Windham County Action Network (WeCAN)

“He who has health, has hope; and he who has hope, has everything.”
Thomas Carlyle

     Friends: a reminder that the next WeCAN Cafe will take place this Thursday, February 15th, 2018. Mingling starts at 6:30pm at 118 Elliot and the program starts promptly at 7pm. There will be storytelling, discussion, food, music, and poetry. Each of our monthly WeCAN Cafés will feature a different topic -- healthcare (February), race (March), climate (April) -- starting with a story hour and followed by a policy discussion led by Vermont activists. We all need laughter, tears, hope, and inspiration to ground our work for the year ahead. Do you have a transformative story about class, poverty, or workers rights -- a moment that helped you understand the world a bit better? Come share as this community explores who we are, how we got here, and where we’re going next.
There will be time to connect with representatives from different organizations, eat, chat, and enjoy local musicians.
We hope to see you there!

HAPPENING TODAY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11th, 2018

Putney Huddle Meeting: Meet the Candidates 
Sunday, February 11th, 2018 at the Putney Public Library (55 Main St, Putney, VT 05346) from 1:30pm-3:30pm. All Are Welcome!
Guest speakers include:
-Ethan Sonnenborn, the 13 year old Democratic gubernatorial candidate
-Daniel Freilich, MD, a Democratic candidate for the US House of Representatives
-Peg Alden, a Putney resident representing Southern Vermont Sister District, will highlight Sister District’s accomplishments to-date, share info from the Sister District National Summit, unveil the newest project, and outline opportunities for engagement
We will also kick off our Local Love Brigade project to support victims of hate through loving action. From now on a Love Brigade postcard table will be set up 15 minutes before our meetings open and will stay throughout the meeting. All supplies and addresses will be provided.

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Southern Vermont Sister District Celebration and Strategy Planning Potluck
Sunday, February 11th, 2018 at the Putney Friends Meeting House (17 Bellows Falls Road, Putney, VT). 5pm-7pm. All are welcome. 
Join us for a chance to revel in our accomplishments, share a potluck meal with 1other folks concerned about the state of our Union, celebrate our wonderful Sister District soup cooks, hear updates from the national Sister District summit in California, learn about our next (very exciting...and impactful) project, and find out ways to plug in (if you are looking for more resistance work that is; no pressure, just an invitation). We all deserve it a little break. The resistance needs to be fun in order to be sustainable—join us! 

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HAPPENING THIS WEEK MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12th, 2018-SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18th, 2018

A Meditative Vigil of Lovingkindness (A Valentine to Humanity)
sponsored by Post Oil Solutions
Wednesday, February 14th, 2018 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. 
For further information or if you wish to be part of a contact list that will inform people of future Lovingkind Vigils please forward your name, e-mail address, and phone number to [email protected] or call Tim at 802.869.2141.

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Mother Up! Day at the State House 
Thursday, February 15th, 2018 at the Vermont State House (115 State St, Montpelier, VT 05633). 10am-2pm. 
Contact Abby Mnookin for more info at [email protected]. Parents and kids are welcome, and pizza lunch and childcare will be provided! RSVP’s strongly requested, but not required. 
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. This day will be an opportunity for parents and families throughout Vermont to come together to let our legislators know that not only is climate change a top priority for us, but also that NOW is the time to lead the way with bold climate solutions. After all, our children are counting on us. 
Tentative schedule for the day:
10 am - Arrive, visit Committees, alternative meeting with Legislators
11 am - Meet with Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman (His office)
11:30 am - Alternative meeting with Legislators
12 pm - Present to Climate Solutions Caucus (Room 10)
12:30 pm - Alternative meeting with Legislators
1 pm - MU! recognized on the House Floor (House chamber)

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WeCAN Cafe: Fueling Your Activist Spirit 
Thursday, February 15th, 2018 at 118 Elliot (118 Elliot Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 7pm-9pm. This event is free and open to the public. Mingling from 6:30pm. Program starts promptly at 7pm.
The folks who gathered nearly 40 organizations and 400 people for Windham County’s WeCAN Action Fair last spring continue with their series of “WeCAN Story Hour Cafés” on third Thursdays throughout the winter. These WeCAN Cafés are designed to build community and help community activists “fill their spirits” through information sharing, celebration and connection. All activists, including anyone wishing to learn about organizations and start participating in resistance efforts, are encouraged to attend.
Following January's theme of class and economic justice, February's theme will be healthcare and health justice, followed in March by race and racial justice. The Café start with a story hour followed by a policy discussion led by Vermont activists. There will be time to connect with representatives from different organizations, eat, chat, and enjoy local poetry and music.
We all need laughter, tears, hope, and inspiration-- to ground our work for the year ahead. Do you have a transformative story about healthcare or health justice -- a moment that helped you understand the world a bit better? Come share as our community explores who we are, how we got here, and where we’re going next. Emilie Kornheiser, one of the event organizers explains, “Our goal is to bring people’s real lives into our activism, to remember why we do the work we do, and make sure that our policies are shaped by multiple stories. We hope people leave feeling connected and inspired.”
Learn more at Facebook event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/582591242077436/
For more information, contact [email protected].  We hope to see you there!

