Weekly Update 10.22.18
"I am patient with stupidity, but not with those who are proud of it."
Dame Edith Sitwell, poet
If you're anything like this Editor, WeCAN Friends, two years of patience has begun to wear our nerves thin and it is time for some big ol' positive CHANGE. Am I right??!
In the few weeks we have left leading up to the Midterm Elections we will be sharing information on Vermont's voting system, where polling locations are, and how to make sure you're registered and ready to rock your vote.
Vermont has one of the most progressive and accessible voting systems in the country which includes Same Day Voter Registration. Did you know, though, that you can not only vote early at your local Town Clerk's Office, but that those with disabilities can vote from home? It's true! Vermont’s election laws are designed to make it easy for all eligible Vermonters to vote and to register to vote. One of the specific purposes of the Vermont Election Laws is “to provide equal opportunity for all citizens of voting age to participate in political processes” 17 V.S.A. §2101.*
Your voting rights as a person with a disability:
-The right to vote (if you are otherwise qualified)
-The right to access your polling place
-The right to receive reasonable accommodations for your disability
If you (yes, YOU!) need accommodations to assist you with voting, you may:
-Contact your Town Clerk to request accommodations
-Bring a person of your choice into the voting booth with you for assistance (not your employer or union representative)
-Ask an election official for assistance with marking your ballot
-Ask an election official to bring a ballot to your car
-Bring a magnifying glass or other devices to help you use the ballot
-Bring a list of candidates into the voting booth to help you
-Ask for another ballot (maximum of 3) if you make a mistake
-Use the Omniballot tablet accessible voting system at the polls
If you experience difficulties at the polls in VT, please contact:
Disability Rights Vermont
141 Main Street, Suite 7, Montpelier, VT 05602
1-800-834-7890 or 1-802-229-1355
www.DisabilityRightsVT.org
Vermont Secretary of State, Elections Division
128 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05602
1-800-439-8683
www.sec.state.vt.us/elections.aspx
Vermont Center for Independent Living
1-800-639-1522
www.vcil.org
Green Mountain Self Advocates
1-800-564-9990
www.gmsavt.org
Bring a friend (or 3!) and we'll see you at the Polls, Windham County! Happy Voting!
*https://www.sec.state.vt.us/elections/voters/accessibility.aspx#Vote-By-Phone
HAPPENING TODAY, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21st, 2018
Share the Harvest
sponsored by Edible Brattleboro, A Project of Post Oil Solutions
Sunday, October 21st, 2018 at the Turning Point Garden (the corner of Elm Street and Frost Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 11am-1pm. Please bring your own bags.
Join Edible Brattleboro from 11am-1pm in our garden at Turning Point, on the corner of Elm and Frost Street (diagonally across from New England Youth Theatre) for free, locally grown veggies, herbs, and more. Please bring your own bags. All produce is free thanks to the generosity of local farmers and gardeners. We welcome donations from your garden. We also welcome donations of your time either on Saturdays or Sundays to keep the stand open through October.
Edible Brattleboro is in Need of Volunteers!
Sundays through October at the Turning Point Garden (corner of Elm and Frost Street, diagonally across the street from NYET, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 11am-1pm.
We need 4 volunteers every week - 2 on Saturdays to glean at the Farmers Market and 2 on Sundays to operate the stand. New volunteers are always paired with an experienced person. If you are interested, please email Marilyn ([email protected] or reply to this message).
Fresh veggies, herbs and more are available for F*R*E*E every Sunday thanks to the generosity of our local farmers and gardeners. Please bring your own bag.
PLEASE HELP US KEEP THE STAND OPEN THROUGH OCTOBER. WE NEED MORE VOLUNTEERS IN ORDER TO CONTINUE.
______
HAPPENING THIS WEEK, MONDAY, OCTOBER 22nd, 2018-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28th, 2018
Mother Up! Monthly Meet-Up
Monday October 22nd, 2018 at KidsPLAYce (20 Elliot St., Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 5:30pm-7:30pm. A vegetarian meal and childcare for ages 8 and under will be provided. RSVP helpful, but not required. Contact Abby Mnookin for more info at [email protected].
