Windham County Action Network (WeCAN)

This week we have seen some pretty crazy stuff in the news: from closed door White House meetings with Russia to Sean Spicer hiding in the bushes, it's been a wild one. To inspire you to keep supporting credible news outlets and journalists WeCAN has curated a collection of Journalism quotes and facts to keep you thinking forward and thinking critically. 

• "News is something someone wants suppressed. Everything else is just advertising." Lord Northcliff
• A good journalist provides what they believe are the key facts that the reader needs, while propaganda involves providing facts that advance the newspaper or media outlet's claims and views.
• "There can be no higher law in journalism than to tell the truth and to shame the devil." Walter Lippmann
• Freedom of the Press is described in the dictionary as "the right, guaranteed by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, to gather, publish and distribute ideas and information through newspapers, magazines, and other printed matter without government restriction."
• “The media tends to report rumors, speculations, and projections as facts... How does the media do this? By quoting some "expert"... you can always find some expert who will say something hopelessly hopeless about anything.” Peter McWilliams
• In 2010 there were 41,500 full time daily newspaper journalists in the United States. By 2015 that number dropped to 32,900. Of those 32,900 only 12.76% of those individuals are of a minority background.(+)
• "Reporters are faced with the daily choice of painstakingly researching stories or writing whatever people tell them. Both approaches pay the same." Scott Adams
• The three biggest ethical challenges facing reporters and journalists in 2017 are 1) how to report more responsibly on hate speech and intolerance, 2) the ethics behind publishing viral photographs of violence and death, and 3) dealing properly with sources and verifying online news. (*)
   

* https://ijnet.org/en/blog/top-3-ethical-challenges-journalists-will-face-2017
+ https://www.statista.com/topics/2096/journalism/


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Happening This Week Monday, May 15th, 2017-Sunday, May 21st, 2017

Teaming with Microbes Seminar
Monday, May 15th, 2017- May 16th, 2017 at Lake Morey Resort (1 Clubhouse Rd, Fairlee, VT, 05045).
Eventbrite Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/teaming-with-microbes-soil-seminar-with-nicole-masters-didi-pershouse-tickets-33557437198
New Zealand Agro-ecologist Nicole Masters is on a teaching tour throughout the US and Canada this Spring and we are lucky to have her for two full days in Vermont.
Its all about your underground livestock!
Farmers, gardeners, environmental policy makers, and conservation folks: take your understanding to the next level, with this dynamic soil class, taught byNicole Masters from Integrity Soils and Didi Pershouse from the Soil Carbon Coalition. Learn practical tools and concepts to maximize nutrient cycling whilst lifting soil, plant and/or animal performance. Learn soil's important role in climate resilience and public health.
We will spend the first day overlooking the beautiful Lake Morey, (swimming anyone?) and the second day getting our hands in the soil in a variety of settings to see these principles in action.

Schedule:
Day 1: The Hidden Life of Soils
•Deepen your understanding of soil health and soil microbes
•The vital role of soil microbes in building farm and climate resilience
•What do microbe groups do in the soil?
•How can you feed the good guys?
•Learn how to make a lacto-bacillus serum for your farm

Day 2: Field Day
•Visual assessments for health in a variety of management settings
•Keys that biologically mediated water, carbon and nitrogen cycles are working optimally.
•Learn how to "read your weeds" and take actions to reduce pressure from weeds.
•How to track changes and share successes in soil health with an open-source map databasehttps://atlasbiowork.com/

Cost $225. A wonderful warm lunch buffet is included on the first day. Spaces are limited.
It is strongly recommended to come for both days, but you may sign up for just one. (Day one alone is $165, Day two is $75.)
You can save us some hefty ticket fees by reserving through the mail. Send an email to[email protected] to let us know you are coming and then send a check directly to Didi Pershouse, PO Box 277, Thetford Center, VT 05075, Please note that your space is not reserved until we receive payment.
Some scholarships may be available: Email [email protected] with a couple of sentences about your situation and how much you can afford to pay. We will let you know as funds become available.
We will have a few spaces available for sponsors/vendors to set up tables on Monday.

For questions, or to reserve a table as a sponsor/vendor, contact Didi at [email protected]and/or Taylor at [email protected]
For rooms at Lake Morey Resort call 800-423-1211, or email: [email protected]

About the Presenters:

Nicole Masters is an agro-ecologist, educator and systems thinker with over 18 years’ extensive practical and theoretical experience in regenerative/holistic farming practices. She has been communicating these methods throughout Australasia and North America since 2003; helping to inspire and guide farmers in innovative ways to produce food.

Nicole has a commitment to finding win-win solutions for the wellbeing of landscapes and landmanagers. She has a proven record in supporting producers in meeting their goals through a holistic approach to soil and pasture management. As a seasoned consultant, Nicole excels at identifying and solving challenges through proactive management. Her passion for fostering the growth of these farming practices calls upon her skills in facilitation, conflict resolution, an understanding of behavioural change and science communication.

