Windham County Action Network (WeCAN)

"I'm voting to elect leaders who will work for the people to end systemic racism. The time is over for career politicians who no longer have the best interest of our country at heart. I'm voting for change so that Breonna's death is not in vain."
Tamika Palmer, Mother of Breonna Taylor
in an interview with Marie Claire

     For so many of us, dear WeCAN community member, this week has been a goalpost in the distant future. The path to it has been littered with road blocks and unspeakable heartbreak for so many. We are here, though, at a crossroads of our shared path; this election is the best chance 'We the People' have to change the course of our nation in a substantial way since Trump took office. If you haven't voted yet, please bring your absentee ballot TO YOUR TOWN CLERK'S OFFICE ON MONDAY OR BRING IT TO YOUR POLLING PLACE ON TUESDAY. Your community sincerely thanks you for all of your efforts, large and small, that have helped us to prepare for this week. We got here together and we will go forward, together. 
     As many of us have already voted, you may be at a loss as to what to do Tuesday (and beyond) while we await the results. Here are some suggestions that may be helpful:

Prepare Beforehand
Try to limit the number of stressful things you have to do on Election Day if you are already feeling overwhelmed. Having comfort-food meals prepared or planned out beforehand is a small thing that can go a long way towards helping you feel more comfortable (consider stopping by Everyone Eats! in Brattleboro to pick up a free dinner for yourself and your family, too!) Tidy up the room where you'll be relaxing before Tuesday so that you can feel calm and undisturbed in your space. Do stressful errands on Monday if you are able and don't forget to ask for help if you need it! 

Make It a Movie Night
Forgo the election coverage stress altogether and have yourself a movie marathon, complete with leftover Halloween candy and popcorn. Enlist friends and family to watch along with you via a Watch Party app or watch it with them old-school: put each other on speaker phone, pressing play simultaneously on your devices to sync your audio. Set a theme, watch old favorites, or binge something new: there's no wrong way to do a movie night. 

Make a Plan to Continue Your Activism
No matter who wins on Tuesday, our nation is in desperate need of caring activists like you. Contemplate these questions: Where has your activism taken you in the past? Did you enjoy it? Where are you currently putting your energy? Is it short term or long term activism? Where do you see your activism taking you in 3 months? 1 year? 5 years? Activism is more fun with friends: how can you encourage one person in your circle to engage in activism with you? 

Be Mindful of the Amount of Network News and Social Media You Consume on Election Night
Keep in mind that by the time Election Day has rolled around and you’ve cast your vote, you can’t do anything else to change the course of the election. No amount of refreshing your news or social feed will alter the end result. So, give yourself permission to relax just a tick. Take breaks early and often and don't forget to hydrate. Resist the temptation to doomscroll (consuming endless negative news). Instead, pick a positive theme (ie liking your friends' "I Voted" sticker selfies or sending encouraging words to those still waiting in line to vote) and send your energy there. 

Talk It Out
No matter what happens this week, your mental health is crucial and shouldn't be ignored. Chat with family and friends if that feels appropriate. If you need to chat with a trained individual, Vermont has a few options:
Text “VT” to 741741 to speak with a trained Counselor
PathwaysVermont Support Line (833) VT-TALKS / (833) 888-2557 or text (833) 888-2557
Peer-operated Youth Hotline (877) YOUTHLINE or (877) 968-8454 (3pm-9pm Eastern)
Veterans Suicide Prevention Line (800) 273-8255, #1
National Hopeline Network (800) 442-HOPE or (800) 442-4673