Mother Up!: Families Rise Up for Climate Action is a project of 350Vermont that brings together families to talk about the tough realities of climate change and to participate in the transition to a healthier and safer world. We'll continue on our theme of "adaptation." What does that word mean to you, and how does it relate to our changing climate?
______
Climate Change Cafe: Climate Change & Vermont’s Food System
a project of Post Oil Solutions
Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018 at the Brooks Memorial Library (224 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301). 6pm-8pm. FREE. Light Refreshments Available. Info: [email protected].
The Climate Café is pleased to host an old friend, mentor, and ally of Post Oil Solutions, Dr. Vern Grubinger, to talk with us about Vermont’s food system in the time of climate change.
Vern has been working with and learning from farmers for over 30 years. He is the Vegetable and Berry Specialist and Extension Professor with the University of Vermont, and Director of USDA’s Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program (SARE).
Vern has been involved in many projects aimed at climate change education, mitigation, and adaption for farmers. Prior to a group discussion he will show slides summarizing: food systems thinking; the science of climate change, agriculture and greenhouse gases; climate change communication challenges; and practical steps for farmers and ‘consumers’ to take to address climate change.
______
Meet the Candidates: Candidate Forum for Windham-1 State Representative
hosted by the Broad Brook Grange
Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018 at the Guilford Central School (374 School Road, Guilford, VT, 05301) in the Cafeteria. 7pm-8:30pm.
Featuring candidates Sarah Coffey (D) and Patrick Gilligan (R). Moderated by Rick Zamore. Refreshments will be served.
______
Exploring the Future: Democracy or More of the Same
part of the Brattleboro Democracy Forum with Tim Kipp and Nick Biddle
Wednesday, October 24th, 2018 at The River Garden (157 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 12pm-1pm. For more information please contact Woody at [email protected] or call 802 464 3154.
Hannah Arendt wrote that ”the ideal subject of totalitarian rule is not the convinced Nazi or the convinced communist, but people for whom the distinction between fact and fiction…no longer exist.” Tim Kipp and Nick Biddle will examine the facts and the fictions to outline the content of the status quo. As Jimmy Carter recently said the U.S. is no longer a democracy. How do we eschew more of the same in pursuit of actual democracy? Please come join in the conversation.
-Nick Biddle, PhD: Nick is a retired professor of history and co-owner of Artrageus1 in Brattleboro.
-Tim Kipp: Tim taught US history, political science, and law for 39 years. He has been a political activist since the 1960s.
WE CELEBRATE DEMOCRACY/CIVIL RIGHTS FOR ALL. Positive nonviolent public action for democracy and equal civil rights for all people.
______
Protest Vigil at TD Bank
sponsored by Post Oil Solutions
Friday, October 26th, 2018 (and every Friday) at TD Bank Brattleboro (215 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT). In front of the building. 12pm-1pm. Signs will be provided
TD is a major investor in Tar Sands. TD helps to fund the Dakota Access Pipeline. What You Can Do (besides attending the vigils): If you’re a TD depositor, change banks! Founded in 2005, Post Oil Solutions is a 501c3 community organizing project in Southeastern Vermont whose mission is to help empower the people of the Central Connecticut River Valley bioregion in this era of global warming and climate change to develop sustainable, resilient , collaborative, and socially just communities leading to a self- and community-sufficient post petroleum society.
______
The Bi-Weekly Solidarity Vigil
sponsored by Post Oil Solutions
Friday, October 26th, 2018 at the Windham Hotel Corner (across from Flat Iron Café, Bellows Falls, VT). 1pm-2pm.
A vigil of community, solidarity and diversity. We are one cause of peace, freedom & social justice for all living beings. Bring signs expressing your passion and concerns.
______
Inclusion Center's Fifth Year Anniversary Celebration
Friday, October 26th, 2018 at the Brattleboro Inclusion Center [16 Bradley Ave (Lower Level/St. Michael's Episcopal Church) Brattleboro, VT 05301]. 1pm-3pm.
How amazing that an all-volunteer program can be so successful, satisfying, fun, can last so long and still be going strong! Come on over to Inclusion Center this Friday from 1:00pm to 3:00pm to celebrate our anniversary with us!
