12 noon every Thursday

Organizer: Janet Langdon

The Green, Putney


Vigil for Sanity and Compassion in Putney on The Green – Bring signs. Every Thursday from 12-12:30 pm.


Contact: jliesl@myfairpoint.net

I-91 Friday Overpass Protests

Fridays, Feb 13, 3 to 4 pm, all locations

Organizer: Indivisible Brattleboro


Best location for many people:

  • Brattleboro: Western Ave. I-91 Exit 2 bridge overpass
    This is the best location for a large group of protestors.  Do not park near the deli or block any neighboring driveways.


Other locations for banners, flags and fewer people:

  • Vernon: Tyler Hill Road I-91 bridge overpass

  • Brattleboro: Black Mountain Rd. I-91 bridge overpass

  • Putney: I-91 Exit 4 bridge overpass. Do not arrive early or park in local business parking lots.


These gatherings will happen every Friday, weather and conditions permitting.  Please check weather and overpass conditions beforehand.


If you want to be notified about possible changes, you can sign up here. But registration is not required to attend these gatherings.


Text of the original submission is available here.


Contact: indibrattleboro@gmail.com

Friday Protest on The Common

Friday, Feb 13, at 3 pm

Organizer: Vera Riley

The Common, Park Place, Brattleboro

Note the time change: On every Friday at 3 pm for a half hour, there will be people to protest the illegal actions of the Trump administration at both the East and West ends of The Common in Brattleboro (which is on Park Place) from Route 30 to Putney Road.


If this time/place is inconvenient for you, consider starting your own protest area/time which works for you!

Contact: vera2847@gmail.com

Gaza Protest

Saturday, Feb 14, at 12 noon

Organizer: Bert Picard and Nancy Braus

Location: in front of Brattleboro post office

This has happened every Saturday since November 2023 – and will continue as long as people are being killed.  


Contact: nancy: vermontactivist@proton.me


One hour. One action. Real impact. Your public comment can slow the Trump Administration’s assault on transgender rights. We’ll show you how.  


Contact: benjaminwarrenlord@gmail.com

I-91 Sunday Visibility Brigade

Sunday,  Feb 15, at 1-3 pm 

Organizer: Sponsored by Indivisible Greater Falls and Grafton Supporters of Democracy 

Location: Kurn Hattin Road near Wellington Hill East Rd., Westminster, VT 



Join our growing group of concerned citizens. It will be cold, but joining others to express our anger over how “federal agents” are behaving in American streets fuels us.


If you can’t stay for a full two hours, no problem.  Come join us for whatever time you can to encourage those passing by to join us in holding them accountable. We face north to engage with travelers heading south, many returning from a weekend in Vermont, as well as locals out enjoying their weekend.

Action continues weekly, weather and roadside conditions permittin. It’s really important to always think of safety first for our members and the drivers passing by to keep us in good standing with the whole community.

Contact for weather and other questions:
samaher@vermontel.net 


This website may have updates, but there is no need to register.

Future Actions

Nonviolent Direct Action at ICE

Date TBD

Organizer: Justice For All 

Location: planning via Zoom 


A small group of experienced activists are meeting this month to discuss organizing a nonviolent action outside the CBP or ICE offices in St Albans sometime later this winter or early spring.


We anticipate it being a large, legal action that would also include a component that may be risking arrest.  We would appreciate having participation from around the state and would like to gauge interest.  Please reply about your interest  in participating in such an event, including potentially risking arrest.  We will schedule meeting with interested people in January. 


Contact: justice4allvt@proton.me 

Meetings, Education, etc. This Week


A collaborative initiative of The Root Social Justice Center & Lost River Racial Justice, working together for community safety, support, and solidarity.

📅 Every 2nd Wednesday of the month
⏰ Time: 5:30p – 7:30 pm
😷 Masking: Masks on at 6 pm when meeting agenda beings
📍 In-Person: The Root, 28 Williams Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301
💻 Virtual Option:
https://tinyurl.com/RootRRT
🍲 Potluck Style – Bring a dish to share!

The Ready Response Team (RRT) is a collaborative initiative of The Root Social Justice Center and Lost River Racial Justice (LRRJ) dedicated to supporting BIPOC, Immigrant, QTBIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ individuals and families facing identity-based harm or harassment. It is actively working to address important needs in our community. While we are not able to publicly share all the details of our organizing, we want you to know that meetings are happening, planning is underway, and meaningful work is being done. To ensure the safety of those we serve, much of this work must remain confidential and protected.

