Windham County Action Network (WeCAN)

“When people are protesting and crying out, and mourning in the streets, what they’re literally saying is, “We still love this country enough to believe change is possible.”
-Rev. Dr. William Barber II (b.1963)
American Protestant minister and political activist. He is a member of the national board of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the chair of its Legislative Political Action Committee.

     May this email find you well, WeCAN friends. There are a few new entries, so please take a moment to scroll down to the bottom to see what is happening in and around Windham County this week. Remember, too, to send in your own events, Zoom meetings, activist tool kits, group updates, and community asks to [email protected] by Friday night at 10pm!  

HAPPENING TODAY, SUNDAY, JULY 5th, 2020

In(ter)dependence Day Save the USA Croquet
sponsored by Sister District Project Southern VT
Sunday, July 5th, 2020 at Peg Alden and Toby Welch's backyard at 7 West Street, Putney, VT (parking on Main Street). 10am-4pm. Masks required and teams will be spread out by different tee times. We will sanitize balls and mallets between teams, or feel free to bring your own.
Sign up for a slot to play Southern Vermont Sister District's creative, fun, and political Croquet Course with your own team (up to 4 players) on In(ter)dependence Day weekend.  The course is located in downtown Putney in Peg Alden and Toby Welch's backyard at 7 West Street and parking is available on Main Street. Make a donation in the amount of your choosing directly to our current Sister District candidate, Brittney Rodas, who is running for a strategic house seat in Pennsylvania with hopes of flipping that state Blue. Donations will be accepted at the starting wicket by check or can be made by smartphone using an Act Blue link. Sign up for a tee time here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0b4dacad2aaafe3-interdependence.

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Share the Harvest Stand
brought to you by Edible Brattleboro
Sunday, July 5th, 2020, and every Sunday during the Summer, at the corner of Elm Street and Frost Street in Brattleboro, VT, 05301. 11am-1pm. For more information please email [email protected].
Pick up FREE fresh veggies and/or drop off surplus from your garden to share. Please supply your own bags.  

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HAPPENING THIS WEEK, MONDAY, JULY 6th, 2020-SUNDAY, JULY 12th 2020

Windham County Democratic Committee Monthly Meeting
Monday, July 6th, 2020 on Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/356595543). 6:30pm-8pm. Guest speaker starts at 7:30pm. 
The delegates of the Windham County Democratic Committee will be holding their monthly meeting on Monday, Jul 6 from 6:30pm-8pm.  The meeting will be held on Zoom and it is open to the public.  The guest presenter at this meeting will be the Vermont Attorney General who will join us at 7:30pm to share his issues and take questions from attendees. 

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Free Food Event in Marlboro
hosted by the Marlboro Community Center
Tuesday, July 7th, 2020 at the Marlboro Community Center (534 South Road, Marlboro, VT, 05344). 3pm-5pm. To ensure availability of lasagna and cafe items, feel free to pre-order by emailing: [email protected].
In cooperation with Marlboro Cares and the Marlboro Alliance, we will be giving away grocery bags of non-perishable food (such as pasta, flour, rice and canned goods), portions of Lauren's super-popular lasagna and our frozen house-made soups & cookie dough. All food is FREE. Donations are welcome, as always. 
Tables will be set up outside from 3-5 pm for socially-distanced distribution. Individuals or families will be asked to maintain 6 feet of distance. 1 bag per household with a possibility of a 2nd bag if supplies allow.
Deliveries will be made through Marlboro Cares for those needing assistance. Please call Marlboro Cares at 258-3030 in advance to arrange a delivery.

 

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Film: The Great White Hoax
hosted by Brattleboro Solidarity
Tuesday, July 7th, 2020 on the Brattleboro Commons (139 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 7pm-8:30pm.
The Great White Hoax, featuring acclaimed anti-racist educator and author Tim Wise, explores how American political leaders of both parties have been tapping into white anxiety, stoking white grievance, and scapegoating people of color for decades to divide and conquer working class voters and shore up political support. The film’s primary focus is Donald Trump’s race-baiting 2016 campaign for the presidency. But it also widens its scope to show how Trump’s charged rhetoric about African-Americans, Latinos, and Muslims fits within a longstanding historical pattern, offering a stunning survey of how racism and racial scapegoating have shaped American politics for centuries. The Great White Hoax is an ideal resource for courses that look at race relations, white privilege, the intersectionality of race, class, and gender identities, presidential politics, and political propaganda.

