Windham County Action Network (WeCAN)

"Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing."
Theodore Roosevelt 

     If you're anything like this Editor, friends, you may be dealing with a unique mixture of rage and sadness in relation to what is happening in our Nation right now. Here are some ideas on how to funnel your emotions in the most positive ways possible while working hard at work worth doing. 

Here are 5 Positive Things You Can Do with Your Kavanaugh Rage and Sadness Right Now*

1) Write a Thank You Letter to Dr. Christine Blasey Ford
Regardless of the outcome of her testimony, this incredible patriot put her health and safety on the line to warn our country about Kavanaugh. Send her a card, a letter, a postcard, or a token of your thanks. A little Gratitude can help lift your spirits while you lift Dr. Ford's as well. 
Dr. Christine Ford
c/o Palo Alto University
1791 Arastradero Rd
Palo Alto CA 94304

2) Campaign for a Local Politician You Believe In
Midterm Elections are a little over 4 weeks away--still plenty of time to canvas, phone bank, donate to, and rally for your candidate of choice. You can find a complete list of your local VT candidates HERE (along with their financial statements) and there are a few opportunities to meet local candidates listed below. Don't delay--your voice and hard working hands are needed now! 

3) Be of Service to Someone Who Needs It
The best way to get out of your own head and boost that oxytocin is to help someone else. You’re putting positive energy out into the world and helping to distract yourself from this trash barge of a news cycle we are looping in. The good news is that being of service can take a million different forms. Maybe it’s walking dogs at an animal shelter or fostering a pet. Maybe its signing up for a program to read to kids or volunteering at a homeless shelter. Or maybe it’s watching your friend’s kid for an hour so he or she can go out and get a haircut. There’s lots of ways to be of service; find the one that’s right for you and make a commitment (and then follow through with it!) to do some good.

4) Do Something Kind For Yourself
In turbulent times like these, it’s important to treat yourself in a healthy way...and if you're like me it's maybe been a few since you've taken a second for yourself. Go for a hike. Take a yoga class. Walk, bike, cook, see a movie, create. Whatever you’re doing, it should include three things: 1. turning off your phone/social media for at least two hours 2. being present in your body and 3. nourishing your soul. Do something nice for yourself and PLEASE don’t feel bad about it. Like I said, it’s been a week.

5) Make Sure You’re Registered to Vote. Then Vote. And Get Five People To Do It With You. And Then Drive Strangers to the Polls (if you are able). Rinse and Repeat. 
Did you know that you can register to vote in VT at the polls on the DAY OF VOTING (Tuesday, November 6th)? Indeed, you can! That means that anyone who can prove residency can vote even if they aren't previously registered. Start asking your friends and family NOW if they intend to vote and make a plan to get them to the polls. Volunteer with your town to drive your neighbors to your polling place or help man the polling station yourself. It seems like a lot of work, true, but it is most definitely work worth doing.

*https://www.themarysue.com/self-care-kavanaugh/

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HAPPENING TODAY, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7th, 2018

Share the Harvest
sponsored by Edible Brattleboro, A Project of Post Oil Solutions
Sunday, October 7th, 2018  at the Turning Point Garden (the corner of Elm Street and Frost Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 11am-1pm. Please bring your own bags.
Join Edible Brattleboro from 11am-1pm in our garden at Turning Point, on the corner of Elm and Frost Street (diagonally across from New England Youth Theatre) for free, locally grown veggies, herbs, and more. Please bring your own bags. All produce is free thanks to the generosity of local farmers and gardeners. We welcome donations from your garden. We also welcome donations of your time either on Saturdays or Sundays to keep the stand open through October.