Agenda:
11:30am Acting and Leadership with TAP
1:00pm Anniversary Fun!
-Create a Dance Video,
-Make a Mural, Karaoke,
-Play Games
-Meet a Service Dog in Training,
-Have some Cake and much more!
______
Your Vote is Your Voice
hosted by Windham County Democrats
Friday, October 26th, 2018 at 118 Elliot (118 Elliot Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 6pm-11pm.
Want change? Not sure what to do? Candidates, Community, and Organizations Come Together to Build a Local Plan for Change. We Need Your Voice! For the 2018 election, the Windham County Democratic Committee has replaced its traditional campaign office with a community event to engage with your local democratic community working for change. This event is to be held at 118 Elliot Street in Brattleboro on Friday, October 26 from 6 – 11 PM. Local and state candidates along with Windham County residents will discuss the coming election on November 6th—ways to prepare, actions to take, and resources available, as well as planning for future moves beyond election day.
The energy of connection and hope is necessary for the road ahead, so the more the merrier. Come as you are! We'll have information tables for issues and organizations, along with some of our candidates, including Christine Halquist and David Zuckerman, the respective governor and lieutenant governor candidates, as well as Sara Coffey, who is running to fill the vacated state representative seat for Vernon and Guilford.
______
Two Workshops with Sherri Mitchell, Indigenous Rights and Environmental Justice Activist
sponsored by Post Oil Solutions
Healing Our Collective Trauma and Reconnecting with Our Spiritual Source + Healing Our Divisions and Biases and Unifying Our Movements
Saturday, October 27th, 2018 - Sunday, October 28th, 2018 at the Winston Prouty Campus (209 Austine Drive, Brattleboro, VT, 05301) in Croker Hall on the 4th Floor. 9am-5pm. Handicapped accessible. Updated location/instructions to follow closer to event. We will only accommodate the first 50 people that register, with a wait list beyond. The minimum participants are 20; we will cancel if we get less than this, and reimburse registrants accordingly. People are encouraged to bring a bag lunch and snacks for themselves, or to share. Registration: $125.00. Write & Mail Check to Post Oil Solutions, P. O. Box 431, Townshend, VT 05353, (note “Sherri Mitchell” in memo line). Please include e-mail address and phone number.
Healing Our Collective Trauma and Reconnecting with Our Spiritual Source
Description: This one-day workshop will take participants on a journey into Native American mythology and cosmology, as a means of healing our collective wounds and reconnecting with spiritual source. We have all been impacted by histories of violence. The oppressed, the oppressor, and the witness alike bear the wounds of our collective past. Together, we will look at the psychic and spiritual wounds that we all share and learn how we can untangle their hold on our hearts and minds. Participants will be asked to look at the history that led to this traumatization and explore how it continues to impact their lives. We will also learn how to hold sacred space for one another while our trauma is present. In this process, we will learn that there is a safe space for us to occupy together, whole and intact. Then, we can begin the process of healing our divisions, so that we can go back and claim a new future for all living beings.
Healing Our Divisions and Biases and Unifying Our Movements
Description: This one-day workshop provides participants with an opportunity to look at the divisions and biases, including hidden biases, that have been built into our societies and ideologies. We will look at the divisions created by our shared history, the biases informed by that history, and the ways that they prevent us from joining our movements. We will learn how to find interest convergence points that enable us to work with one another across these divisions, and how to manage the intersectionality of the emerging movement of movements.
REFUND POLICY FOR PARTICIPANT CANCELLATION: People can get a refund of the full price if they cancel 10 days prior to the event; after that they can get 50% up to 5 days before the event. If they fail to cancel before that time they will get a 25% refund up to 48 hours before the event and no refund within 48 hours.
______
Free Training: Intro to Nonviolent Communication
presented by Restorative Community Justice of Southern VT (RCJSV)
Saturday, October 27th, 2018 at the Old Schoolhouse (414 Dover Road, South Newfane, VT, 05301). 10am-2pm. Please RSVP by sending an email to [email protected]. The training is open to newcomers and experienced practitioners alike.
Restorative Community Justice of Southern VT (RCJSV) provides free monthly training in restorative practices, methods of restorative justice, and nonviolent conflict resolution. This month we will feature an Introduction to Nonviolent Communication, presented by one of our board members, Laurie Rabut.