HAPPENING TODAY, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1st, 2020

Democracy Defenders Weekly Call
hosted by Rights & Democracy VT and Rights & Democracy NH
Sunday, November 1st, 2020, Online. 5pm-6:30pm.
RSVP: secure.everyaction.com/OoJE3Y_ERE66je2HMghAUQ2
Over the past few months, Rights & Democracy has been hard at work getting out the vote for the upcoming November elections. Following the first presidential debate and Trump’s concerning attempts to undermine confidence in our electoral process, we are redoubling our efforts to ensure a fair election and preparing to respond to any post-election threats to our democracy. If we want to be prepared for every scenario and defend our democracy, we must act NOW.
Please join us for our weekly Democracy Defenders call every Sunday until the election. We will strategize how to get out the vote, recruit volunteers and poll workers for Election Day, and take collective action after the election to protect our democracy and start healing our country. While we hope to celebrate victory on November 4th, these months of extreme uncertainty have taught us that our best course of action is to be united and prepared. We hope you be with us for these important planning calls.
To receive Zoom call info, please follow the links to RSVP: 
Sunday, November 1: https://secure.everyaction.com/5VrkvOg1n0evQCpfrlXviA2

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HAPPENING THIS WEEK, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2nd, 2020-SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8th, 2020

HONK AND WAVE for DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES EMILIE KORNHEISER, BECCA BALINT, TRISTAN TOLENO, and MOLLIE BURKE: TWO TIMES TO CHOOSE FROM!
Monday, November 2nd, 2020 at the Creamery Bridge (500 Western Ave, Brattleboro, VT 05301). 8am-9am AND 4:30pm-5:30pm. Masks are required and COVID 19 precautions apply. 
Join your candidates for a Honk and Wave during peak commuting hours the day before the election! Please bring signs if you have them.


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Everyone Eats! EXTENDED THROUGH DECEMBER 11th, 2020!!
Monday, November 2nd, 2020-Thursday, November 5th, 2020 at the C.F Building (80 Flat Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 4pm-6pm. Masks required. PLEASE DO NOT ARRIVE EARLY. You can pick up meals for up to three households including your own. If you have any questions visit https://www.brattleboro.com/everyoneeats/ or contact Frances Huntley [email protected]. Organizational ordering information is listed under our Free and Nutritious Food in Windham County section further along in this email. 
Everyone Eats! is a program which will distribute meals from Brattleboro restaurants to anyone in need who lives in Brattleboro, Dummerston, Guilford, Putney, or Vernon, free of charge, through December 11th. There will be 850+ meals/day available Monday through Thursday to serve our community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pick up for individuals will be at the C.F. Church Building at 80 Flat St in Brattleboro and group/institution orders can be picked up at Mama Sezz in West Brattleboro. All meals are available Monday-Thursday between 4pm and 6pm until supplies run out.
If you have extra produce from your garden, there will be a wheelbarrow you can drop it off in on your way out of the pickup site. Participating restaurants will use the donated produce in making more meals.
The meals are free, but if you would like to make a monetary contribution to help make more meals possible for others, it will be gratefully received. The base cost of each meal is $10 but any amount will be appreciated.
Each restaurant will contribute meals two or more days a week. You will receive one individually packaged cold ready-to-eat or heat & serve dinner for each person you request a meal for. Meals will be distributed cold, so if you are driving a distance, delivering to other households, or distributing through your organization, consider bringing a cooler if you can.

Everyone Eats! Info From Putney Mutual Aid
Have you taken advantage of Everyone Eats? Here's how Putney folks can participate:
1. CURBSIDE PICKUP IN PUTNEY!!! We will be distributing meals in Putney for curbside pickup on Monday evening. Pick up at the Putney Community Center from 5-5:45. First come, first served. No need for advance reservations. (Be sure to drive up in your car and wait for instructions. We will bring the food to you.)
2. DELIVERY IN PUTNEY!!! Putney Mutual Aid volunteers can deliver a meal to you on Monday evenings -- PM us, comment here or email [email protected] to make arrangements
3. CURBSIDE PICKUP IN BRATT!! You can journey into Brattleboro (Mon-Thurs, 4-6) to pick up a meal. The program runs through mid-December. (more info in the link below).
4. VOLUNTEER!!! If you are interested in helping with delivery of meals as a volunteer with Putney Mutual Aid, contact us! Comment below, PM or [email protected].
Just a reminder... this program is meant to be an economic stimulus as well as an innovative way to address food security. Please feel free to participate and grab a meal! It helps our local restaurants and gives us all delicious food. Putney Food Shelf https://www.brattleboro.com/everyoneeats/.

