Windham County Action Network (WeCAN)

Today is the WeCAN: Spring Into Action Fair! 

Woo Hoo!! We are so excited to see you this afternoon. To plan your time with us please check out the schedule of panels and kids’ activities HERE. 
Help us spread the word that today's the big day by sharing the Facebook Event this morning and this afternoon, and use the hashtag #weCANSpringIntoAction when you post those awesome pictures you took at the Fair to Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. WeCAN’t wait to see you at 12pm!


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Happening TODAY, Sunday, March 19th, 2017:


Song and Solidarity 
Regular weekly meeting. 
Sunday, March 19th, 2017 the Atrium at The Winston Prouty Center (the old Austine School). The Atrium is on the fourth floor of the big building in the center of campus. 3pm.
We're meeting the same time this Sunday as usual, 3pm, but at 3:30pm we'll go down and join the fair and close it out by leading a few group songs. We are looking forward to seeing you there! Please email Fred at [email protected] with questions or for more information.


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Sunday, March 19th, 2017 at the Winston Prouty School (209 Austine Drive, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 12pm-4pm. 
RSVP for the Sunday March 19th Action Fair and check out the packed schedule of panels and kids activities HERE. Help us spread the word. Forward your friends the link to RSVP or invite them to the Facebook Event .

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Weekly Update March 20th-26th, 2017


Women Marching Forward
Tuesday, March 21st, 2017, at the Learning Collaborative on Rt. 5 in Dummerston (471 Rt. 5, Dummerston, VT) 
6pm - 8pm
An intergenerational women’s political action group that works to sustain activism on the many issues that need attention. We do this by sharing knowledge, networking, and sponsoring monthly teach-in that develop women’s voices and leadership skills. This month's teach-in centers on "Political Action for the Long Haul: Lessons Learned from the Vermont Yankee Campaign," and will be led by Betsy Williams, Leslie Sullivan Sachs, and Nancy Braus. 

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Climate Caucus
Thursday, March 23rd, 2017, at the Statehouse (115 State St, Montpelier, VT, 05633) in Room 10.
12pm.
Michal Kravčík  Slovakian hydrologist, addresses legislators about regenerative practices to balance water cycles. Dr. Kravčík will be speaking at other locations in and around Vermont. Check his schedule at https://bio4climate.org/vow/events-with-michal-kravcik/). Please contact Marilyn Chiarello at (802) 254.9121 if you are interested in carpooling.


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Protest Vigils at TD Bank
Sponsored by Post Oil Solutions

Brattleboro
Friday, March 24th, 2017 (and every Friday) in front of TD Bank Brattleboro (215 Main St, Brattleboro, VT 05301). Noon-1pm. Signs will be provided.

Bellows Falls
Friday, March 24th (and every Friday) in front of the TD Bank Bellows Falls (2 Church St, Bellows Falls, VT 05101). 1pm-2pm. Please bring your own signs.
TD is a major investor in Tar Sands. TD helps to fund the Dakota Access Pipeline. The State of Vermont Keeps Most of Our Cash in TD.
What You Can You Do (besides attending the vigils):

·       If you’re a TD depositor, change banks!

·       If you’re a Vermonter, demand that state funds not be deposited with a bank investing in fossil fuels.
Contact your state legislators to support the bills in the House & Senate calling for a commission to explore the possibility of a State Bank. 
Founded in 2005, Post Oil Solutions is a 501c3 community organizing project in Southeastern Vermont whose mission is to help empower the people of the Central Connecticut River Valley bioregion to develop sustainable, resilient , collaborative, and socially just communities leading to a self- and community-sufficient post petroleum society. For more information please contact [email protected] or call 802.869.2141.


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Brattleboro Community Organizing Meeting 
sponsored by Rights & Democracy (RAD) 
Friday, March 24th, 2017 at the Brattleboro Food Co-op (2 Main Street,  Brattleboro, VT, 05301) in the Community Room. 6pm-8pm. The co-op requests that folks attending events in the community room use the outside entrance facing Canal St. The address of that entrance is 7 Canal Street.
Come find out what RAD has been up to in the areas of economic, environmental and social justice & find out what actions we can create locally to keep the Political Revolution going in Vermont. Food & beverage will be provided .

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Letters Through Bars
Saturday, March 25th, 2017 at The Root Social Justice Center (The Whetstone Studio for the Arts, 28 Williams Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). First Floor. 10am-12pm.
Write letters to incarcerated friends, loved ones, and other pen pals. Don't have someone to write to? We provide lists of US political prisoner and LGBTQ incarcerated folks looking for pen pals. We also provide envelopes, stamps, and other writing supplies. Please come fragrance-free! 
For more information please contact: [email protected].


