Windham County Action Network (WeCAN)

This week we will gather with friends and family to celebrate a day of feasting and thanks, coming together to break bread with those we love and share a meal made with thought and care. Thanks to the Internet (and some kick butt, fact-finding historians) we now know the real story of Thanksgiving and the role New England played in it. What good is that knowledge, though, if we don't improve our traditions because of it? 

Here are some suggestions about how you can move your traditional Turkey Day celebration forward in thought and action:

1) Support our Local Community Thanksgiving -- Volunteers Needed (Clean-Up Crew Especially!)
Brattleboro’s 45^th annual Community Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 23rd, 2017 at St. Michael’s School. Volunteers can sign up now for shifts between Tuesday, November 21st, 2017 through Thanksgiving Day. Please go online at www.volunteersignup.org/lpfap to sign up to: make desserts, prepare vegetables, help in the kitchen, serve food or drinks, wash dishes, deliver meals, transport food, and/or help clean up
Those who would like to request a meal delivered to their home on Thanksgiving Day should call Peter Wiles at 802-254-4687.
2) Share your Thanks: consider opening up your home during Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving and use your meal to raise money for the non-profit No Kid Hungry through their Friendsgiving For No Kid Hungry Program. 
3) 46 million turkeys are consumed in America every Thanksgiving, in addition to 22 million turkeys consumed during Christmas and 19 million turkeys  consumed during Easter. Give the meat a break and go meatless for the holidays. Use this Martha Stewart primer on Meatless Main Dishes for the Holidays to start planning your meat-free meal that will be anything but bland. 
4) Decolonize Thanksgiving through food. Rename the holiday "Indigenous Foods Day" and strive to eat food that is indigenous (native) to your geographic area. From Native American Chef Nephi Craig: "The first step is to be able to identify which foods are indigenous to the Americas. Then, identify which foods are indigenous to the region you live in. When talking about the Americas, think every single strain of corn, beans, squash, potatoes, chiles, chocolate, and all of these dishes that we fortunately can easily eat all the time... For Native Americans and the indigenous, decolonization is a journey of healing from our historical trauma narrative. We shouldn't be offended by our truth."

Brattleboro’s 45th Annual Community Thanksgiving
Thursday, November 23rd, 2017 at St. Michael’s Catholic School (48 Walnut St., Brattleboro). 12pm-5pm.
All are welcome!

Have a happy, healthy, and thankful November 23rd, no matter what you choose to call it or how you choose to celebrate it. We here at WeCAN are SO thankful for you and all that you do!

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HAPPENING TODAY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19th, 2017

Forum: Gun Regulation
Sunday, November 19th, 2017 at St. Michael's Episcopal Church (16 Bradley Ave, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 9am-10am. 
In the wake of recent massacres in Las Vegas and Texas, many of us are asking what can be done. WeCAN's very own Ann Braden, founder and former president of GunSense Vermont, will talk about gun laws, the successful campaign in 2015 to regulate at the state level, and how we move forward. She will also introduce the new acting Executive Director of GunSense Vermont, Clai Lasher-Sommers, who will speak about her experience as a gun violence survivor and long-time advocate for sensible gun laws.


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Love Brigade Write-In AND the Brattleboro Women's Chorus Concert "Singing in the Light of Love"
Sunday, November 19th, 2017 at 118 Elliot (118 Elliot Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 12:30pm-3:30pm. The Brattleboro Women's Chorus Concert begins at 4:00pm.
Join the Local Love Brigade! Come by 118 Elliot St and make postcards to send out in an avalanche of love to support victims of hate. There will be plenty of materials provided, and no artistic experience is required. All are welcome. Together we can let those who are suffering know that they are not alone and that we're standing with them.
Afterwards, join other others to head to the First Baptist Church (190 Main St, Brattleboro, VT 05301) for a 4pm performance of the Brattleboro Women's Chorus: "Singing in the Light of Love." Tickets are $12 regular adult, $20 generous donation. $10 student and senior tickets will be available at BrownPaperTickets.com (starting in November) or at the door. For information email us or call 802-254-8994.It will be a powerful afternoon! https://www.facebook.com/events/1263035343842642/.