Marlboro Community Food Share
hosted by the Marlboro Community Center
Thursday, November 5th, 2020, and every Thursday, at the Marlboro Community Center (524 South Road, Marlboro, VT, 05344). 4:30pm-5:30pm.
Every Thursday from 4:30pm-5:30pm the Marlboro Community Center invites you to fill a grocery bag with non-perishables and fresh local produce. No registration or eligibility required. This weekly opportunity is available for anyone who could use an extra bag of groceries or knows someone who does.
Food will be set up in the entry-way to the Marlboro Community Center. For proper social distancing, please enter one person at a time. Bring a grocery bag or use ours. Masks are required. Deliveries will be made through Marlboro Cares for those needing assistance. Please call Marlboro Cares at 258-3030 in advance to arrange a delivery.
To donate food:
Leave non-perishable food in the donation box at the Marlboro Post Office. It will be collected on a weekly-basis. (Please note that this box previously supplied the Deerfield Valley Food Pantry, which is now distributing food exclusively from VT Food Pantry) 
Gardeners and farmers are welcome to donate produce. Wear masks and wash hands when harvesting and handling food. Fresh produce can be dropped off at the Community Center on Thursday between 1pm and 4pm. (Any leftover produce will be taken to FoodWorks the following morning)

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Guilford Cares Food Pantry
Thursday, November 5th, 2020 (and every Thursday) at Broad Brook Community Center (3490 Guilford Center Road, Guilford, VT, 05301). 5pm-6pm.  If you have questions, concerns or would like to donate groceries or monetary gifts please contact Pat Haine 802-257-0626. For additional questions or more information call 802 579 1350 or email [email protected].
The Guilford Cares Food Pantry will continue to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure food security for all our citizens and vulnerable populations. They are well stocked with the staples you need for your family and are following viral guidelines to limit risk.
They ask that shoppers to remain in their car. A volunteer will greet you and give you a "shopping list" for you to  mark with the items you would like. Another volunteer will fill your bag  and bring it to porch where you will be asked to pick it up. Please  bring a bag for the items and a pen to fill out the shopping list. If you have questions, concerns or would like to donate groceries or monetary gifts please contact Pat Haine 257-0626
If you cannot come to the Pantry due to illness or high risk, you can call also call Pat to arrange for food delivery by a volunteer.
We know that supplemental food can make such a big difference in one's budget. That is why we are stocking our shelves for our neighbors. All are welcome to come and take home fresh produce, staples, meat, dairy.
Guilford Cares welcomes anyone in need of supplemental food for themselves or their families.

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2020 Election Review and Discussion: Part of the Brattleboro Democracy Forum
Thursday, November 5th, 2020, Online. 6:30pm.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81692912426?pwd=NVNtVm5WdnYyUFpvMXEzZENXckpwdz09
Regular speakers at the Democracy Forum and a few guests will act as a panel to make initial comments and assessments about the November 3rd election and its immediate aftermath. Following brief remarks all participants will be invited to join in a general discussion. 
As we know, anything can happen between November 3rd and November 5th from a Trump coup d’etat to a Biden landslide. The tension we feel as we approach November 3rd will continue at a fever pitch. Let’s take an opportunity on the evening of November 5th to talk through the circumstances we will be facing. Please join in this important community dialogue.
To join the Zoom Meeting copy this link into your search bar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81692912426?pwd=NVNtVm5WdnYyUFpvMXEzZENXckpwdz09
Meeting ID: 816 9291 2426
Passcode: 156661
 +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)

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Art for Social Change
sponsored by The Root Social Justice Center, River Gallery School and In-Sight Photography Project
Friday, November 6th, 2020 (and every Friday) at the River Gallery School (32 Main St #201, Brattleboro, VT 05301). 1pm-4pm. Masks are required. Drop-ins are welcome, come by and make some art on Fridays and help spread messages of transformation, unity and justice all over the town of Brattleboro. 6 person maximum in studios. For more information: Jess Weitz, [email protected].
River Gallery School is offering a free open art studio at 32 Main street on Fridays from 1-4pm for people to use printmaking, drawing, and painting to create art around issues of the pandemic,
social and racial justice, the 2020 election, and the climate crisis.
All materials available for free.
In addition, River Gallery School will have an art table at the
Solidarity Friday rallies in Pliny Park for art and sign making from 5pm-6:30pm.
Paste ups will be put up in town October 15 thru November 15, 2020.