 

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Afrofuturist Sci-Fi at Backlot Cinema
Friday, July 10th, 2020 at Epsilon Spires (190 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 8pm-11pm. Tickets can reserved at www.epsilonspires.org. ♥ Space is limited and advanced booking encouraged! ♥
Backlot Cinema presents new African films that decolonize the imagination and explore the past, present, future through a Black Lens. Featuring Ethiopean & Eritean Cuisine by A Taste of Abyssia.
Every Friday night in July & August Epsilon Spires will transform our parking lot into a safe socially-distanced outdoor cinema. Picture a picnic under the stars with your friends where you are entertained by innovative films projected on a big outdoor screen.
Join us this Friday, July 10th for Afrofuturist Sci-Fi featuring films from Ethiopia, Zambia and the African Diaspora.
We will be viewing:
Crumbs (2015) dir. Miguel Llansó, 
Afronauts (2014) dir. Nuotama Bodomo, and 
Robots of Brixton (2011) dir. Kibwe Tavares.
”Afrofuturism reimagines the past and envisions what can be. ... The term coined in 1993, seeks to reclaim black identity through art, culture, and political resistance. It is an intersectional lens through which to view possible futures or alternate realities." -Bolanle Austen Peters, African Arguments.
The Backlot Cinema series celebrates films past and present, both popular and experimental, highlighting diverse creative voices from around the world. We hope to see you there! 

 

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Dining Dems - Online French Cooking Class
Tuesday, July 14th, 2020. Sign up at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/dwithd. 5:30pm-6:30pm. Requested donation is $15.
Celebrate Bastille Day and pick up some new cooking techniques with Chef Justin Thompson of Wantastiquet Catering. Chef Thompson will demonstrate and help you prepare a delicious French meal in your own kitchen. 
Sign up now at  https://secure.actblue.com/donate/dwithd and you will receive:
- Zoom link for the class
- All the recipes
- Ingredient list with recommendations
- Wine pairing recommendations 
Requested donation is $15 and it goes to Windham Votes! and supports our Get Out the Vote efforts.

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Teaching in Solidarity with Black Lives: Towards an Equitable Future
a Spark Teacher Education Institute learning opportunity
Wednesday July 15th, 2020
Wednesday, July 22nd, 2020
Wednesday July 29th, 2020
Wednesday, August 5th, 2020
All sessions will meet via Zoom. 4pm-6pm. Contact [email protected] for more information! Join us! Fill out this form to apply!  Cost is $300, but contact us for sliding scale costs. 
Spark Teacher Education Institute will facilitate online learning communities aimed at building curricula that centers Black lives and equity.  With the goal of democratizing  knowledge, the expertise will come from participants as they  commit to study and reflection. We will co-construct curriculum and interrogate our pedagogy to inform our teaching practices.
You will receive 15 hours of  professional development credits (that includes meetings and independent work), with the possibility of continuing into the year for graduate credits.
There will be 3 groups to choose from:
Science/Math, Humanities, and Early Childhood/Elementary.
Why Join this PD? 
Practitioners and scholars have been urging teachers to centralize equity and Black lives in pedagogy and curricula for over two decades. Gloria Ladson-Billings, a distinguished professor of education and critical race scholar, points to the historic education debt (not “achievement gap”) placed upon Black students which is reflected in their over-representation in punishment, expulsions, and special education. Teaching in support of Black lives and equity is more than just methods or adding a social justice lesson. Teachers need to investigate and challenge white supremacy in their pedagogy and curricula to move the center.  Teaching in support of Black Lives is an opportunity for educators to connect a long history of racialized inequities to school based practices, curriculum, and broader structures of schooling. These sessions are organized to offer a place for questioning and active collaboration to forge new paths of inquiry and initiatives in your schools and broader communities.
Spark Teacher Education Institute has been working with teachers for 18 years to centralize the experiences of working people, women, and people of color, in order to teach against exploitation and build an equitable world for all. Spark Teacher Education Institute was started by Janaki Natarajan and offers teacher certification in Social Justice Education.  Teachers learn the social justice pedagogy and  political economy.  Participants work side-by-side for an entire year with a skilled mentor teacher, learning to integrate social justice and equity content into the mainstream curriculum. The program strives to instill an understanding of self and others in conjunction with the development of skills, knowledge, critical thinking and compassion required for creating an equitable and engaging learning environment for all learners.