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The Putney Huddle and Women Marching Forward Joint Meeting
Sunday, November 19th, 2017 at the Putney Public Library (55 Main Street, Putney, VT, 05346). 1:30pm-3:30pm. All are welcome. Click HERE to RSVP through the Facebook listing.
The Putney Huddle will join forces with Women Marching Forward to hear from...
-Windham County Delegate to the Vermont Dems and Putney Delegate, Sarah Levine who will share notes from the state committee meeting.
-Laura Chapman, who will present some takeaways from her time at the Women's March Convention. 
-Speaker of the Vermont House, Mitzi Johnson who will also join us for discussion.


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HAPPENING THIS WEEK MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20th-SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26th, 2017

Forum: Strategies to Address Racial Disparities Within State Systems
Hosted by the Vermont Attorney General and Vermont Human Rights Commission
Monday, November 20th, 2017 at Brooks Memorial Library (224 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301). 5:30pm-7:30pm.
At the request of the Brattleboro-based Community Equity Collaborative, the Vermont Attorney General and the Vermont Human Rights Commission will hold a public forum in Brattleboro on Monday, November 20th, 2017. The focus of the forum is to gain input on a report proposing strategies to address racial disparities within Vermont state systems. Specifically, it will focus on identifying key indicators and performance measures that we could, as a State, track to provide accountability and progress towards the goal of eliminating and/or mitigating existing racial disparities across our state systems of education, healthcare, housing, labor and economic development. December 15, 2017 is the deadline for the Vermont Human Rights Commission to submit the report, and your input is needed. Please join us!


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Youth4Change Meeting
Monday, November 20th, 2017, at the Brooks Library, (224 Main St., Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 5:30pm-8pm. 
Contact: [email protected]
Y4C will be attending the "Public Forum: Strategies to Address Racial Disparities Within State Systems" event at Brooks Memorial Library (5:30pm - 7:30pm). The forum is the last public-input part of a process to produce a report, to Vermont's Joint Justice Oversight Committee, on how to address racial inequities within state systems of education, criminal and juvenile justice, labor and employment, housing, healthcare and economic development.
Youth4Change (Y4C), a program of The Root Social Justice Center, builds the leadership skills of youth 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. Y4C meets the 1st and 3rd Mondays of every month.


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Windham County Organizing Committee for Vermont Workers’ Center Meeting
Tuesday, November 21st, 2017 at The Root Social Justice Center, (The Whetstone Studio for the Arts, 28 Williams St., Brattleboro, VT, 05301). First Floor. 6:00pm-8:00pm.
Contact: [email protected]
Our November 21st meeting will be focused on planning local/county campaigns and events, to match up with the statewide 2018 Campaign Plan toward funding and implementing Act 48, Vermont's existing universal healthcare law.
The Vermont Workers' Center is a democratic, member-run organization dedicated to organizing with a human rights framework and to taking action on issues of concern to people most impacted by economic and social injustice. Our Healthcare Is A Human Right campaign is focused on winning a healthcare system that works for people, not for profit, and provides dignified wages and conditions for people working in the healthcare field. 


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Protest Vigil at TD Bank
sponsored by Post Oil Solutions
Friday, November 24th, 2017 (and every Friday) in front of TD Bank Brattleboro (215 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301). 12pm-1pm. Signs will be provided.
TD is a major investor in Tar Sands. TD helps to fund the Dakota Access Pipeline. The State of Vermont Keeps Most of Our Cash in TD.]
What You Can You Do (besides attending the vigils):
If you’re a TD depositor, change banks!
Founded in 2005, Post Oil Solutions is a 501c3 community organizing project in Southeastern Vermont whose mission is to help empower the people of the Central Connecticut River Valley bioregion to develop sustainable, resilient , collaborative, and socially just communities leading to a self- and community-sufficient post petroleum society. For more information please contact [email protected] or 802.869.2141.