Edible Brattleboro is in Need of Volunteers!
Sundays through October at the Turning Point Garden (corner of Elm and Frost Street, diagonally across the street from NYET, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 11am-1pm.
We need 4 volunteers every week - 2 on Saturdays to glean at the Farmers Market and 2 on Sundays to operate the stand. New volunteers are always paired with an experienced person. If you are interested, please email Marilyn ([email protected] or reply to this message).
Fresh veggies, herbs and more are available for F*R*E*E every Sunday thanks to the generosity of our local farmers and gardeners. Please bring your own bag.
PLEASE HELP US KEEP THE STAND OPEN THROUGH OCTOBER. WE ARE HALFWAY THROUGH THE SEASON AND NEED MORE VOLUNTEERS IN ORDER TO CONTINUE.

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Civil Rights for All Banner Raising on Indigenous Peoples Day
Sunday, October 7th, 2018 at the corner of Main Street and High Street (Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 8am-9am. 
RSVP: [email protected]  or call 802 464 3154. 
The Fire Company will raise the "We Celebrate Democracy/Civil Rights For All" banner over Main Street on Sunday the seventh of October.  The eighth is Brattleboro's Indigenous People's Day.
Democracy is our problem, and the answer to our problems. You can stand up for democracy on the 5 occasions each year when the banner goes up over Main Street.  Show up on the 7th, and you will be making a very important public statement: We want democracy and civil rights for all people. The Works will be open. Bring a song to sing, words to speak,  a sign to hold. Please do not block the sidewalk or the street. We hope we will see you there. 
For info or to donate go to https://www.gofundme.com/Indigenous-Peoples-Day-Banner
positive nonviolent public action for democracy and equal civil rights for all people.

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HAPPENING THIS WEEK, MONDAY, OCTOBER 8th, 2018-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14th, 2018

Public Hearing on the Youth Vote Ballot Measure
Tuesday, October 9th, 2018 at the Brattleboro Municipal Center (230 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301) on the Second Floor in room 212. 6:15pm. Information and contact at www.brattleborocommonsense.org.
Expanding Membership in community organizations will come with the Youth Vote.  The Youth Vote is a learner's permit for full citizenship.  Youth will have the right to vote on local matters and to serve as school directors and town representatives.  By boosting  the Youth Vote, local activists prepare to invigorate their own organizations, and Brattleboro politics, with new energy.  The Youth of today are savvy and eager to engage local and global issues.  Representative Town Meeting and School Boards need the imagination and diversity of opinion that youth can bring.  We need all hands on deck.  We must inspire each other and rise to the challenge of active solidarity, and we must allow youth to make their voices heard. COME TO THE HEARING AND SPEAK. 

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Brattleboro Democracy Forum: Jump Start the Peaceful Revolution for Democracy
Wednesday, October 10th, 2018 at the River Garden (157 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301).  12pm-1pm. 
Things you can do for a new day of Democracy and Civil Rights. Woody Bernhard, host of the Brattleboro Democracy Forum, and organizer of the We Celebrate Democracy / Civil Rights For All main street banner, will share his inspirational song "I Pledge Allegiance" and his ideas about what we can do ourselves, right now, to begin the peaceful revolution and get back on track to a democracy which respects and includes all people. This is a continuation of Woody's 7/25 presentation by the same name. Please join the discussion.WE CELEBRATE DEMOCRACY/CIVIL RIGHTS FOR ALL, WCD/CRFA,  POB 6231, Brattleboro VT 05302 
positive nonviolent public action for democracy and equal civil rights for all people.

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Windham County Legislative Candidates’ Forum
sponsored by the Vermont Workers’ Center
Wednesday, October 10th, 2018 at the Centre Congregational Church (193 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). Open Mingle at 6:15pm. Forum runs from 7pm-9pm. Handicap accessible space (church parlor). Childcare and language interpretation are available upon request to [email protected] or 802-257-4436. 
Public forum on health care and human rights, with Windham County candidates for State Legislature. All Windham County candidates for State Legislature have been invited. This forum provides an opportunity to learn about the candidates’ views on healthcare and related issues of concern to people in Windham County and to ask questions of the candidates. Information on healthcare-related issues will be available. Doors will open at 6:15 for people to check out the information, talk informally, and enjoy light refreshments before the forum begins.