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Protest Vigil at TD Bank
sponsored by Post Oil Solutions
Friday, February 16th, 2018 (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, February 17th, 2018 (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, farmersmarket@postoilsolutions.

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Film Screening of The Breast Archives, A Documentary to Benefit Planned Parenthood
hosted by the Planned Parenthood Defenders of Southern VT, Planned Parenthood New England, and 118 Elliot
Sunday, February 18th, 2018 at 118 Elliot (118 Elliot Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 4pm-6pm. 
$10.00 suggested donation. All proceeds benefit Brattleboro Planned Parenthood. Please reserve your tickets HERE.
The Breast Archives uncovers nine women’s personal stories of empowerment. Baring their breasts and their hearts, the women share the unique journeys they’ve made with their bodies. 
Following the film join a short Q&A with film producer Meagan Murphy and a small panel of special guests. 
The Breast Archives Documentary to Benefit Planned Parenthood.
From the Press Release: “The Breast Archives, a radical documentary exposing how breasts can actually impact self esteem and life experiences for any woman, is showing in Brattleboro on Sunday February 18, 4pm at 118 Elliot. All proceeds will benefit Planned Parenthood of Northern New England’s Brattleboro health center. 
This film shares the unadulterated stories of 9 women who disclose bodily shame and disconnection. As these women slowly reconnect with their body-based stories, they find a reservoir of strength and wisdom inside their complicated bosoms. Following the film  Q&A with Producer Meagan Murphy, women from the film and Hannah Neff, Nurse Practitioner from Brattleboro Planned Parenthood. 
The Breast Archives is filmed by award winning producer, Meagan Murphy. Her 25 years of experience in film and broadcast has included 12 years of work with WGBH Educational Foundation. In 2008 she received a Communicator’s Award for her work on a weekly series for teenagers and Women Distinction Magazine named her one of the top 10 Women Leaders of 2016. 
This event is brought to Brattleboro by Planned Parenthood Defenders of Southern Vermont with support from Planned Parenthood of Northern New England (PPNNE). PPNNE provides sexuality and reproductive health services and education for women and men at 21 health centers across Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. 
“PPNNE is proud to be sponsoring this event,” says PPNNE Vermont Vice President of Public Policy, Lucy Leriche. “We want all women to feel empowered in and about their bodies, health, and sexuality. We are grateful to Meagan Murphy for lifting up the voices of women who challenge viewers to reflect upon how society views and treats breasts. We hope it motivates other women to share their own stories about their bodies in an effort to create positive change and awareness in our communities.”
To reserve a ticket, please use the following link: bit.ly/breastarchive. For more information about this event, please call 802-448-9754.  To volunteer with Planned Parenthood Defenders of Southern Vermont, call 802-579-7433. 
"When we share our stories with courage and daring we help create a world where everyone is seen.” Meagan Murphy, Director, The Breast Archives.”

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Vermont Clean Water Day
Thursday, February 22nd, 2018. March from the Unitarian Church (130 Main St, Montpelier, VT 05602) to the State House in Montpelier, VT (115 State St, Montpelier, VT 05633). 10am-4pm. For more information and to RSVP click here.
We can no longer take clean water for granted. Pollution has impaired many of our waterways, some of which no longer meet our basic water quality standards. You’re invited to Vermont Clean Water Day on Thurs., Feb. 22nd from 10AM to 4PM in Montpelier to celebrate our lakes, ponds, rivers and wetlands, and call on lawmakers to invest in cleaning up and protecting our waterways. This is a great opportunity to hear from Vermont water advocates and then meet with your lawmaker to share your perspective on why it’s important to invest in clean water. 
CLEAN WATER DAY AGENDA (schedule subject to change):
10AM: We will meet at the Unitarian Church in Montpelier for issue overview and lobbying 101;
11:15AM: We will march to the State House for a press event and to meet with lawmakers;
3PM: We will end the day with a reception in the State House. 
Clean Water Day 2018 is co-sponsored by: Connecticut River Conservancy, Conservation Law Foundation, Lake Champlain Committee, Lake Champlain International, The Nature Conservancy of VT, Sierra Club VT, Vermont Clean Water Network, Vermont Conservation Voters, Vermont Natural Resources Council, and Watersheds United Vermont.