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Solidarity Fridays: Our Struggles Are Connected
organized by Brattleboro Solidarity, The Root Justice Center, Tenants Union of Brattleboro, Lost River Racial Justice, and 350 Brattleboro
Friday, November 6th, 2020 (and all Fridays) at Pliny Park (the corner of High Street and Main Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 5pm-6:30pm. Masks are required. 
Weekly protest at Pliny Park focusing on a variety of current local and national issues. Bring your signs, banners, chalk & noise makers to Pliny Park and rally for the world we want.
(This week we will make signs in yellow and black to promote consistency and solidarity among our coalition).
This week, we make connections between the struggles of the people on a global scale. From the annexation of land and occupation of Palestine, to brutal weaponized tactics of Federal agents against Portland protesters, to the systemic racism rampant across the world, and to local efforts toward examining police brutality and safety in Brattleboro, in the diversity of our struggles we are all united!
Show Up! Participate! Discuss!
For the safety of ourselves and others, masks are REQUIRED at Pliny Park! We will have extra masks to pass out to those without one. Hand sanitizer will also be available.
This week, consider bringing a donation for Groundworks Collaborative! See their wishlist below!
-Deodorant
-Disposable Razors
-Umbrellas
-Mens belts
-Notebooks and pens
-Playing cards and classic board games like chess
-Benadryl
-Sunblock
-Bugspray

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Weekly Community Conversation with State Representative Emilie Kornheiser
Saturday, November 7th, 2020 (and every Saturday), Online. 10am-11am.
Join me to talk about what matters for our community and the type of government that will represent you and your needs
Open conversation format-- come for the full hour or just stop by for a few minutes.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85066825128...
Meeting ID: 850 6682 5128
Passcode: WestB
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,85066825128#,,,,,,0#,,270507# US
Dial by your location
+1 301 715 8592 US
Meeting ID: 850 6682 5128
Passcode: 270507 

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Ordinary Heroes: Presented by Theatre Adventure
sponsored by Green River, the Shapiro Family Fund, and Community Bank, N.A.
Wednesday, November 11th, 2020
Thursday, November 12th, 2020 at 10:30am and
Friday, November 13th, 2020 at 7pm.
Tickets: $10, available online at https://www.theatreadventure.org/tickets.  A show invitation with instructions for how to attend the online performance will be emailed to you one week prior to the performance. For more information, contact a Director: Laura Lawson Tucker, or Darlene Jenson at [email protected] or (802) 387-0765. ASL interpreting is provided.
We are resilient; we’ve beat the odds before. Just your ordinary heroes, we keep coming back for more. Come join us! Inclusive theatre is alive and well in Southern Vermont, albeit online. Virtual? Absolutely not! Come be part of a very real and energetic inclusive theatrical experience!
Join us online for our fall production, Ordinary Heroes. Meet our inclusive theater troupe of twenty actors and witness their glorious talent and dreams. The inclusive Theatre Adventure Thursday Troupe will present radiant style and a passion for performance during their original online production, Ordinary Heroes on Nov 11th, 12th, and 13th. The actors will command their new online performing space with great flair. They will express their inner strengths and capacities to face adversity and challenges with courage and belief in self. The performers are not defined by their disabilities. Rather, the actors’ honesty creates brave and innovative theater.
Original songs written for the Troupe by Rich Nethercott will highlight our actors who have faced the pandemic with fortitude, originality, and tenacity. What was originally a spring 2020 production titled, Resilient has been reimagined to showcase the actors as ordinary heroes.
Rich, also a talented guitarist and singer will be joined by Cathy Martin, an accomplished pianist and singer. The audience will love the magnificent outfits created by our costumer Lori Angell, who has refashioned them for our new online performing windows.
Theatre Adventure productions are developed in collaboration with the actors. During a “workshopping” method of exploration, the actors share their own words and stories, which then become the heart of the production. The actors’ artistry and individuality inform this work. People of all abilities are welcome in the audiences of Theatre Adventure performances.Theatre Adventure actors inspire new thinking about differences while building a spirit of connection and acceptance in our community.