 

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The Windham County Democratic Committee Candidate Forum for Windham 4 (Putney, Westminster)
Wednesday, July 15th, 2020 on Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0kfuysqzkjE9OYnQ_SWO9b7fq-u9PRZ3Jy). 7pm-8:15pm.
The Windham County Democratic Committee will be holding forums for the candidates seeking the Democratic nominations for State Representative for Windham 3 and Windham 4. Candidates confirmed to attend:  Michelle Bos Lun, Matthew Ingram, Mike Mrowicki. Forums are open to the public and questions can be submitted in advance to John Hagen  at [email protected] or they can be asked via the Zoom chat. Both forums will also be streamed on Facebook Live on the Windham Dems page (@windhamdemocrats).  

 

 

The Windham County Democratic Committee Candidate Forum for Windham 3 (Athens, Brookline, Grafton, Rockingham, Westminster, Windham)
Thursday, July 16th, 2020 on Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYof-mqrDouHtYDXJpEOZKIT8bVDgM5Bwks). 7pm-8:15pm.
The Windham County Democratic Committee will be holding forums for the candidates seeking the Democratic nominations for State Representative for Windham 3 and Windham 4. Candidates confirmed to attend: Leslie Goldman, Carolyn Partridge, Kelley Tully. Forums are open to the public and questions can be submitted in advance to John Hagen  at [email protected] or they can be asked via the Zoom chat. Both forums will also be streamed on Facebook Live on the Windham Dems page (@windhamdemocrats).  

 

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Visit with Emily Long, State Representative
Saturday, July 28th, 2020 at Moore Free Library (23 West Street, Newfane, VT, 05345). 11am-12:30pm.
Chat with Rep. Long about what's on your mind and learn what the VT Legislature is doing, has done, and plans to do. All voters in Windham-5 are welcome (Marlboro, Townshend, Newfane). THIS IS AN OUTDOOR EVENT. BYOM (Bring your own mask). 

 

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What the US Constitution Offers Us: 2nd Amendment
with Meg Mott, Ph.D, Professor of Politics Emerita, Marlboro College
Wednesday, August 12th, 2020 at Moore Free Library (23 West Street, Newfane, VT, 05345). 7pm-8:30pm.
An outdoor, salon-style discussion of the 1st, 2nd, 9th, and 10th amendments to the U.S. Constitution with Meg Mott, Ph.D, Professor of Politics Emerita, Marlboro College and "Constitution Wrangler." In case of severe weather, the event will be held the next day (Thursday) at the same time.
2nd Amendment: Why the need for an armed citizenry? In the 21st century, the Second Amendment took on a new life. In two recent Supreme Court rulings, the right to bear arms was transformed from a collective right of state militias to a personal right of self-defense. We will consider why the Framers wanted an armed citizenry, how the Second Amendment lost ground during the tragic failure of Reconstruction, and what the emphasis on individual self-defense tells us about the health of our democracy.

 

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Upcoming BLM Solidarity Events In and Around Windham County

 

Black Trans Lives Matter March
Saturday, July 18th, 2020 at Sheldon Field (51 Old Ferry Road, Northampton, MA, 01060). 2pm-8pm.
Black Trans Women were, and continue to be the pioneers of the LGBTQ+ rights movement beginning with the Stonewall Riots. Amongst those who are suffering from the ongoing police brutality and racism, Black Trans women too are being murdered without justice. This event is a Black Trans Lives Matter March hosted in the city of Northampton, in alignment with the national Black Lives Matter Movement, as well as Defund 01060. 
Come show your support and solidarity as we march from Sheldon Field through downtown to city hall before marching back to Sheldon Field.  
Through this protest we aim to celebrate and support the Black Trans and LGBTQ+ community inside and outside the city of Northampton by rallying to honor the lives and accomplishments of our foremothers.  