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Upcoming Events

Mother Up! Monthly Meet-Up
Monday March 27th, 2017 at KidsPLAYce (20 Elliot Street., Brattleboro, VT, 05301).
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Join in building solidarity amongst parents by taking action to protect the health and safety of our collective future. We'll be talking about "how to stay outraged without losing your mind." We'll also explore ways we can participate in local, state, and national climate legislation and action. A simple vegetarian meal and childcare for ages 8 and under will be provided. RSVP helpful, but not required. Contact Abby Mnookin for more info at [email protected].


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Soil Carbon Restoration Gives Hope for Reversing Global Warming
Sponsored by Living Earth Action Group
March 31st, 2017 at the Congregational Church of Westminster West (44 Church Street, Westminster, VT, 05346). 5pm.
Speakers Marilyn Chiarello and Marlene Everingham will present on “Soil Carbon Restoration Gives Hope for Reversing Global Warming”.

This is exciting new information on the ability of healthy soil microorganisms to take carbon out of the atmosphere, if we change harmful farming practices. Come find out about how it works, how you can make a difference and spread the word. For more information call 802-387-5779.

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Let Justice Roll Down - Southeastern Vermont
March 31st, 2017 at the Guilford Community Church (38 Church Drive, Guilford, VT, 05301). 7:30pm.
Suggested donation $20 adult; $5 under 18.

This singalong concert will focus on racial justice issues. We will join together in songs that emphasize the struggles for equal rights and dignity and safety for people of all races, genders, sexual orientations, and national origin. 
Benefit for Black Lives Matter VT and The Root Social Justice Center. 

Artists:
Lea Gilmore - racial justice activist, outstanding blues/gospel/jazz singer from Baltimore, MD: www.leagilmore.com
Annie Patterson & Peter Blood - creators of the songbooks Rise Up Singing and Rise Again.

Featuring: 
The Guilford Church Choir and House Band
Copies of the songbook Rise Again will be available to buy or borrow at the concert.
For advance tickets and information, please visit www.riseupandsing.org/events or email [email protected] or [email protected].

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Solidarity School
sponsored by the Vermont Workers' Center
April 1st-2nd, 2017. April 1 will take place at Marlboro Grad Center (28 Vernon Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301) and April 2 will take place at The Root Social Justice Center (The Whetstone Studio for the Arts, 28 Williams Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 9am-5pm. Cost is on sliding scale, from $30-$100.  Scholarships are available and no one will be turned away because of lack of funds. Support is available for child care, transportation, or other accessibility needs.

Please register HERE by March 18th, 2017. Registration is crucial. It helps the leaders in planning the event and is also the place where you can indicate any needs you have such as childcare, transportation, or interpretation.

Solidarity School is a two-day popular education program where you can pull back from the day-to-day demands of organizing to reflect, dig deep, and learn together. The purpose is to provide a baseline common framework, analysis, and skill set for building our movement. The program is designed for members of the Workers' Center, union members, and members of partner organizations, but has application in a wide range of grassroots and community organizing.

At Solidarity School we:

--Examine the root causes of the problems our communities face
--Develop a strategic analysis around organizing, building power, and a broader movement
--Learn about using a human rights framework
--Discuss broader issues which present challenges and obstacles to solidarity
--Practice concrete organizing skills and campaign development
--Share experiences, resources and build relationships with a wide spectrum of people, fostering an atmosphere of solidarity
To ask questions or for more information, please contact Ellen Schwartz at [email protected] or 802-257-4436.

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Non Violent Direct Action (NVDA) Training Classes 
sponsored by Post Oil Solutions
Sunday, April 2nd, 2017 in the Brattleboro Food Co-op Community Room (2 Main Street,  Brattleboro, VT ,05301). Enter on Canal Street. 9:30am-6:30pm. Prior registration is required. Contact Tim at [email protected] or 802.869.2141.
Trainers: Nelia Sargant, Eric Bachman, and Dorie Wilsnack.
While doing civil disobedience may not be something you are considering at present, NVDA training is nevertheless always a good thing to have done in case that day arrives when you might consider such an act (this is especially true in the Age of Trumpism).
Very few spots still available.


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Local Love Brigade Postcard Making
Sunday, April 2nd, 2017 at the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center (10 Vernon St, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 11am.
Be Part of the Local Love Brigade. Drop by BMAC and make postcards to send out in an avalanche of love to support victims of hate. You will be part of a movement that has begun to illuminate the power of fierce love. There will be refreshments and plenty of materials to make a card. All are welcome.
http://www.brattleboromuseum.org/2017/03/06/postcard-party-with-vts-local-love-brigade/
To find out more and see the heartfelt messages of support that local folks are sending out into the world, join the Local Love Brigade - Vermont Facebook Group.