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Queer Voices in the Climate Movement
Tuesday, November 17th, 2020, 2020, Online. 7pm.
Register here: https://actionnetwork.org/forms/were-heading-for-extinction-and-what-to-do-about-it-3/. This event will be a queer-focused discussion on the climate crisis and climate activism, but is open to everyone. Please invite any queer or non-queer friends you think may be interested. 
Join us for an online presentation and discussion about queer representation and action in the climate movement. 
• History of LGBT+ social movements: How has the queer community had to come together to effect change in the past?
• Recent climate science: Where do we stand today? What is the reality of our current projections? How does this affect the queer community?
• Climate action: What can we do about it? How do our personal choices and our activism make a difference? What is non-violent direct action (NVDA)?
• Climate, Racial, and Social Justice: What is Climate Justice and how does it relate to racial and social justice? How can we support the intersectionalities of climate justice?

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The Legacy of Nicholas Black Elk
hosted by Vermont Humanities Council and Brooks Memorial Library
Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020, Online. 7pm-8pm.
Tickets can be accessed here: https://www.vermonthumanities.org/event/the-legacy-of-nicholas-black-elk-2/.
Historian Damian Costello explores the life of the man behind the famous book Black Elk Speaks. Nicholas Black Elk’s Lakota philosophy can help us see the natural world as a unified whole, and his continued hope amidst great tragedy can inform how we approach contemporary crises.
Damian Costello is a historian and the author of Black Elk: Colonialism and Lakota Catholicism.
This is a free, digital event. Please use the link to register and find additional resources for this session.
Series Underwriter: Chroma Technology Corp.
Statewide Underwriters: Vermont Department of Libraries & Institute of Museum and Library Services

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Red Cross Blood Drive at NECCA
Monday, December 21st, 2020 at NECCA (10 Town Crier Drive, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 12:30pm-5pm.
Give the gift of life! It's easy and so worth while. There are lots of protocols in place to make sure it's very safe with limited appointments, required masks, and on-site temperature checks. Find more info and schedule a time here: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/donation-time 

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COMMUNITY SUPPORT OPPORTUNITIES

LGTBQIA+ Resources via Out in the Open

Out in the Open is offering a lot of resources & virtual spaces for rural LGBTQ folks in this time, friends. The full list and calendar is on our website here. We have a Community Care Offers & Asks list, and a list of Rural New England Mutual Aid opportunities, with specific resource links for LGBTQ and QTPOC folks. Out in the Open also has a Slack channel for rural LGBTQ folks to share resources and connect outside of social media. Email [email protected] for more information.

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SURVEY: RESIDENTIAL AND BUSINESS INTERNET SURVEY FROM THE STATE OF VERMONT
The Vermont Department of Public Service is asking Vermont residents to complete this survey to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected your usage of and need for telecommunications services for telehealth, telework, and remote learning. You can find the survey here:
https://publicservice.vermont.gov/content/residential-and-business-internet-surveys-and-speed-test

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For MASK information, please see our permanent resource here: https://www.wecantogether.net/masks

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Online Religious Services

All Souls U.U. Sunday Services
Sunday Mornings at 10am. 
To get the current information on an upcoming service or vespers check the All Souls web page at www.ascvt.org.

COVID 19 RESOURCES: VERMONT

Money for Past-Due Rent in Vermont During the COVID-19 Crisis
If you need help paying your rent and you have a very low income, call 211. Otherwise, contact your landlord and apply together for the Rental Housing Stabilization Program.
For help with past-due rent, Vermonters should apply for the Rental Housing Stabilization Program through the Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA). VSHA is accepting applications from landlords and tenants, and paying landlords directly to bring the tenant’s rent account current.
The program pays up to the VSHA payment standards. If the landlord wants payment, the landlord must agree to waive rent amounts in excess of the payment standard for all the months paid for. 
When the landlord accepts the money they have to promise to: 

• drop any eviction 
• not start a new eviction for the same number of months (up to six months) in the future as the money pays for
• not raise the rent before January 1, 2021, or the end of your lease term — whichever is later, and 
• make sure the unit is up to code in 30 days.