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Updates from Lost River Racial Justice
Welcome to our many new members! See below for ways to get involved.
We haven’t posted an update since the week of the murder of George Floyd because there has been so much to organize and respond to. We would like to take this moment to update our community about what we have been working on and where we will be continuing our efforts moving forward, as the uprising unfolds. While we have not been the primary organizers of protests, we support our co-conspirators and have been showing up in the streets alongside many of you. So grateful for the efforts of the community and the amazing turnouts we have seen!
Our work continues to be the slow and steady work that sustains us for the long haul. We have been here long before this and we will be here until all people are free. We are continuing to work diligently, often many hours a day (unpaid and in addition to most of us having full time jobs), in support of our BIPOC community, and under their leadership. Our foundation is our shared long-term commitments to healing and relationship building as strategy for creating a new culture. All of us are maxed out on any given day which is why it has taken us a minute to reach out and let you know what projects we are focused on during this time and as we do some re-prioritizing. White folks please see below where you can plug into the work and be useful!
Current/Ongoing Projects:
* Our relationship with The Root Social Justice Center’s BIPOC Caucus, both organizationally and personally, continues to be our priority. We have been working closely with them through the pandemic to support their Mutual Aid Support Network efforts while they work hard to meet the needs of their BIPOC community by keeping up with their vital programming. We are so grateful for all they do and for the relationships we have built and continue to tend. Please click here to access the network’s many pages and see where you can plug in to help your community members. Thank you to all who have contributed!
* Our biggest project is the monthly Racial Justice Organizing Meeting that is co-hosted with the BIPOC Caucus of The Root and is held every fourth Monday. This meeting began as the Black Lives Matter southern-hub in 2015 and transformed into what it is today in 2016. Normally help in person, we are now meeting on zoom and use this time for educating ourselves about white supremacy culture, supporting BIPOC needs (personal and community needs), and plugging into tasks. It's essentially an on-going mutual aid support network and relationship-building/healing meeting, which we believe are the foundations of what create a healthy multiracial and multiethnic community. At this meeting, we have breakout spaces for white-identified caucus and BIPOC-identified caucus to connect and do the work. Each of these caucuses has separate meetings each month as well.
* Lost River meets on every second Monday for our LRRJ Working Group Meeting where we dig into tasks and action steps. We are doing some restructuring of these meetings to meet the demands of this moment, particularly a large influx of white folks wanting to get involved. With such a small leadership team, we are trying our best to do that! Let us know if you'd like to help.
* Besides working closely with The BIPOC Caucus as our accountability partners, we have liaisons working/meeting with The Root Social Justice Center, Showing Up for Racial Justice, Out in the Open, Migrant Justice, the Brattleboro Food Coop, the Community Equity Collaborative of Brattleboro, and Brattleboro Solidarity.
* We developed and maintain an annual Rural Racial Justice Organizing Study Group and we were about to launch our Intro to Anti-Racism Study Group this spring (in deep collaboration with Out in the Open and Amber Arnold of The Root's BIPOC caucus) but then Covid19 hit and we had to postpone. New dates TBD.
* An upcoming project is working with The Root to support their Statewide People Of Color Caucus in which we are being asked to help replicate the two-caucus model we co-developed here in Brattleboro, around the state.
