Windham County Action Network (WeCAN)

The FCC has voted to end Net Neutrality, but it's not over yet. Here’s what you can do to fight back this week.

Call Congress

You can use this script to get you started: “Hi. My name is (name) and I’m calling from (your location). Now that the FCC has rolled back Net Neutrality rules, I’m calling to ask you to commit to introducing and/or co-sponsoring legislation which would enshrine Net Neutrality into law. Consumers need protection from potentially deceptive or harmful practices from service providers. Additionally, enshrining the policy into law would help ensure the internet is “unfettered by Federal or State Regulation”- a wish specified by Congress in 1996. The FCC’s current oversight over regulation shows partisan practices toward the internet and should not continue. Thank you and have a great day.”

Call Your State’s Attorneys General 

You can use this script to get you started: “Hi. My name is (name) and I’m calling from (your location). I am calling to ask (your attorney general’s name) to put forth a concrete plan on how they plan to address broadband providers who demonstrate they’re practicing anti-competitive conduct. Now that the FCC has voted to roll back Net Neutrality rules, it’s on states to help ensure consumers are protected from deceptive or harmful practices. I am also asking your office to join the coalition asking for an investigation into the fake comments submitted to the FCC during the public comment period. We demand answers as to how the system was SPAMMED. Thank you and have a great day.”

Make Net Neutrality an Issue in 2018 for Midterm Candidates 

Use this script to get you started: “Hi. My name is (name) and I’m calling from (your location). I’m a supporter of (candidate name). I wanted to urge them to add the issue of Net Neutrality to their candidate platform for the upcoming election cycle. Now that the FCC has voted to roll back Net Neutrality laws we need current and future elected officials to take a stand making the Net Neutrality framework into a permanent law. Having legislation will help protect consumers from deceptive and harmful practices and will also help to ensure that Net Neutrality doesn’t become a partisan issue that is utilized by the FCC whenever there is a change of party in DC. Thank you and have a great day.”

HAPPENING TODAY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17th, 2017

Local Love Brigade Community Gathering in Marlboro
Sunday, December 17th, 2017 at the Marlboro Meeting House Church (524 South Road, Marlboro, VT 05344).  Downstairs from 1pm - 3pm.
Join the Marlboro Love Brigade! Send cards of love to victims of hate. Materials and addresses provided. Potluck refreshments. Bring a musical instrument! Hosted by Ann Braden of the Vermont Love Brigade. KIDS OF ALL AGES ARE WELCOME! RSVP: [email protected].


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HAPPENING THIS WEEK MONDAY, DECEMBER 18th, 2017-SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24th, 2017

A Meditative Vigil of Lovingkindness
sponsored by Post Oil Solutions
Monday, December 18th, 2017 at the Robert H. Gibson River Garden (157 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301), part of the Brown Bag Event. 12pm-1pm. 
With a banner that reads “May All Beings Be Free Of Pain And Suffering, May All Beings Know Peace And Happiness. Please Join Us” Post Oil Solutions is continuing to host  silent vigils of lovingkindness for the peaceful, socially just society we are all seeking.
At a time when basic values are being assaulted and ignored, it is essential that we both express and simply be our inherent heart values. Though silent, the Vigil of Lovingkindness is intended to give voice to these values—selfless love, personal integrity, service to others, moral courage, and a basic commitment to the sacredness of life--that are the foundation of a wholesome society, and to speak up for the compassionate alternative that they represent. Please join us. All are welcome to join for a few minutes or for the entire hour. People may stand, sit or kneel, as they see fit. There are chairs, but please bring a cushion, mat, or whatever you are comfortable with.


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RESCHEDULED DUE TO SNOW:
Vigil to Remember all Gun Violence Victims and Survivors
hosted by GunSenseVT
NEW DAY: Monday, December 18th, 2017 at Pliny Park (Corner of Main St. and High St., Brattleboro, VT 05301). 5:30pm
This December 14th marks the fifth anniversary of the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Since that horrible day, an additional 500,000 people in the United States have been killed or injured by gun violence, including hundreds here in Vermont. Please gather with us at one of the many vigils that is happening across the state this December to remember ALL victims and survivors of gun violence, and to advocate for an end to this uniquely American tragedy. We must shed a light on true toll that this epidemic is exacting, each and every day. 
For more information about the vigil, please email [email protected]. We hope that you will stand in solidarity, in remembrance, and in commitment to #EndGunViolence.


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Mother Up! Monthly Meet-Up
Monday December 18th, 2017 at KidsPLAYce (20 Elliot St., Brattleboro). 
5:30pm -7:30pm. 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].
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. (Please note this month we're meeting on the 3rd Monday instead of the 4th.) With winter holidays upon us, we'll step back from our legislative focus to explore the connection between climate change and consumption, including how we might shift the paradigm of buying and accumulating more stuff. Also, this is on the 7th night of Chanukah, so we'll include a celebration of light. 


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National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day
Thursday, December 21st, 2017 at Pliny Park (Corner of Main Street and High Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 5:30pm-7pm.
Join Youth Services' Youth Development team, a program that works with homeless and unstably housed young people, as we hold vigil for our neighbors who died while homeless in 2017.
All are welcome. Our neighbors experiencing homelessness  or home insecurity are invited to attend, participate in any capacity, or just utilize the warm space, refreshments and public restrooms.
Agenda
5:30pm: Gather at Pliny Park for candle lighting and silent walk.
6pm-7pm: Facilitated discussion & refreshments at Brooks House Atrium


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Protest Vigil at TD Bank
sponsored by Post Oil Solutions
Friday, December 22nd, 2017 (and every Friday) in front of TD Bank Brattleboro (215 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 12pm-1pm. Signs will be provided.
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!
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 802.869.2141.