Didi Pershouse is a cross-pollinator, helping to connect the dots between soil health and human health. She is the author of The Ecology of Care: Medicine, Agriculture, Money, and the Quiet Power of Human and Microbial Communities. As the founder of the Center for Sustainable Medicine, she developed a practice and theoretical framework for systems-based ecological medicine—restoring health to people as well as the social and ecological systems around them. 

After 22 years of clinical work with patients, she is now working with the Soil Carbon Coalition on a large-scale citizen-science program that engages schools, conservation districts, farmers, and the public in understanding the intersections between soil, water, public health, and climate resiliency. She teaches workshops and develops learning resources on whole systems landscape function—in particular how to measure, understand, and work with the carbon and water cycles that make life on this planet possible. Her work models strategies to build resilient networks of mutual listening, learning, self-care, and support as a way to drive environmental and social change.


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Brattleboro Area Interfaith Initiative (BAII) Monthly Gathering
Wednesday, May 17th, 2017 at the Centre Church (193 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301) in the Parlor. 12:00pm-1:30pm.
Questions/Contact: [email protected]
Please join us on May 17th for our monthly gathering where we will witness our dynamic religious and secular identities, explore broad issues, and encourage local action. We believe in seeking a balance between personal and group exploration and activity in the larger community. We discuss local issues as well as broader concerns and issues. 


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Protest Vigils at TD Bank
sponsored by Post Oil Solutions

Brattleboro
Friday, May 19th, 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, May 19th, 2017 (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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Camp for a Common Cause
sponsored by Groundworks Collaborative
Friday, May 19th, 2017 at the Brattleboro Commons (139 Main Street -intersection of Routes 5 & 30- Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 4pm Friday until 10am on Saturday, May 20th, 2017. 
Join us on Friday, May 19th for an overnight campout on the Brattleboro Common – raising awareness about homelessness in our community, and funds to support Groundworks’ efforts to house our neighbors experiencing homelessness.

FRIDAY, MAY 19TH 
Pitch tents starting at 4pm Friday – Up and out by 10am Saturday after a light breakfast.
Unable to camp overnight? No problem! Join us for food and music! You can support Groundworks with a donation, and/or purchase a tent for a neighbor in need.
All activities take place on the Brattleboro Common.
(Park Place, Brattleboro, VT - at the intersection of Routes 5 & 30) 
No alcohol and no fires please. Dogs are welcome, but must remain on a leash at all times.

LIVE MUSIC and FOOD
Sunrise Rotary will be selling Hot Dogs & Hamburgers to benefit Groundworks.
FUNDRAISING
Teams and individuals are asked to raise a suggested minimum of $100 per person to support Groundworks. All contributions are tax deductible.
REGISTER ONLINE
http://groundworks.rallybound.org/Camp-2017
and ask your friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family for contributions to support your campout!
Contact Libby with questions or for offline registration:
802.257.0066 x1101 
[email protected]
www.GroundworksVT.org


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Phone Bank Party
Saturday, May 20th, 2017 at the Golob Family Home (414 Dover Road, South Newfane, VT). 7pm-9pm.
Please RSVP to [email protected]
Please join us for a phone banking party to flip our first House seat!!
Swing Left is organizing volunteers to make phone calls to support Montana Democrat Rob Quist's candidacy for the House of Representatives.  This is a special election scheduled for May 25th.  We will be calling people in Montana to help get out the vote.  The Republican who held the seat, Ryan Zinke, joined the Trump administration and it would be so exciting if a Democrat won this seat. This race is very close; it could happen!Swing Left has joined with four other groups to do the phone banking: Progressive Change Campaign Committee (PCCC), MoveOn.org, Flippable, and Democracy for America (DFA).
I know - most of us had other ideas about what to do with our Saturday night, but the race is coming down to the wire and this is one of the time slots Swing Left has been asked to fill. I hope you can join us!
Bring your cell phone and a laptop/iPad or other tablet computer.  We will be using an automated phone system that will make the calls for us and we will be following a script of what we should be asking and the information the campaign would like us to gather.  

And yes - we'll supply the food!!

Thank you, Ann Golob


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Earth Gay Vermont!
sponsored by Green Mountain Crossroads and OUT for Sustainability
Sunday, May 21st, 2017 at Circle Mountain Farm (280 Lee Rd, Guilford, Vermont 05301) from 9am-1pm. Free Admission, kid friendly. 

Green Mountain Crossroads and Out for Sustainability invite you to Circle Mountain Farm for the third annual Earth Gay Vermont! Late May is a great time to see this queer owned and operated 2-acre, organic diversified vegetable farm as they transition from Spring to Summer. Come for a chance to join together as an LGBTQ community to demonstrate pride in our fabulous planet. Sign up for free today!
We'll have water and snacks on hand, you are encouraged to bring a brown bag lunch as well as sunscreen, sturdy shoes, and bug stuff. 
We'll work until noonish, break for lunch, and then take a farm tour.