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Tax Prep with United Way of Windham County
sponsored by Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation, the Southeaster Vermont Economic Development Strategies, Southern Vermont Young Professionals, United Way of Windham County, and Ramunto's Brattleboro
Monday, February 26th, 2018 at Ramunto’s Pizza (1111 Putney Road, Brattleboro, VT, 05301) from 6pm-9pm. Register in advance HERE. Pizza will be provided. Cash bar available.
What is even worse than learning about taxes is actually filing them. Why not make it slightly enjoyable by adding pizza and friends into the mix? Join the Southern Vermont Young Professionals at Ramunto's Brattleboro for a night of Tax Prep with United Way.
Tax Prep with United Way: Whether you need step by step assistance or emotional support come down and do your taxes with friends and with assistance from United Way of Windham County’s ‘MyFreeTaxes’ expert Molly McNamee. Turn taxes into a free, fun night with friends. MyFreeTaxes Software Restrictions: Those who made under $66,000 in 2017 can file for free using this software. All are welcome! 

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Spring 2018 Cross Class Dialogue Circle
hosted by ACT for Social Justice; co-sponsored by Post Oil Solutions, Marlboro College Diversity and Inclusion Task Force, Youth Services, Hilltop Montessori School, and the Vermont Resource Generation Praxis Group.
Saturdays March 17th, March 31st, and April 7th, 2018 at the Rockingham Free Public Library (65 Westminster St, Bellows Falls, VT 05101) from 9am-3pm. Sign-up for the 3 day circle at www.act4socialjustice.com. FREE. Childcare, Transportation, and Lunch are provided. Please come fragrance free and nut free.
Visit www.act4socialjustice.com to see a video about the circles, to sign up, to donate, and for more detailed information. Contact us at info@act4socialjustice.com or 802-254-3400.
Economic Inequality is real and is hurting our communities. Be A Part of the Solution!
The class divide in the US is growing, and yet, we have a hard time talking about class or across class lines.
Cross Class Dialogue Circles bring together 10-15 community members with a diversity of class experiences, ranging from being homeless, to managing family foundations, and everything in between. Our goals in meeting together are to better understand class as part of an economic system, and our own experience with class and how it shows up in our daily life and communication; to learn and practice strategies for engaging with each other about difficult subjects; to learn and share practical tools for contributing to economic justice; and to build stronger community ties for economic justice. We meet these goals with courage, depth, humor, and sincerity.
We would also like to acknowledge that organizational sponsors are important in ensuring the continuation of this community education opportunity; we thank them. 

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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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 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

 Volunteer Sister District Soup Makers Needed
Volunteer soup chefs provide the time and the ingredients so that 100% of subscription fees went directly to support candidates. We distribute soup on the third Mondays of each month - February 19, March 19, April 16 and May 21.  All soups are vegetarian, dairy free and gluten free. We need cooking volunteers each month during the weekend before distribution Monday. Volunteers receive a simple recipe the weekend before they cook and pick up containers and labels the next Friday.  Soup makers cook in their own kitchens and purchase ingredients which should cost around $20/4 quarts. If you want to cook but can’t cover that expense, we will hook you up with an ingredient sponsor. Once prepared, the soup is delivered cold to our refrigerators in Putney or Brattleboro. From there, it is picked up by subscribers or donated to the Putney Food Shelf according to the subscriber’s instructions. 
You can sign up to make soup as many months as you want. If you would like to cook or have questions, please email Diane Shamas at [email protected] or call 802-579-8294.  We will need to know which months you’d like to cook, whether you’d like to make a single (4-5 quart) or double (8-10 quart) batch, and whether you want to pick up/drop off in Brattleboro or Putney. 
A Little About Southern VT Sister District:
Subscriptions to our SisterDistrict Soup CSA raised $10,000 for progressive Democrats in strategic races! We helped elect two fine candidates, John Bell and Jennifer Foye, to the Virginia House of Delegates and our third candidate, Margaret Good, is running for Florida's House of Representatives on February 13, 2018. Read more about her here. Many many thanks to all of you who’ve cooked so far and donated the soup that makes it possible!!!

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Inclusion Center is Looking for People Who are Interested in Helping our Organization Grow and Mature in Various Directions
Inclusion Center is an amazing program that works with all people who have disabilities or medical issues, and everyone else who has an interest in being with us. 
The possibilities for what Inclusion Center could be in the future are endless: A drop in center within another program! Have our own space with our doors always open. Offer classes. Offer services as well as being a drop in center! And those are just a few of our ideas! 
However, in order for us to grow, we need a few more people who can either come to our board meetings (the second friday of each month at 2:00), or come to a work group each month (generally Friday mornings). 
At Inclusion Center we all matter. Everyone helps make decisions. It doesn't matter if you want to join the board or just drop in as often as you can. Either way, your ideas and input matter just as much as everyone else's.
Please contact us ([email protected] or 802-387-5285) to discuss how we could work together. 

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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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We hope you have a fantastic week, friends, and we hope to see you this coming Thursday at the WeCAN Cafe: Fueling Your Activist Spirit from 7pm-9pm at 118 Elliot in Brattleboro!