 
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TD3 ARRAIGNMENT
Tuesday, April 4th, 2017 at Vermont Superior Court (30 Putney Rd, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 8:30am. 
The three of us who were arrested for our direct action at TD Bank on 22 February—Li, Daniel, & Tim—and charged with disorderly conduct, welcome anyone who has the time and interest, to join us in solidarity and support! We’ll be pleading “Not Guilty,” and plan to eventually defend ourselves, with a Necessity Defense.

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Climate Change Café
presents a special screening of the classic film

“1984”
a project of Post Oil Solutions
On Tuesday, April 4th, 2017 at the Marlboro Graduate Center (28 Vernon Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). Room 2 East. 6:00pm. 
Free; Light refreshments will be provided. 
Reservations strongly suggested due to limited seating. 
For reservations please call 802.869.2141 or email [email protected].
On Tuesday, April 4th, 2017 almost 90 art house movie theaters across the country in 79 cities spanning 34 states will participate collectively in a national event screening of the film, “1984,”. In an effort to initiate a community conversation about what the film/book has to say about our present times, and how we deal with it. April 4th was chosen because it’s the day protagonist Winston Smith begins rebelling against his oppressive government by keeping a forbidden diary.


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People's Climate March Art Build
sponsored by 350Brattleboro
Friday, April 14th, 2017 at the Brattleboro Food Co-Op (2 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301) in the Community Room (please use the 7 Canal Street entrance for this event). 4pm-7pm.
Come join 350Brattleboro for an afternoon of activism. We'll be making signs and banners for the People's Climate March in Washington, D.C. that will take place on Saturday, April 29th. No artistic skills necessary (although if you are an awesome artist then we'd love to see you there). Pizza likely. Inspiration, positivity and community-building guaranteed!
Questions? Email [email protected]

FUTURE UPCOMING EVENTS

Tax Day March
Saturday, April 15th, 2017.
A Tax Day March is being organized in Brattleboro to stand in solidarity with those protesting and marching nationwide. Sponsoring organizations and details to come. www.TaxMarch.org


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People’s Climate March on Washington
Saturday, April 29th, 2017 in Washington, DC. 
The bus will leave Brattleboro at 6am on Friday, April 28th and return overnight after the March on Saturday. Seats are available on a sliding scale. and financial assistance maybe available. 
The time is fast approaching for the second People's Climate March. Given the hostility of the administration in Washington DC to climate science, we absolutely need to flood the streets with passionate voices for bold climate action.  
Click this link to book a seat on the bus (fill in your personal information first and then the details will follow on the next page).

The bus from Brattleboro will leave at 6 am on Friday April 28th and return overnight after the march on Saturday. Seats are available at a sliding scale and no-one will be turned away due to lack of funds. If you need financial assistance please contact us!

Important Links
Here is what you need to know to get a seat on the bus, find a place to stay, volunteer, and make sure your voice is heard around the world.

 

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May Day March for Dignity! / ¡Marcha para La Dignidad! 
Monday, May 1st, 2017 at the Federal Building (87 State Street Montpelier, VT, 05602). 12pm.
sponsored by Vermont Human Rights Council
March to Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shop to demand they implement the Milk With Dignity Program as promised nearly 2 years ago. A rally at the  Federal Building to lift up Vermont voices and campaigns will follow. This is especially crucial in the face of ICE arrests of migrant workers in Vermont. Carpools or vans from Brattleboro may be available. For more info or to sign up for a carpool or van ride please email [email protected] or call 
802-257-4436.


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Cross Class Dialogue Circle
Sunday, May 7th, 21st and June 4th, 2017 (participation all 3 days is required) at The Root Social Justice Center (The Whetstone Studio for the Arts, 28 Williams Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 9am-3pm.
Childcare and transportation available, light refreshments provided, and wheelchair accessible. This event is fragrance free.

The dialogue circle is funded through a cost-sharing process. 

Cross-class dialogue circles are a powerful way for people across the class spectrum to come together to talk about their experiences with class, listen to each others’ stories and perspectives, better understand class as part of an economic system, and then to work together as change makers for economic justice. Sign-up today!

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350Brattleboro Regular Meetings
Meeting Times / Locations: 1st Wednesdays (Public Forum), 6 - 8 pm, Brooks Memorial Library 2nd Floor Mtg Rm (Brattleboro); 3rd Wednesdays (Leadership Team), 6 - 8 pm, Location Varies.

Once again, we thank you so very much for your active participation in our community. See you soon!