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Building Bridges - Local Love Brigade Meet-Up w/ Los Angeles Students

sponsored by the Local Love Brigade
Sunday, May 21st at the Marlboro Grad Center in Downtown Brattleboro (8 Vernon St, Brattleboro, Vermont 05301) in Room 1-E. 1:30pm-3:00pm.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1386542254737536/
Join us on Sunday, May 21st for a joint love postcard-making party with the students from Academia Avance in Los Angeles. We sent them love postcards in March after ICE detained one of the school's parents by ICE, and now they're looking forward to coming to Vermont to meet us as part of a cross-country trip for their college-bound seniors. 
Join us to build bridges and send out love together in a joint love postcard-making session! This is an event that's not to be missed.


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Planned Parenthood Volunteer Training and Organizing 
Sunday, May 21st, 2017. Time and place TBD.

Become an official Planned Parenthood Volunteer and help organize efforts to:  
1.) Relocate and expand services of the Brattleboro clinic 
2.) Influence public policy regarding reproductive health care 
3.) Increase community & patient awareness of PP services
Training provided by Planned Parenthood of Northern New England. Contact Lisa Ford for more information at [email protected].

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Mother Up! Monthly Meet-Up
Monday May 22nd at KidsPLAYce (20 Elliot Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 5:30pm-7:30pm.
Mother Up!: Parents Exchange for Change is a project of 350Vermont that brings together families to talk about the tough realities of climate change and to participate in the transition to a healthier and safer world. This month, we'll reflect on the People's Climate March. Then, we'll talk about transportation and how to live a "car-lite" lifestyle by driving less and ride-sharing, walking, and biking more. Dave Cohen, from VBike, will be there with an electric cargo bike and information to share. 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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Climate Change Café, A Community of Concerned Citizens
presents "The Climate Challenge Deepens” with Dr. Alan Betts
a project of Post Oil Solutions
Tuesday, May 23rd, 2017 at Brooks Memorial Library (224 Main St, Brattleboro, VT 05301) at 6pm. Free. 
Light refreshments available. For further information please call 802.869.2141 or email [email protected].

Climate change is now accelerating much more rapidly than scientists predicted. The first quarter of 2017 was the 2nd hottest on record and the amount of carbon in the Earth's atmosphere is now officially off the charts at 410 parts per million (ppm) for the first time in human history. A recent study found that the north-east US is the fastest-warming region in the contiguous 48 states:and is predicted to pass the 2°C mark up to 20 years ahead of the rest of the world.
Are we prepared for the more extreme weather that is forecast for northern latitudes and New England, in particular that includes the greater frequency and intensity of 500 and 1000 year storms? Does our emergency preparedness deal with  the “long emergency “ of heat waves and flooding, health, threats, food shortages, infrastructure destruction, and the influx of climate refugees from coastal cities? This discussion will address both the practical issues and the change of mindset needed.
This discussion will address both the practical issues and the change of mindset needed.
Dr. Alan Betts, of Atmospheric Research in Pittsford, is Vermont’s leading climate scientist.


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Community in Action 
sponsored by SEVCA (Southeastern Vermont Community Action)
Thursday, May 25th, 2017 at the Fraternal Order of Eagles (54 Chickering Drive, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 5pm-8pm. 

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Rights & Democracy Brattleboro Community Action Meeting Thursday, May 25th, 2017 at The Root Social Justice Center (The Whetstone Studio for the Arts, 28 Williams Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). First Floor. 6:30pm-8:30pm. 

Here's the link to the RSVP page on RAD's website and the Facebook event.


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Rising with Roots: Courage, Conviction, and Community in this Beautiful, Teetering Time

a Joanna Macy inspired retreat
Friday, June 2nd, 2017 - Wednesday, June 7th, 2017 at Hallelujah Farm (98-42 Bradley Rd, Chesterfield, NH, 03443). Registration due by May 1st, 2017. Cost varies and is on a sliding scale: Please click here for more information or to register. 

Sign-ups now open for Joanna Macy-inspired retreat in June. Facilitated by Kirstin Edelglass and colleagues. Scholarships available for young adults (ages 18-30) who want to be part of the fourth Earth Leadership Cohort. That cohort will begin by participating in this multi-generational "Rising with Roots" retreat and then have additional trainings in facilitating the Work That Reconnects. For more information please visit http://interhelpnetwork.org/elcivprogamdescription-docx. 

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STANDING REGULAR MEETINGS

350Brattleboro Regular Meetings
1st and 3rd Wednesdays (Leadership Team) in the Brattleboro Food Co-op Community Room (1 Canal Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 6pm-8pm.