* We also have a letter writing point person to initiate public responses to events happening in town that are racial justice related. Currently a letter is being written about what “defunding the police” means and could mean in our rural community. If you’d like to be involved, be in touch.
* And of course an additional chunk of time goes into managing email lists to keep folx updated on what we're up to and what our co-conspirators are up to, as well as keeping up with leadership meetings twice monthly, social media, website edits, and non-profit financials.
Upcoming/Ongoing projects we need more folks to help with:
* A group focused on Legislative efforts related to racial justice is forming. Wichie Artu, from the BIPOC caucus, is taking the lead and a couple of our nucleus members are joining him. Please be in touch if you would like to help with this vital work- we need more folks on board, especially if you have experience in this area.
* We encourage you to join the national org Showing Up for Racial Justice at www.showingupforracialjustice.org . We are an affiliate. You will receive information about upcoming trainings, phone calls with rural organizers, and events. There were 100,000 members a month ago and now there are 200,000. The accountability partners are M4BL, Cosecha, and Color of Change.  We have some connections with other Vermont chapters/affiliates. New folks needed! Please contact Claire Halverson, our liaison to SURJ, if you’d like to get involved. [email protected] if you are interested.
* A group focused on having conversations around "defunding" the police, in collaboration with other orgs, including a possible forum with BIPOC and other leaders who have been doing this work for a long time. Do you have experience in this area? Or do you want to help coordinate?
* A group in collaboration with other local organizations to make sure we stay in the streets as much as possible. Do you have experience organizing protests/rallies/stand-outs or being part of a street safety team during these types of events? Even if not, and you want to help/learn, be in touch.
General:
** Please know that while we are here and working hard to maintain our on-going projects, we do not have the capacity to create and maintain lots of new projects so please, if you have the capacity and the experience and want to organize something, please be in touch with us (for white folx) via [email protected] or The Root (for BIPOC folx) at [email protected] and we will do our best to support you and work with accountability.
** Please use your financial resources to support black owned businesses and projects, especially The Root and The Root’s MASN, as well as the Susu Healing Collective's gofundme to buy land for black farmers and healers.
** If you are able to dedicate time and energy to helping raise funds for this work, The Root Social Justice Center has a fundraising team that can always use more people to help with phone banking, data entry/management, mailings, etc. This is a great way for white people to get involved with the Root and support these important programs happening within the community and beyond. Please contact Anne Louise ([email protected]) if you are interested in getting connected with the Fundraising Team.
** Alongside doing active work in the community, please dig into the work of undoing racism in your body and mind, by educating yourself and even starting your own study groups and book groups based on our Reading List with your friends and family everywhere. We always encourage using a knowledgeable facilitator where possible and a focus on body-based practices, such as those offered by Resmaa Menakem in his book My Grandmother’s Hands. This is how we do the inner work to change our implicit biases and ultimately, change harmful white supremacy culture into a new culture based on care and connection. However, book groups alone will not stop the violence against our community members so be sure to get involved in other ways like the many listed above!
Thank you all for showing up! See you on Zoom or in the streets!
Lost River Leadership
(Anne Louise, Claire, Lis, Ethan, Brittany, & Branch)
http://lostriverracialjustice.org/