This training will provide an introduction to the concepts and principles of NVC. Participants will learn about:
- noticing and working with judgement and fear around conflict,
- introducing curiosity and the letting go of expectations,
- understanding feelings and needs,
- developing and expressing empathy for self and others.
We will discuss how these principles and practices can be applied to situations of conflict and how they can be used in restorative circles as per the work of Dominic Barter in Brazil. We will have opportunities to practice these skills with each other in Dyads and Triads.
______
Rights and Democracy Canvass
Saturday, October 27th, 2018 at the Brattleboro Food Co-op (2 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301) in the Community Room. 10am. Please use the 7 Canal Street entrance.
Sunday, October 28th, 2018 at the Putney General Store (4 Kimball Hill Rd, Putney, VT). 1:30pm.
Join Rights & Democracy as we head door to door to talk to voters, many of whom do not turn out to vote for mid-term elections. We only have two more weeks to have an impact on these 2018 elections.
Please sign up to canvass here and invite your friends on Facebook! This is a great way to increase our voice in Windham County Vermont and continue to build our vision.
What will we get when we arrive at the RAD Canvass?
• Training on door to door talking points when speaking to voters.
• List of voters and address.
• Literature to leave at each door.
RAD is working hard to elect Christine Hallquist governor, reelect Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman and Treasurer Beth Pearce, and support all of our endorsed candidates.
These candidates have pledged to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour and enact paid family leave, champion universal health care, support high quality, affordable and accessible early education and child care, tackle systemic racism and oppression, ensure clean water for all, create a clean energy future that provides livable-wage jobs, and more.
______
Press the Vote: Hosted by Verandah Porche & John Scagliotti
sponsored by Sarah Coffey for State Representative
Saturday, October 27, 2018 at Tree Frog Farm (158 Kopkind Road, Guilford, VT, 05301). 2pm-4pm.
You won't want to miss Press the Vote at Tree Frog Farm. The event will include cider pressing & apple pie and will bring together candidates for state offices and local supporters.
______
Share the Harvest
sponsored by Edible Brattleboro, A Project of Post Oil Solutions
Sunday, October 28th, 2018 at the Turning Point Garden (the corner of Elm Street and Frost Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 11am-1pm. Please bring your own bags.
Join Edible Brattleboro from 11am-1pm in our garden at Turning Point, on the corner of Elm and Frost Street (diagonally across from New England Youth Theatre) for free, locally grown veggies, herbs, and more. Please bring your own bags. All produce is free thanks to the generosity of local farmers and gardeners. We welcome donations from your garden. We also welcome donations of your time either on Saturdays or Sundays to keep the stand open through October.
______
40 Days of Fire
part of the Looking Inward at White Power and Privilege series
Sunday, October 28th, 2018 at the All Souls Church (29 South Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 12pm. A light lunch will be served at 11:30pm. Events are free and open to the public.
Something different is planned this month at the All Souls Church film series — a live event on Sunday, Oct. 28, instead of a film.
The church will host Mark Hughes, leader of “40 Days of Fire,” which he describes as “a statewide racial justice community organizing campaign designed to educate and empower folks to participate in this important work in Vermont.”
The event will be the October offering in the church’s ongoing program “Looking Inward at White Power and Privilege.” A free light lunch will be served at 11:30 and the free program will start at noon.
Mark Hughes is the co-founder and Executive Director of Justice For All VT (JFA), which he describes as a grassroots organization that peruses racial justice within Vermont’s criminal justice system through advocacy, education, and relationship building. JFA is a member of the Vermont Human Rights Council among other coalitions.
The organizations’s “40 Days of Fire” campaign is a joint effort with “Rights and Democracy,” a Vermont organization designed to build a popular movement to “to advance rights and build a real democracy,” according to its website.
______
Advanced Backyard Composting Workshop
Sponsored by Living Earth Action Group. Made possible by a Grant from New England Grassroots Environmental Fund
Sunday, October 28th, 2018 at Main Street Arts (5 School Street, Saxtons River, VT). 1pm-4pm. Cost: $5-20 (suggested donation 'at the door'). No one turned away for lack of funds. Register in advance: [email protected], 802-387-5779. Directions: 5 School Street, Saxtons River. Main Street Arts is at the intersection of School and Main Street. The house is the 2nd house on the right, but park cars at the elementary school.