Important: VSHA has to have applications from both the landlord and the tenant. You should talk to your landlord and agree on the amount you owe. Make sure that amount is on both applications. Apply for this rent help on the VSHA website. If you need help with your landlord, an eviction, or applying for the rent help, contact us at Vermont Legal Aid.

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Statewide Mutual Aid
organized by Brenda for Vermont
Localized Mutual Aid has been organized in Brattleboro and Putney and hyper local neighborhoods in Marlboro.  If your community does not have mutual aid or you can't find it, please sign up to volunteer or if you are in need of help.  All of us will likely be on the side of being able to help and needing help at times.  Please don't hesitate to ask for help.
Sign up here if you would like to help your neighbors or are in need of help:https://www.brendaforvermont.com/cms/help-your-neighbor/
The links below will take you directly to the mutual aid forms. 
To Volunteer: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfkRnbDKtNX_SacVaHWPyIAnsSXDGLsDMZE8vys25nzTgUo5A/viewform
If You Need Help: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfw7gg12KNq6n4s7SDUxf1ghMx-0MD3S0RCWQtxqmPTJQI8QA/viewform

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A Message to Vermonters from Senator Bernie Sanders

As a member of the United States Senate, I want to make sure that the citizens of Vermont receive all of the federal benefits and help to which they are entitled. Although I cannot guarantee a particular outcome, I want you to know that my staff and I will do our best to respond to your concerns.
To contact Senator Sanders with a question, concern or comment please use this link: https://www.sanders.senate.gov/services/casework/.
If you want to contact me about your views and concerns regarding legislation and other issues important to you please use the COMMENTS FORM
If this is an emergency, please call: 802-862-0697 (Out-of-State 800-339-9834).
Note: We are currently experiencing a high volume of inquiries. As we do our utmost to assist vulnerable Vermonters, please only complete the form above if you are requesting assistance. Go to General Comments to leave comments and opinions.

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Social Justice Resources

ROOT SOCIAL JUSTICE CENTER MUTUAL AID & SUPPORTIVE NETWORK
The Root Social Justice Center is collecting a list of contacts and resources to help support and assist with the needs of their Root community members. Join if you are in need or are able to help.

RURAL RACIAL JUSTICE ORGANIZING STUDY GROUP TOOLKIT FROM LOST RIVER RACIAL JUSTICE AND OUT IN THE OPEN
     Exciting new resource available to rural communities and beyond who are fighting for racial justice. Lost River Racial Justice and Out in the Open have put together this Rural Racial Justice Organizing Study Group Toolkit to support communities in running their own study groups.
Find the full toolkit on our website here: weareoutintheopen.org/zines--toolkits, link to PDF HERE.
     This toolkit was crafted and created in 2018 and revised after our 2019 Rural Racial Justice Organizing Study Group. The toolkit was created as an act of love by many individuals within our community and in collaboration with The Root Social Justice Center.
    We are releasing this resource now, in early Fall 2020, after years in the making, fueled from the global uprisings for Black Lives Matter and a global pandemic raging across the globe, which disproportionately impacts Black and Brown people. We continue to mourn the murders of Black trans folks, cis Black women, and cis Black men. We build on the collective outrage, and inspiration of global uprisings for Black Lives with the release of this toolkit to support continued organizing in rural communities and all communities.
     This is the long haul work. This Toolkit and Study Group are intended to take time and intention. In a moment where there is the call to action, for white people to do work in dismantling white supremacy, this Toolkit allows a framework for deep learning, conversation, and commitment to engage in rural racial justice work for the long haul, not just in a specific moment.
     We are sharing this widely as an invitation to use this toolkit as a framework and guideline for supporting the development organizing and continued education opportunities within your rural communities.