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Winter Farmers’ Market
sponsored by Post Oil Solutions
Saturday, November 25th, 2017 (and every Saturday through March) at the Robert H. Gibson River Garden (157 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 10am-2pm. 
No pets allowed.  Area musicians will perform from 11am-1pm. 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. For information please contact Market Manager Sherry Maher at 802.869.2141 or email her at farmersmarket@postoilsolutions.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Letter-To-Editor Writing Party for Healthcare Rights in VT
Monday, November 27th, 2017 at the Brattleboro Co-Op (2 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301) in the Community Room. Open drop-in from 5:30pm-8pm. Please use the 7 Canal Street Entrance. 
Contact: [email protected]
Drop-In space to come by and work out a letter to the media in support of funding and implementing universal healthcare in Vermont. Handy will be an LTE template based on personal stories, recent examples, folks to help work out the letter, and updates on the VT Workers Center's 2018 campaign plan. Keep the drumbeat of voices building! 

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Climate Change Café presents
a project of Post Oil Solutions
The Effects of Global Warming on Mental Health: Creating Resilience Before, During and After Extreme Weather Events
Tuesday, November 28th, 2017 at the Brooks Memorial Library (224 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301) in the Main Room. 5:45pm. FREE. Light Refreshments Available.
How does global warming effect our mental health? How do we respond to these effects?
This workshop will give an overview of some of the national, state, and local initiatives addressing the negative psychological impacts of global warming. It will also explore practical skills to build resilience to enhance the capacity of individuals and groups to cope with the inevitable changes affecting all levels of society. The Climate Café is pleased to host Rebecca MacKenzie, a clinical social worker, and member of the NH Disaster Behavioral Health Response Team, who will lead the workshop. For more information please email [email protected].


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Rights and Democracy's Annual Membership Assembly and Celebration: From Protest to Power: Organizing in 2018 And Beyond
Sunday, December 10th, 2017 at Lebanon High School (195 Hanover St., Lebanon, NH). 1pm-6pm. 
Join members of Rights & Democracy from across Vermont and New Hampshire for our annual membership assembly and celebration. We will celebrating RAD members for key victories in our states and DC this year and look to the movement organizing that lay ahead for us in 2018 and beyond, including our multi-issue People’s Platform for each state. If you are not a member of Rights & Democracy, but are interested in learning more about becoming  one or if you have child care or accessibility or interpretation needs, contact us at [email protected].


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Citizen Emergency Preparedness Workshop
sponsored by Post Oil Solutions & Vermont Emergency Management
Thursday, December 14th, 2017 at St. Michael Episcopal Church (16 Bradley Avenue, Brattleboro, VT 05301) in the Downstairs Meeting Room. 6pm-8pm. Handicapped accessible. Light refreshments will be available. For further information, contact Tim at 802.869.2141 or email him at [email protected].
Vermont Emergency Management (VEM) will present a workshop on how citizens and communities can best prepare themselves for the kinds of exceptional weather events we are increasingly experiencing (as exemplified by the horrific storms a few weeks ago that were experienced by people in Houston, Florida, and Puerto Rico). where emergency services are rendered unavailable, and people are basically on their own to take care of themselves and their neighbors.
One of the important lessons from these earlier storms is how much better off citizens would have been if they had made preparations for such an event well before any had occurred, and not wait until storms like Harvey, Irma, and Maria struck, and quickly overwhelmed them.
The workshop will offer very practical steps we can all take as individuals, families and communities in making a plan that can then be acted upon promptly in a time of emergency, VEM’ will also provide all attendees with a booklet on emergency preparedness.

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


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STANDING REGULAR MEETINGS

Lost River Racial Justice, Black Lives Matter-South, and People Of Color Caucus Regular Meeting
Reoccurring racial justice organizing meetings every 2nd Monday at The Root Social Justice Center (The Whetstone Studio of the Arts, 28 Williams Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301) on the First Floor. 6pm-8pm. Childcare provided. Fragrance & nut free space.  

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

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SKILLED VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

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

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ONGOING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING

Indigo Radio
Sundays at 12pm on Brattleboro Community Radio 107.7FM
To stream live: Visit www.wvew.org 
Indigo Radio, deepening understanding and making connections!
IndigoRadio is a group of area educators seeking to learn through engaging with others in our community and throughout the world. We will be talking about educational and social issues both globally and locally and connecting them to our lives and Brattleboro community.
Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indigoradiowvew/. For archive recordings of past shows: https://soundcloud.com/user-654648353

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

Have a Happy Holiday once again, WeCAN family! Thank you for being you. 

Your Friendly WeCAN Admins,
Ann and Joanna 


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