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Winter Farmers’ Market
sponsored by Post Oil Solutions
Saturday, December 23rd, 2017 (and every Saturday through March) at the Robert H. Gibson River Garden (157 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 10am-2pm. 
Area musicians will perform from 11am-1pm. No pets allowed. Metered parking available within walking distance. Restrooms and cafe seating available on site. Family friendly. 
We are beginning our 12th Season! Join us every Saturday for vegetables, fruits and meat from local farms, a variety of baked goods, locally and regionally produced artisan crafts, and freshly prepared food in the beautiful River Garden building on Main Street in downtown Brattleboro. 
EBT customers can turn $10 into $20 with CropCash
INFO: contact Market Manager, Sherry Maher, 802.869.2141, [email protected]

UPCOMING EVENTS

Letter Writing and Storytelling Workshop and Potluck
facilitated by the Healthcare is a Human Right Campaign of the Vermont Workers’ Center
Saturday, January 6th, 2018 at the Root Social Justice Center (The Whetstone Studio for the Arts, 28 Williams Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). First Floor. 5pm-7pm. Wheelchair accessible, all-gender inclusive bathroom. Fragrance & nut free space. As with all Hive activities, this event is open to the public. For questions and childcare/interpretation needs please contact [email protected] or call 802-257-4436.
The January Hive potluck will feature a letter-writing and storytelling workshop, facilitated by the Healthcare Is A Human Right campaign of the Vermont Workers’ Center. The vision of the campaign is that our healthcare system should guarantee all of us access to care we need.
In addition to yummy food, we’ll have updates on the state of healthcare in Vermont and information and people and tools to help you write a letter or tell your story. Sharing our experiences with the healthcare system is an important way we can change the public narrative about healthcare to one that is human-centered.  Start the New Year by Changing the Healthcare Narrative. We hope to see you on January 6!


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Non Violent Direct Action Training Opportunity: Call for NVDA Training Participants
sponsored by Post Oil Solutions and 99th Monkee Affinity Group
Saturday, February 10th, 2017 at the Brattleboro Food Co-op (2 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301) in the Community Room on the 2nd Floor. 9:30am-5pm.
TRAINERS: Cate Woolner & Carol Lewis
The workshop is free. Bagels, muffins, scones, croissants, fruit, coffee & tea will be available throughout the day. For lunch, bring your own, eat in the Co-op Café, or elsewhere in town.
Though not required, a donation of $5-$20 would be most appreciated as our way of thanking our volunteer trainers.
There are only 25 places and some have already been taken; it is advisable to register early.
For information and to register contact Tim 802.869.2141 or email him at [email protected]. 
Participating in this training does not mean you plan to risk arrest while involved in a non-violent direct action. It is important for all of us in the environmental, social justice, racial & gender equality, peace, and democracy movements to be well-versed in non-violence. In addition to risking arrest, we need to consider all the roles necessary to make our efforts successful, including being a support person, a legal, police or media liaison.
Workshop Goals Include:
•To understand and become inspired by the spirit and history of non-violent direct action
•To prepare for participation in non-violent action that may be necessary as time goes on
•To deepen connections and build stronger community among activists in the greater Brattleboro area
•To consider joining an existing affinity group, or creating a new one.
The workshop is free. Bagels, muffins, scones, croissants, fruit, coffee & tea will be available throughout the day. For lunch, bring your own, eat in the Co-op Café, or elsewhere in town. Though not required, a donation of $5-$20 would be most appreciated as our way of thanking our volunteer trainers. There are only 25 places, and some have already been taken. So it is advisable to register early. For information and to register contact Tim 802.869.2141 or [email protected]. 


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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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Youth4Change Regular Meeting 
The Root Social Justice Center (The Whetstone Studio for the Arts, 28 Williams Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). First Floor. 
Youth4Change (Y4C), a program of The Root Social Justice Center, builds the leadership skills of youth ages 12-21, especially those from/in historically disenfranchised communities who want to use education, art, and action to address issues of racial, class, gender, queer, immigrant and indigenous justice.

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SKILLED VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Childcare as a Radical Act: Sign up to Provide Childcare!
The Family Solidarity Action Network is moving forward with their next big effort to support families in local activism: a collective of folks to provide childcare for local activist meetings or events. If you or someone you know would be able and willing to offer childcare (as a volunteer, or paid) for meetings and events please fill out this spreadsheet:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YGVI8wECe4ZDdghtAG147j7ktwgB_J5ZoWUPkwGrOhM/edit#gid=0
We are looking for people young and old with varying degrees of experience.  Having a large pool of people to call on will make it much easier for organizers to arrange childcare for meetings, allowing for more voices of families with young children to participate in local activism!  We will then be making this list available to other local organizations so we can be sure that childcare doesn't have to be a barrier to participation for anyone. 

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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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Democracy, Eventually 

WVEW 107.7FM, Brattleboro Community Radio Station
You can listen to recorded and archived episodes here: https://soundcloud.com/democracy-eventually and you can find us on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/democracyeventually/ and on Twitter here @Democrazeee.
We are Democracy, Eventually a radio show covering local, state, and underreported national news stories from a progressive analysis. We air live on WVEW 107.7FM LP Brattleboro Community Radio Station.


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Thank you for showing up this and every week, weCAN Family. We wish you the happiest of Holidays and the warmest of Winters this season. 

Your {{ broadcaster.name }},
Ann, Joanna and Leslie


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