 

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COMMUNITY SUPPORT OPPORTUNITIES

Out in the Open Rural QTBIPOC/LGBTQIA+ Mutual Aid Fund
The Mutual Aid Fund is offering requests up to $400 and support for: Groceries, supplies, housing support, medical support, and other thriving and survival needs.
Queer Joy= Mutual Aid
Mutual Aid= Voluntary, reciprocal, participatory support among equals and being with, not for, community members.
Pride= Resistance
We are here for our community, our community is here for each other.
Ask: request funds for support weareoutintheopen.org/mutualaid
Offer: to donate, weareoutintheopen.org/donate
The Mutual Aid Fund will distribute money to LGBTQ+ folks, prioritizing QTBIPOC folks requesting funds. Priority will also be given to folks in Southern Vermont, southwestern New Hampshire, and then elsewhere in Vermont and New England, where funds of this type are critically needed. Additional priority will be given to those who live at the intersections of systematically oppressed experiences & identities.
To request funds and for more information: weareoutintheopen.org/mutualaid!
To donate, visit: weareoutintheopen.org/donate
"We Need Each Other" image credit to @itsmonicatrinidad

 

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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Are You Sewing Masks? We have patterns and more information here: https://www.wecantogether.net/masks

Masks Needed for Local Schools by August
needed In Brattleboro, Dummerston, Guilford, Putney, Vernon 
Can you sew masks for this need? 
Can you donate cotton fabric or ⅛-¼ in. elastic? 
Can you cut out masks if given material and a pattern? 
Can you donate bandanas? 
Cloth masks will be needed for students and teachers and school staff and bus drivers for the reopening of school (in late August).Hundreds of masks are needed in all sizes, from kindergarten through adult sized. 
If you are capable of sewing masks, here are some samples of mask patterns: 
Rectangular pleated mask, adult and child sizes https://www.deaconess.com/How-to-make-a-Face-Mask/Documents-Mask/Mask-Information 
Contour face mask, several sizes https://drive.google.com/file/d/1O3IvcoVqyYqSTekwzLlnLI0t0GxSm-zA/view 
Keep in mind, please: 
1) Child size masks should have elastic loops, no ties (choking hazard). 
2) All masks should be made of at least 2 layers of fabric. 
3) Masks can be dropped off in marked bins Mon-Fri at any of these locations, and will be distributed to students and staff in the school district: 
Brattleboro: Windham Southeast Supervisory Office, 53 Green Street or Oak Grove School, 15 Moreland Ave 
Dummerston School, 52 Schoolhouse Rd 
Guilford Central School, 374 School Rd 
Putney Central School, 182 Westminster Rd 
Vernon Elementary School, 381 Governor Hunt Rd 
Please email Nurse Julia Duke (Green Street School) with questions: [email protected] or contact Judy Siler if you'd like ready-made kits for sewing or if you need elastic: 802-275-2627, [email protected].
Please share this information widely! Thank you! 

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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.

 

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COVID 19 RESOURCES: VERMONT

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.

 

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COVID 19 INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO WINDHAM COUNTY, VT

 

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital Information
https://www.bmhvt.org 802-257-0341
BMH maintains a COVID-19 information page at https://www.bmhvt.org/coronavirus and reminds all who have primary care physicians to check with those providers if they have questions or concerns about their health.

 

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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-2pm. 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.

 

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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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COVID 19 GENERAL VERMONT INFORMATION

Weekly Summery of Vermont Covid19 Data

NEW: Weekly Summary of Vermont COVID-19 Data is a new feature, where you can see a deeper level of demographic and other detail. You can find out more about testing trends, outbreaks, pre-existing conditions and prevalence of symptoms.

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Information for Those Traveling to Vermont: https://www.healthvermont.gov/response/coronavirus-covid-19/traveling-vermont

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The Path to Restart Vermont

Just a reminder: Covid 19 is still very much prevalent and is not gone, despite the feeling you may get as VT and other states reopen. Please continue to wear masks and gloves when out in public, wash your hands whenever available, bring and use hand sanitizer often if hand washing isn't available, clean commonly used areas like door knobs and counter tops often, and stand at least 6 feet apart, even outdoors. 

Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development Covid 19 Recover Resource Center: https://accd.vermont.gov/covid-19

Schools, Childcare, and Summer Camps: https://www.healthvermont.gov/response/coronavirus-covid-19/schools-and-child-care-programs

NEW THIS WEEK:

Covid 19 Recovery Resource Center: https://accd.vermont.gov/covid-19 and https://www.healthvermont.gov/response/coronavirus-covid-19

For more information on:

• COVID-19 health information, guidance and case data, visit www.healthvermont.gov/covid19.
• The Governor’s actions, visit governor.vermont.gov/covid19response.
• The state’s modeling, visit dfr.vermont.gov/about-us/covid-19/modeling.

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Testing

Testing at Popup Locations information can be found HERE. 