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Protest Vigil at TD Bank
sponsored by Post Oil Solutions
Friday, October 12th, 2018 (and every Friday) at TD Bank Brattleboro (215 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT). In front of the building. 12pm-1pm. Signs will be provided
TD is a major investor in Tar Sands. TD helps to fund the Dakota Access Pipeline. What You Can Do (besides attending the vigils): If you’re a TD depositor, change banks! 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 in this era of global warming and climate change to develop sustainable, resilient , collaborative, and socially just communities leading to a self- and community-sufficient post petroleum society.

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The Bi-Weekly Solidarity Vigil
sponsored by Post Oil Solutions
Friday, October 12th, 2018 at the Windham Hotel Corner (across from Flat Iron Café, Bellows Falls, VT). 1pm-2pm.  
A vigil of community, solidarity and diversity. We are one cause of peace, freedom & social justice for all living beings. Bring signs expressing your passion and concerns.

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Edible Brattleboro’s No-dig Garden-Prep Workshop: Win-Win-Win-Win-Win!
Saturday, October 13th, 2018, at the upper garden at Turning Point Garden (Corner of Elm and Frost St. Brattleboro, VT, 05301, near the pergola). 10:00am-12:30pm. Free and open to the public. 
Join Edible Brattleboro volunteers for this hands-on workshop (bring your garden gloves) where you will learn a process known as “Sheet Mulching” or “The Lasagna Method,” our favorite way to prepare new beds and create healthy living soil. Use this technique to create raised garden beds anywhere without digging up turf. This method is a Win-Win-Win-Win-Win and is perfect if you want to:
• restore and revitalize a natural soil ecosystem
• provide abundant soil fertility without commercial fertilizers
• build the soil carbon sponge that is resistant to drought and flooding
• improve plant health and resistance to garden pests
• minimize the need for weeding

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Share the Harvest
sponsored by Edible Brattleboro, A Project of Post Oil Solutions
Sunday, October 14th, 2018  at the Turning Point Garden (the corner of Elm Street and Frost Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 11am-1pm. Please bring your own bags.
Join Edible Brattleboro from 11am-1pm in our garden at Turning Point, on the corner of Elm and Frost Street (diagonally across from New England Youth Theatre) for free, locally grown veggies, herbs, and more. Please bring your own bags. All produce is free thanks to the generosity of local farmers and gardeners. We welcome donations from your garden. We also welcome donations of your time either on Saturdays or Sundays to keep the stand open through October.

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The Putney Huddle
Sunday, October 14th, 2018 at the Putney Public Library ( 55 Main Street, Putney, VT). 1:30pm-3:30pm.
The Putney Huddle is excited to welcome guest speakers from our local NAACP, candidate for state representative of District 1, Sara Coffey. Join us in a Local Love Brigade Post Card Action and hear the latest from our Southern Vermont Sister District.
Tentative Schedule 
1:15pm Early Bird Activity - Local Love Brigade postcards
1:30pm Introductions
1:35pm Huddle Announcements
1:40pm Senator Jeanette White 
1:50pm Nader Hashim introduces Sara Coffey and flipping district 1
2:30pm NAACP
3:10pm Group Announcements
3:15pm Sister District Postcards for Jenn Alford-Teaster

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Vermont Crime Victim Listening Forum
Monday, October 15th, 2018 at Brattleboro Union High School (113 Fairground Road, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 6pm-7:30pm.
The Center for Crime Victim Services is hosting a second series of forums around Vermont to provide an opportunity for all victims and survivors of crime, including business owners and family members, to share their experiences in the criminal justice system. Our goal is to ensure Vermont’s system is fair, accountable, and responsive to victim needs. Local stakeholders and service providers will be on hand to listen and provide support.
Can’t make the event? Feeling shy about public speaking? Your feedback is important and we still want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] We hope to see you there! 