Lost River Racial Justice (LRRJ) is based in Brattleboro. It is committed to rural multiracial organizing to dismantle white supremacy and transfer power and resources to POC communities. As an all-white organizing group affiliated with Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ), we focus on education, action, and accountability to support and uplift POC-led organizations, voices, and experiences. Learn more about LRRJ at lostriverracialjustice.org 


Contact: hip@therootsjc.org or call (802) 451-0499


Website: https://www.therootsjc.org/calendar#calendar-35bcdf5e-f730-4d23-b1f2-909b20c24a6e-event-fc788660-6309-540d-a5cb-f43ed9e3fb89 


Table at the Farmers’ Market

Saturdays 10 am – 2 pm


Organizer: Sherry Maher

Location: On the Winston Prouty Campus, 60 Austine Dr.


The market invites community organizations in for outreach in the later part of the season when there is available space. If you’d like to get on the schedule between now and the end of March, send us a few possible dates and we’ll take it from there.


As usual, vendors have priority, but the likelihood is high for room to get 1 or 2 organizations in most if not all weeks. No merchandise sales or direct fundraising are allowed, but share all the information you want!


Contact: farmersmarket@postoilsolutions.org


opted the idea of antisemitism, and how that co-optation also distracts us from a very real antisemitism that movements for liberation need to understand and take seriously. Learn concrete strategies for including real antisemitism in our analyses, opening wider space for Jews in the movement without ceding an inch to Zionism.

This is the final workshop in our four-part political education series exploring the connections between rising fascism at home and our work for liberation in Palestine. As white supremacist violence ramps up at home, this workshop will help us get clear on what antisemitism is and isn’t, how Zionism co-opts the idea of antisemitism for its own political ends, and the role of Jews in fighting for collective liberation. This event is open to the public; please share with folks in your networks so we can collectively deepen our analysis together.  


Contact: info@sovt4palestine.org 


Website: https://sovt4palestine.org/event/what-is-antisemitism/ 

Good Trouble Street Choir Monthly Gathering

Sunday,  Feb 8, at 3 pm
If there is a protest at 2, come afterwards. 

Organizer: Becky Graber, Good Trouble Street Choir 

Location: Our usual rehearsal spot. Contact Becky to know. 


We gather monthly now to sing together and become familiar with the protest and community building songs that we sing. Contact Becky to be put on the Good Trouble e-mail list.


Contact: ragtime@sover.net


Indivisible Greater Falls Monthly Meeting

Saturday, Feb 14, at 10:30 am 

Organizer: Indivisible Greater Falls 

Location: Community Building, 24 Main St., Saxtons River  


We’re a local chapter of the national Indivisible organization; we join together to protect constitutional rights for citizens and immigrants, support social and economic justice for all, and work toward an inclusive democracy for future generations.

We have four working groups, enabling members to lead and contribute to activities that most interest and energize them:

  • Organizing actions such as protests and other visibility events

  • Supporting and partnering with already existing local rapid response teams in response to ICE targeting members of our community

  • Voter engagement, election protections and policy influence at both federal and state levels

  • Raising awareness within our communities and pushing back against disinformation

Our monthly meeting is an opportunity for members to connect, share updates, and plan future actions. We welcome people from Windham and Windsor counties and nearby NH towns. 


Contact: indigreaterfallsvt@gmail.com 


digital hygiene check list together. Bring your tech and your friends/comrades!

This workshop is open to the community, however we’re asking that folks RSVP in the interests of space and planning.


Masking is required and masks will be available. Thanks for practicing community care.  


RSVP Contact: info@sovt4palestine.org 


Future Meetings, Education, etc.


“No Appetite for Apartheid” organizing meeting

Sunday,  Feb 15, at 2 pm 

Organizer: SVT4P 

Location: Brattleboro Food Co-op Community Room 


We’ll discuss organizing a local consumer-led campaign to support Palestinian rights. The campaign, called No Appetite for Apartheid, encourages consumers to align their daily spending with efforts to end Israeli apartheid and ongoing violence against Palestinians.
 

Contact: info@sovt4palestine.org


Vermont Progressive Party Town/County Meeting

Sunday,  Feb 15, at 3 pm 

Organizer: Vermont Progressive Party 

Location: 116 Bullock Street, Brattleboro, Vermont 05301 


Most successful third party in the country – free of corporate donations 



Submitted by Spoon Agave, Brattleboro and Windham County chair, and Heather Thomas, Progressive Party executive director.