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New on Healthvermont.gov: Race and Ethnicity Data

The Health Department is now including data about race and ethnicity on its data dashboard at healthvermont.gov/covid19. We recognized the need to include this information to help us understand how Vermonters were being affected by COVID-19, but in our earlier efforts to respond to the pandemic, race and ethnicity data was not always collected for each patient. Health equity exists when all people have a fair and just opportunity to be healthy – especially those who have experienced socioeconomic disadvantage, historical injustice, and other systemic inequalities. Therefore, our epidemiology team collaborated with Vermont Information Technology Leaders (VITL) to cross-reference medical records to gain more robust race information about COVID-19 cases in Vermont. At the end of March, race was unknown in 73% of cases, but through our joint work, we have brought that number down to just 8%. We have been able to partner with VITL through a state directive issued in response to the State of Emergency. We can use this data to help to prevent the spread of illness, improve care for patients, and present a more complete picture of how COVID-19 may be affecting everyone in Vermont. The Vermont State Health Assessment reports on what we know about the health status of Vermonters. Updated every five years, most recently in 2018, the assessment provides vital data for examining health inequities by race and ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, and geography. See the report and learn more at healthvermont.gov/sha.

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Cloth Face Coverings

The department recommends that all Vermonters wear cloth face coverings when outside of the home, since COVID-19 can spread before a person has any symptoms. Facial coverings are encouraged for essential workers in stores and their customers.

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Volunteering

We still need your help! Please sign up to support the state’s COVID-19 response: https://vermont.gov/volunteer. 

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Guidance for Vermonters

Who to contact:

• If you have questions: Use the Ask A Question tool on healthvermont.gov and review the FAQs.

• For non-health related questions, dial 2-1-1. If you have trouble reaching 2-1-1, dial 1-866-652-4636.

• If you are sick: Stay home and contact your health care provider online or by phone. Do not go to the hospital, except in a life-threatening situation.

Call the Health Department at 802-863-7240. We’re ready to respond to COVID-19 health-related questions. Calls are answered 8am - 6pm, seven days a week. Outside those hours, leave a message and your call will be returned.

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VT Health Dashboards

VT Health: https://vcgi.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/6128a0bc9ae14e98a686b635001ef7a7

VT Open Geodata Portal: https://geodata.vermont.gov/search?q=covid

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Are You an Uninsured Vermonter?

Due to the COVID-19 emergency, Vermont Health Connect has opened a Special Enrollment Period. During this time, any uninsured Vermonter can sign up for a Qualified Health Plan through Vermont Health Connect. Qualified families can also get financial help paying for coverage.. Please call us at 1-855-899-9600 to learn more.

NOTE: The Vermont Health Connect portal will be down for required system upgrades between Friday, July 10th at 5pm and Tuesday, July 21st at 9am. During this scheduled downtime customers will not have access to the online portal and will be unable to enroll or make changes to their account online or over the phone. If you need to enroll or make a change to your account, please do so before the downtime begins on July 10. Thank you for your patience and understanding. 

Getting Started

1. Learn about health insurance basics.
2. Try our Plan Comparison Tool to find out if you qualify for financial help, and to see estimates of the total cost of each plan choice. Most Vermonters can either get free or low cost coverage through Medicaid or Dr. Dynasaur, or get help to lower their monthly premium and out-of-pocket costs. 
3. Ready to apply? Set up an online account with Vermont Health Connect and fill out your application there, or call us at 1-855-899-9600 and speak to a customer support representative. If you'd like to talk through health insurance terms or the application process in person, you can meet with a trained, certified in-person Assister near you

 

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RESOURCES FROM THE VT DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

For daily Department of Health updates please use this link: https://www.healthvermont.gov/response/infectious-disease/2019-novel-coronavirus

 

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VERMONT ESSENTIAL PERSONS INFORMATION 

Vermont Emergency Management Has Issued This Essential Persons List for Covid-19 Response
It includes staff and providers of childcare and education services, healthcare providers, public health employees, firefighters, first responders, pharmacy staff, grocery workers, and many more. The full list is here: https://vem.vermont.gov/sites/demhs/files/Essential%20Persons_03182020.pdf

 

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WSESU Essential Worker Request for Childcare
According to the state, "Essential Workers" will now be able to get childcare from the public school system. If you are classified as an Essential Worker and have no other adult available to provide childcare while you are at your job, you should complete this form. Once your form is submitted, you will be contacted by school personnel with more information.  
If you have questions, please contact the school counselor where your student is enrolled.