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Local Canvasser Training for the VT Democratic Party
Saturday, October 20th, 2018 at the Village Square Booksellers (32 Square, Bellows Falls, VT 05101). 10am. Contact Rockingham Town Democratic Committee member Susan Still [email protected] to let her know you are coming.
The Rockingham Town Democratic Committee needs your help to identify our voters and encourage them to vote in the midterms on November 6th. Please sign up to be a local canvasser and attend a short training by a field organizer from the VT Democratic Party on Saturday, October 20 at 10 am at the Village Square Booksellers in Bellows Falls. This election is important in itself and is also a rehearsal for 2020! 
Following the training, you will select the neighborhood you want to canvass using voter lists provided. Teams of two volunteers will knock on doors in Saxtons River and Bellows Falls on that Saturday. You can continue on the following days as your schedule allows. We will share our information with the state Democratic Party so that we can build a strong statewide database. Help us increase voter awareness and turnout!

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Mother Up! Monthly Meet-Up
Monday October 22nd, 2018 at KidsPLAYce (20 Elliot St., Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 5:30pm-7:30pm. A 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].
Mother Up!: Families Rise Up for Climate Action 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. We'll continue on our theme of "adaptation." What does that word mean to you, and how does it relate to our changing climate?

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Climate Change Cafe: “Climate Change & Vermont’s Food System”
a project of Post Oil Solutions
Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018 at Brooks Memorial Library (224 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 6pm-8pm. Free. Light Refreshments Available. For more information please email [email protected].
The Climate Café is pleased to host an old friend, mentor, and ally of Post Oil Solutions, Dr. Vern Grubinger, to talk with us about Vermont’s food system in the time of climate change.
Vern has been working with and learning from farmers for over 30 years. He is the Vegetable and Berry Specialist and Extension Professor with the University of Vermont, and Director of USDA’s Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program (SARE). Vern has been involved in many projects aimed at climate change education, mitigation, and adaption for farmers. Prior to a group discussion he will show slides summarizing: food systems thinking; the science of climate change, agriculture and greenhouse gases; climate change communication challenges; and practical steps for farmers and ‘consumers’ to take to address climate change.

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Meet the Candidates: Candidate Forum for Windham-1 State Representative
hosted by the Broad Brook Grange
Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018 at the Guilford Central School (  School Street, Guilford, VT, 05301) in the Cafeteria. 7pm-8:30pm.
Featuring candidates Sarah Coffey (D) and Patrick Gilligan (R). Moderated by Rick Zamore. Refreshments will be served. 

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Two Workshops with Sherri Mitchell, Indigenous Rights and Environmental Justice Activist
sponsored by Post Oil Solutions
Healing Our Collective Trauma and Reconnecting with Our Spiritual Source + Healing Our Divisions and Biases and Unifying Our Movements
Saturday, October 27th, 2018 - Sunday, October 28th, 2018 at the Winston Prouty Campus (209 Austine Drive, Brattleboro, VT, 05301) in Croker Hall on the 4th Floor. 9am-5pm. Handicapped accessible. Updated location/instructions to follow closer to event. We will only accommodate the first 50 people that register, with a wait list beyond. The minimum participants are 20; we will cancel if we get less than this, and reimburse registrants accordingly. People are encouraged to bring a bag lunch and snacks for themselves, or to share. Registration: $125.00. Write & Mail Check to Post Oil Solutions, P. O. Box 431, Townshend, VT  05353, (note “Sherri Mitchell”  in memo line). Please include e-mail address and phone number.
Healing Our Collective Trauma and Reconnecting with Our Spiritual Source
Description: This one-day workshop will take participants on a journey into Native American mythology and cosmology, as a means of healing our collective wounds and reconnecting with spiritual source. We have all been impacted by histories of violence. The oppressed, the oppressor, and the witness alike bear the wounds of our collective past. Together, we will look at the psychic and spiritual wounds that we all share and learn how we can untangle their hold on our hearts and minds. Participants will be asked to look at the history that led to this traumatization and explore how it continues to impact their lives. We will also learn how to hold sacred space for one another while our trauma is present. In this process, we will learn that there is a safe space for us to occupy together, whole and intact. Then, we can begin the process of healing our divisions, so that we can go back and claim a new future for all living beings.
Healing Our Divisions and Biases and Unifying Our Movements
Description: This one-day workshop provides participants with an opportunity to look at the divisions and biases, including hidden biases, that have been built into our societies and ideologies. We will look at the divisions created by our shared history, the biases informed by that history, and the ways that they prevent us from joining our movements. We will learn how to find interest convergence points that enable us to work with one another across these divisions, and how to manage the intersectionality of the emerging movement of movements. 
REFUND POLICY FOR PARTICIPANT CANCELLATION: People can get a refund of the full price if they cancel 10 days prior to the event; after that they can get 50% up to 5 days before the event. If they fail to cancel before that time they will get a 25% refund up to 48 hours before the event and no refund within 48 hours. 