Contact: agavespoon3@gmail.com or heather@progressiveparty.org 


Website: http://www.progressiveparty.org 

Legislative Forum

Saturday, March 7, at 10:30 am

Organizer: Brattleboro Legislative Delegation

Location: Brooks Memorial Library

As the Brattleboro Legislative Delegation gears up for the current legislative session  these monthly sessions are an opportunity to meet the Brattleboro Representatives and discuss issues that matter to you. Topics will include healthcare, education, climate change, and housing. All are welcome to join your Vermont Legislators, hear from experts, and share your experiences.


These conversations are scheduled monthly on the 1st Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM. (Scheduled dates: 2/7, 3/7, 4/4, 5/2, and 6/6.)


Contact: emilie.kornheiser@vtleg.gov

Signs available

Organizer: Indivisible Brattleboro

If you’d like to purchase a sign, contact Nancy Braus at vermontactivist@proton.me.

Another source for posters, signs and ideas

Jon Sachs, a Swing Blue Alliance member is pouring energy into a Trump Tragedies website that has a page devoted to free, downloadable 8.5 x 11 in. protest-themed posters.

These are protest messaging that can be posted on America’s streets and easily shared by a website link could help get much more protest messaging in the public eye. Eighteen posters are now available on the site. There’s also an online suggestion box for additional posters that people think should be added.



Indivisible Brattleboro

Brattleboro Indivisible is a local chapter of the national organization – fighting for democracy, combating fascism, and fighting back in defense of our rights, our communities, and our values. We work through five action groups, enabling members to lead and contribute to activities that most interest and energize them.


Contact: indibrattleboro@gmail.com
Website:
https://groups.indivisible.org/?keywords=05301



Indivisible Greater Falls


A local Indivisible group for pro-democracy activists in Rockingham, Westminster, Athens and nearby towns. We are working in the areas of migrant support/rapid response, elections, education & outreach, and protests/visibility.

We welcome anyone who wants to help build a strong local presence in a national strategic movement to build a real democracy that upholds progressive values of inclusion, respect and fairness. Our group collaborates with other Indivisible and allied groups in Vermont to extend our reach and effectiveness. If you want to find hope in these difficult times, join us!

Contact:
indigreaterfallsvt@gmail.com
Website:
https://groups.indivisible.org/?keywords=05101


Indivisible All-In For Action, Putney, Vt.


For folks in Vermont who live in rural areas or places where there are no active Indivisible groups and/or cannot attend in-person meetings. Virtual meeting once/month, with weekly emails/calls to action.



Contact: allinforactionVT@gmail.com

Website: https://groups.indivisible.org/?keywords=05346


Deerfield Valley Indivisible

We are a group of concerned citizens and community members of the Deerfield Valley in southern Vermont. We are committed to giving voice to those who are marginalized, at risk, worried, etc… and to provide peaceful avenues for expressing our concerns and making change in our community, state and country.


Contact: DVVT.indivisible@gmail.com

Website: https://groups.indivisible.org/?keywords=05342


Supporters of Democracy, Grafton, Vt.


Supporters of Democracy is an Indivisiible linked group that will work to protect the elections, work against the implementation of Project 2025, and support Democratic candidates for office.


Contact: supdems2025@gmail.com

Website: https://groups.indivisible.org/?keywords=05141


Lean Left Vermont

Join Lean left in the fight for free and fair elections! We do phone banks and other important work. If you have never done phone banking or don’t even like the idea, we invite you to come, watch, and listen as volunteers make calls. We guarantee you’ll be surprised.



Website:  www.leanleftvt.org

Contact:  leanleftcvt@gmail.com

50501 Vermont

Please share your event Info with 50501 Vermont. 50501 VT maintains and Action/Event Calendar and also cross-promotes events. Send your event to Debbie@50501vt.com for inclusion in the 50501 Vermont online calendar, as well as for cross-promotion on social media.


Contact: info@50501vt.com

Websites: https://50501vermont.com/events/

https://50501vermont.com/

https://www.facebook.com/50501vtInformation

Southern Vermont Sister District Project

Contact: svtsisterdistrict@gmail.com

Website: https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sister-district-southern-vermont


NOFA-VT

Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont,

https://www.nofavt.org/


50501

Contact: organizers@fiftyfifty.one

Website: https://www.fiftyfifty.one/


Windham County Branch of the NAACP

Contact: info@windhamnaacp.org

Website: https://windhamnaacp.org/


350VT

Contact: organizers@350vt.org

Website: https://www.350vermont.org/


Peace & Justice Center, Burlington

Contact: info@pjcvt.org

Website: https://www.pjcvt.org/


Mobilize

Website: https://www.mobilize.us