 

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NEIGHBORLY ASSISTANCE PRECAUTION RECOMMENDATIONS

While Vermonters are staying home or choosing activities that maintain social distancing as much as possible to slow the spread of COVID-19, some are stepping up to ensure their neighbors have what they need. This type of community support is crucial, but we need to make sure our helpers and volunteers are still using social distancing practices to protect our most vulnerable Vermonters.
Any volunteers bringing items to those who need to stay home should:

• Keep a distance of six feet away.
• Avoid entering the recipient’s home.
• Wash your hands regularly, avoid touching your face and cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• If you feel sick or learn that you have had contact with someone who is sick, stop doing community support work immediately.
• Keep a list of anyone you come into close contact with in case contact tracing is required.
• Wear clean gloves when handling items that may be given to people with a weaker immune system, and when you are close to someone who may be sick.

Common sense practices can go a long way while Vermonters take care of each other.
Want to help? Consider signing up for the Medical Reserve Corps. Volunteers can be deployed locally in the event of an emergency, support first aid stations at community events, educate the public on preparedness, and assist in promoting various health and wellness activities. You can also reach out to local community groups/organizers like rotary and lion clubs, soup kitchens and check out your neighborhood Front Porch Forum group.
Resources

Fact Sheets: Coronavirus and Emerging Infectious Disease Outbreaks from The Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (Vermont Department of Mental Health)
Managing Anxiety and Stress (CDC)
Slide Presentation on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Useful Posters

Social Distancing (smaller version)
Social Distancing (larger version)
Keep Germs from Spreading
Proper Handwashing

 

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RESOURCES FOR EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYERS

Department of Labor FAQs for Employers and Employees
https://labor.vermont.gov/covid19/covid-19-frequently-asked-questions
Specific Guidance for Employees:
https://labor.vermont.gov/covid19/employees
Employee Assistance (Unemployment Claims):  1-877-214-3332.
Specific guidance for Employers:
https://labor.vermont.gov/covid19/employers
Employer Assistance (Unemployment Claims):  1-877-214-3331.
Vermont’s unemployment rules have been relaxed to be able to help folks. Their phone lines are swamped, so here is a link where you can start the process of applying for Vermont Unemployment Insurance. https://appengine.egov.com/apps/vt/dol/unemploymentinsuranceclaim

 

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MENTAL HEALTH ASSISTANCE

Vermont Support Line from Pathways Vermont (833) 888-2557
The Vermont Support line is a free, anonymous resource for all Vermonters who are looking for someone to talk to. The Support Line is staffed by individuals who acknowledge that they have experienced a broad range of struggles of their own and are willing to be open about them.

 

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National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Covid 19 Information and Resources can be found here:
COVID-19-and-Mental-Illness-NAMI-Releases-Importan/COVID-19-Updated-Guide-1.pdf?lang=en-US.

 

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CDC Tips for Managing Anxiety in the COVID-19 Outbreak
Things you can do to support yourself

• Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
• Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditateexternal icon. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugsexternal icon.
• Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
• Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

 

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IF YOU OR A FAMILY MEMBER IS ILL

• Stay home. Many people who are mildly ill can manage their symptoms at home with rest, drinking fluids and taking fever-reducing medicine (Tylenol), when needed. Not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19.
• Call your doctor and ask to be seen for an evaluation. Do not go to the doctor's office unless instructed to do so. Anyone who does not have a health care provider can call 2-1-1 to be connected to a clinic in their area.
• Do not go to or visit any hospitals or long-term care facilities unless absolutely necessary. This is to protect everyone’s health, including patients and staff.
• Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home. As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people and animals in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available. Avoid sharing personal household items.
• Wear a facemask if you are sick around other people and pets.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with your sleeve or a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean all “high-touch” surfaces every day. These include counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables.

Resources

• Caring for Someone at Home(link is external) (CDC)
• Caring for Yourself at Home (link is external)(CDC)
• Steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick(link is external) (CDC)

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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. 

 

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     Until next time, friends....wear a mask, keep 6 feet away from your neighbor, be aware of your surroundings, and don't forget to lead with kindness. 

Joanna

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