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RESOURCE FOR WeCAN: Rapid Response Text Alert System
When WeCAN began Song & Solidarity set up a Rapid Response Text Alert System for WeCAN Groups. Directions for signing up are on WeCAN's website, here: https://www.wecantogether.net/rapid_response We were reminded of the Rapid Response text alerts system as President Trump moves towards firing Mueller. In the event Mueller is fired, MoveOn is planning a nation-wide simultaneous protest. The trick will be to get the word out fast if/when the time comes. We are grateful to Song and Solidarity for providing this service.

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STANDING REGULAR MEETINGS

Lost River Racial Justice, Black Lives Matter-South, and People Of Color Caucus Regular Meeting
Reoccurring racial justice organizing meetings every 2nd Monday at The Root Social Justice Center (The Whetstone Studio of the Arts, 28 Williams Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301) on the First Floor. 6pm-8pm. Childcare provided. Fragrance & nut free space.  

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Youth 4 Change
Meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month from 5:30pm-8pm. 
For more information please contact Youth 4 Change at [email protected].
Agenda:
5:30pm: Drop in homework time and art making
6:00pm: Food
6:30pm: Meeting and Organizing
Youth 4 Change is for local-area youth 12-22 interested in political organizing around local/state/national social justice issues that are important to them. Brattleboro area advocates and educators are holding a space, and assisting youth in building a strong personal tool kit to organize for change.  Using a variety of creative methods, we aim to enable youth with tools for resilience, courage and compassion, while fostering their ability to speak up about issues that matter to them, and to take action in the name of love and liberation for all people.  Come explore issues of racial, economic and gender justice through art, movement, first-hand accounts and contemplative practices. Connect with area youth around the issues that matter to you and strengthen your tool kit for action! 

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Alternatives to Suicide 
Every Wednesday, 6pm-7:30pm at the Hive Space (24 Flat St, Suite 202, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). Second Floor, up one flight of stairs.
Alternatives to Suicide is a mutual support group open to anyone who has experienced thoughts of suicide. The group is guided by a charter of values provided by the Western Mass Recovery Learning Community. The group is non-clinical and does not link suicide with illness.  Participants are free to talk about and find meaning in their experiences in/on their own terms. 

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ONGOING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING 

Indigo Radio
Sundays at 12pm on Brattleboro Community Radio 107.7FM
To stream live: Visit www.wvew.org 
Indigo Radio, deepening understanding and making connections! IndigoRadio is a group of area educators seeking to learn through engaging with others in our community and throughout the world. We will be talking about educational and social issues both globally and locally and connecting them to our lives and Brattleboro community. Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indigoradiowvew/. For archive recordings of past shows: https://soundcloud.com/user-654648353.

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Be well, friends, and we look forward to your presence and ideas at a meeting in the near future. 

Joanna and Leslie 

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