"Crafting a recipe for an aerated backyard compost system is a critical element to successfully transform the rotting pile of food into a healthy soil amendment that also protects wildlife. An overview of the soil food web will help you understand how and why to create compost that benefits your soil while managing kitchen and yard waste. Learn how to construct a pile that applies principles of structure and density to ensure that your living compost can hold air and water, creating the conditions that diverse microbial populations need to thrive. Suitable for all levels of understanding, and applicable for all sizes of family and neighborhood compost systems."
Instructor: Cat Buxton is a community organizer, compost consultant and soil health educator. She runs Grow More, Waste Less and is founder of the Vermont Healthy Soils Coalition. She serves on the Board of Directors for Rural Vermont, the Soil Carbon Coalition, and Upper Valley Food Co-op.
______
UPCOMING EVENTS
Together: A Free Half-Day Retreat for Survivors of Adult Sexual Violence
Saturday, November 3rd, 2018. 2pm-7pm. Space is limited! Please call 802-257-7364 for the location and to reserve a spot. Dinner included.
Come join us for a day of togetherness, support, solidarity, and art & nature-based healing activities and workshops. This free, confidential retreat is open to all self-identified women who have experienced adult sexual violence.
______
Fourth Annual Out in the Open Summit for Rural & Small Town LGBTQ Folks
Friday, November 9th, 2018-Sunday, November 11th, 2018 at Hilltop Montessori School (99 Stafford Farm Hill, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). Housing, childcare, and free/reduced registrations all available. The full draft agenda and registration are available at greenmountaincrossroads.org.
Full- and half-day optional Friday Field Trips include: prisons & repression in the LGBTQ community; nose-to-tail pig butchery; volunteering at The Root Social Justice Center; volunteering at Milkweed Farm; and oral history with Country Queers founder Rachel Garringer (currently accepting a waitlist).
Saturday and Sunday sessions include: emergent strategy, crafting a rural LGBTQ manifesto, food justice, bees have three genders, art for demonstrations, and more!
______
RESOURCE FOR WeCAN: Rapid Response Text Alert System
When WeCAN began Song & Solidarity set up a Rapid Response Text Alert System for WeCAN Groups. Directions for signing up are on WeCAN's website, here: https://www.wecantogether.net/rapid_response We were reminded of the Rapid Response text alerts system as President Trump moves towards firing Mueller. In the event Mueller is fired, MoveOn is planning a nation-wide simultaneous protest. The trick will be to get the word out fast if/when the time comes. We are grateful to Song and Solidarity for providing this service.
______
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.
______
Youth 4 Change
Meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month from 5:30pm-8pm.
For more information please contact Youth 4 Change at [email protected].
Agenda:
5:30pm: Drop in homework time and art making
6:00pm: Food
6:30pm: Meeting and Organizing
Youth 4 Change is for local-area youth 12-22 interested in political organizing around local/state/national social justice issues that are important to them. Brattleboro area advocates and educators are holding a space, and assisting youth in building a strong personal tool kit to organize for change. Using a variety of creative methods, we aim to enable youth with tools for resilience, courage and compassion, while fostering their ability to speak up about issues that matter to them, and to take action in the name of love and liberation for all people. Come explore issues of racial, economic and gender justice through art, movement, first-hand accounts and contemplative practices. Connect with area youth around the issues that matter to you and strengthen your tool kit for action!
______
Alternatives to Suicide
Every Wednesday, 6pm-7:30pm at the Hive Space (24 Flat St, Suite 202, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). Second Floor, up one flight of stairs.
Alternatives to Suicide is a mutual support group open to anyone who has experienced thoughts of suicide. The group is guided by a charter of values provided by the Western Mass Recovery Learning Community. The group is non-clinical and does not link suicide with illness. Participants are free to talk about and find meaning in their experiences in/on their own terms.
______
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.
______
Thank you for all your efforts in the past few weeks, Friends. We see you and we stand in solidarity with you.
Showing 1 reaction