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FREE HEALTHY AND NUTRITIOUS FOOD IN WINDHAM COUNTY

Brigid’s Kitchen, St. Michael’s Church, 47 Walnut Street, Brattleboro 802-254-6800 or 802-558-6072 
Grab-and-go lunches and fruit/nuts on Mon, Weds, Thus, and Sat, 11:30am-12:20pm.

Loaves and Fishes, Centre Congregational Church 193 Main Street, Brattleboro (802) 254-4730
Grab-and-go lunches on Tuesdays and Fridays at 12pm.

VT Foodbank and Veggie Van Go will be at Brattleboro Union High School (Fairground Ave, Brattleboro, VT, 05301), in the parking lot, on the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month, from 10am-11:30am. Drive up, touchless pickup. Walkers welcome, too. Call VT 211 for more information. 

Foodworks, the food shelf program of the Groundworks Collaborative https://groundworksvt.org (802) 490-2412, [email protected] 
Households in need of food are asked to call or email to coordinate delivery. There is an urgent need for volunteers, and Foodworks has set up protocols to keep staff, volunteers, and clients as safe as possible. Please email us at [email protected] if you are able to help.

Guilford Food Pantry 
Every Thursday at the BBCC (3940 Guilford Center Road, Guilford, VT, 05301). 5pm-6pm.
We know that supplemental food can make such a big difference in one's budget. That is why we are stocking our shelves for our neighbors. All are welcome to come and take home fresh produce, staples, meat, dairy. Guilford Cares welcomes anyone in need of supplemental food for themselves or their families.

NEW: “Everyone Eats!” Food Relief Program Information
If you have questions, contact Frances Huntley at [email protected]
What is this? Everyone Eats!, a food relief pilot program in Brattleboro, leverages federal relief funds to engage local restaurants in making to-go meals for anyone in Brattleboro, Guilford, Vernon, Dummerston, or Putney whose food security has been challenged by the COVID-19 crisis due to unemployment, underemployment, homelessness, and other financial challenges. With eight Brattleboro restaurants, Monday through Thursday, through December 11th, 2020.
When? Monday – Thursday 4pm-6pm
Where?  Individuals/households will be able to pick up meals in the parking lot of the Church Building on Flat Street on a first-come-first-served basis. Organizations will be able to pick up pre-ordered meals at Mama Sezz in West Brattleboro.
Who is eligible? Anyone whose food security has been challenged by the COVID-19 crisis due to unemployment, underemployment, homelessness, and other challenges to well-being who would get relief from receiving meals may participate.
For Individuals
When and where can I receive meals? Meal distribution for individuals is first-come-first-served. Pickup is from 4-6pm on weekdays Monday through Thursday in downtown Brattleboro (location TBA).
Is it free? All who would benefit from a meal are welcome to participate.
Can I give something back to help the program? There is no obligation to pay it back or forward. If what you have to offer in return is your thanks, that’s enough. But if you can share veggies from your garden, there will be a drop-off location on site for bagged or boxed contributions; as much as possible will be used in future meals. And if you would like to make a monetary contribution to help make more meals possible for others, it will be gratefully received. The base cost of each meal is $10 but any amount will be appreciated. Touch-free options for donation include Venmo, Paypal, mailing a check, or providing a donation at the time of pickup.
What will I receive? You will receive one individually packaged cold ready-to-eat or heat & serve dinner for each person you request a meal for.
Do you have vegetarian or vegan/GF options? Yes, you will request your meal choice at the time of pickup.
Is there a limit to how many meals I can get? You can request one meal per person per day for each person in your household. Please note that there is a limit to how many meals will be produced each day. We hope to serve everyone who makes a request but we cannot guarantee it. Meals will be first-come-first-served.
Can I pick up meals for another household? Yes, you can pick up meals for up to three households including your own.
Will my meals be hot or cold? Meals will be distributed cold, so if you are driving a distance, delivering to other households, or distributing through your organization, consider bringing a cooler if you can.
For Organizations
As a representative of an organization, can I request meals on behalf of my clients? Yes. We invite organizations to do bulk pickups for distribution to those they serve.
Is there a limit to how many meals I can pick up? No, but you will need to reserve meals in advance each week using this form.
What will I receive? You will receive individually packaged COLD ready-to-eat or heat & serve dinners for each person you are willing to distribute a meal to.
What options are available? You will choose how many of each type of meal (omnivore, vegetarian, vegan/GF) and which days you will pick up meals for distribution.
Who will be making the food? These meals are being made by independently-owned local restaurants.
Will I need to pick up our meals, or will you deliver to my location? You will need to pick up your requested meals and distribute them to your clients. We cannot deliver them to you.
When and where do I pick up my meals? Pickup for organizations is from 4pm-6pm on weekdays Monday through Thursday in West Brattleboro at Mama Sezz, 127 Marlboro Rd.
How do I request meals for bulk pickup? Organizations must submit their request forms two weeks before the first distribution week and one week before the second, third, and fourth distribution weeks. To get more information about participating and request a form for the first week, contact Frances Huntley at [email protected].
Will I receive a confirmation? After your meal request form is received, you will receive an automated email via Google Forms.
When do you need my form by? Meal request forms must be submitted by the Thursday prior to the week they are for (except for the first week, which must be submitted two weeks prior). You will need to submit a new form each week. If you have already received meals in a prior week, you will receive an email reminder for later weeks.

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Food Discount Programs

Food Resources at Brattleboro Food Coop 
Our Shareholder Assistance Grant supports community members who could not otherwise afford to be a Shareholder at the Co-op. It covers $60 of the $80 cost of a Brattleboro Co-op Share. By joining the Co-op and paying the remaining $20 over the course of a year, a community member can enjoy all the benefits of being a Co-op Shareholder and qualify for our 10% Food for All discount. https://www.brattleborofoodcoop.coop/join/become-a-shareholder/shareholder-assistance-grant/

Food for All is our needs-based discount program. It gives eligible Shareholders a 10% discount on all food at the Co-op, with a few exceptions (such as alcohol). Food for All can apply to anyone that fits the criteria - WIC, 3 Squares Vermont, SSI, EBT, referral letter from a local organization. https://www.brattleborofoodcoop.coop/shop/food-for-all-program/ 

Contact the Shareholder Services department at the Brattleboro Food Co-op for assistance at 802-246-2821 or [email protected]

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Vermont WIC is Responding to Covid 19
We are moving to phone appointments to align with social distancing efforts. If you have opted in to email and text notifications, you will receive important program updates, including information about local office hours and changes in operations. Our website will be kept up-to-date as well. Contact your local office with any questions about breastfeeding, nutrition or shopping. Call 1-800-649-4357 or email [email protected] with any questions about WIC nutrition services and enrollment.

P-EBT (Pandemic EBT) is Available in VT
Many families in Vermont were notified that they would be receiving a food benefit called Pandemic EBT (or P-EBT). P-EBT is loaded on a card and can be used to purchase the groceries at many grocers and farmers markets. If you have school-aged kids, contact your school district to apply for free school meals. If approved, you'll automatically receive P-EBT. 
If you’ve already received P-EBT and also participate in WIC, use your WIC benefits first, as WIC benefits do not rollover month-to-month. dcf.vermont.gov/press-releases/P-EBT

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Business Grants Available

SEVCA Microbusiness Grants Available
Grants are available for microbusinesses impacted by COVID19. Eligible business owners may apply for grant up to $5000 through the EMBRACE micro business direct grant program. More information is available at  https://sevca.org/economic-development/micro-business-development, or you may contact Denise Mason, Director of Economic Development, [email protected] or 800-464-9951.

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ADDITIONAL COVID 19 RESOURCES CAN BE FOUND AT THEIR PERMANENT HOME ON OUR WEBSITE, HERE: https://www.wecantogether.net/covid19_resources

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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 are grateful to Song and Solidarity for providing this service.

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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. 

     May this week bring us all the good news we hope for, Friends. 

Your Friendly WeCAN Admins,
Joanna and Sam