Weekly Update 7-24-17
Hello Windham County friends and neighbors and Happy Sunday. This week's email is loaded with events an opportunities to be involved in your community and we are so happy to see some new groups submitting entries this week as well. Welcome to all! Now, let's get to work:
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HAPPENING TODAY, SUNDAY, JULY 23RD, 2017
Share the Harvest Stand
Sunday, July 23rd, 2017 at the Elliott Street Park from 11am-1pm.
Edible Brattleboro is launching its weekly “Share the Harvest” Stand! In addition to produce from our gardens, we are accepting donations of fresh produce from local gardeners and farmers. The stand will be set up at the Elliott Street Park from 11am-2pm. Everything is available to the community at no cost. Please drop off your surplus to our stand as close to 11am as possible.
We need volunteers to keep this going through the season. Please visit http://signup.com/go/GmYCbae to sign up for a spot. It's real easy, and your contact information is never shared. Brattleboro Time Traders can earn hours, too!
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Resistance Summer: Neighborhood Listening Project Canvass
Sunday, July, 23rd, 2017 at the Putney Public Library (55 Main St, Putney, VT 05346). 11:00am.
Online and in the media, it may seem that we are all hopelessly divided (or that we all agree).
But on the doorsteps, face to face, people are nuanced. They’re conflicted and have the same concerns about our shared country. And often the best way to persuade or motivate someone is to just show up and listen.
That's why this July, as Washington debates radical cuts to our health care system, progressives in all 50 states are taking to the doors to have thousands of conversations about healthcare and other issues in our country—and the solutions we need to fix it.
Will you join us and attend a door-to-door Neighbor Listening Project event?
Never knocked doors? Don't worry! We will provide you with all the training and materials you need to be successful.
Whether you have canvassed before or this is your first time, I hope you will join in this fun action! Let's gear up for progressive issue mobilizing and upcoming elections by building canvassing skills that will help us resist, build power, and win. We will connect with our neighbors and communities. Now more than ever, it’s important to listen to each other and find common ground. We win by listening to, connecting with, empowering, and bringing people together to stand up for what we believe in. Take action to protect health care for all Americans by talking to thousands of people about their health care stories.
Sign up through this link- https://act.moveon.org/event/rs-listen/12696?referring_akid=undefined or contact Laura Chapman by phone at 802-380-4379 or by email at [email protected] for more information.
HAPPENING THIS WEEK, MONDAY, JULY 24TH, 2017-SUNDAY, JULY 30TH, 2017
Mother Up! Monthly Meet-Up
Monday July 24th, 2017 at KidsPLAYce (20 Elliot Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301).
5:30pm-7:30pm.
Mother Up!: Parents Exchange for Change is a project of 350Vermont that brings together families to talk about the tough realities of climate change and to participate in the transition to a healthier and safer world. We'll be considering the question, "Is Eco-Travel Possible?" A simple vegetarian meal and childcare for ages 8 and under will be provided. RSVP helpful, but not required. Contact Abby Mnookin for more info at [email protected].
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We Celebrate Democracy/Civil Rights For All: Main Street Banner at the Brattleboro Democracy Forum
Wednesday, July 26th, 2017 at The River Garden (157 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 12pm-1pm.
Come and meet the banner at the forum. Woody Bernhard, the creator of the "We Celebrate Democracy/Civil Rights For All" main street banner, will talk about the why and the how of the banner.
The banner was hung over Main Street from April 23rd to 29th, and from June 25th to July 2nd. It was photographed with supporters in front of the Brattleboro, Marlboro and Putney post offices. Postcards were made from those photos with the hope that when the cards are sent they will inspire more people to stand up in public for democracy and civil rights. A group of about 40 people carried the banner in the 4th of July Parade. Five hundred post cards of the banner in front of the Brattleboro post office were handed out to parade watchers along the way, and marchers sang songs that said democracy is love.
Bernhard, a retired carpenter from Marlboro, Vermont, says that the real issue of our time is the failure of democracy, and that the only way to fix the many problems we face is for all of us to unite and call for true democracy and equal civil rights for all people.
Restorative justice is all about uniting. Newfane resident Dan Dewalt presented "Restorative Justice in the age of Trump" at the July19th Democracy Forum. Russ Grabiec of BCTV filmed Dan's presentation. BCTV will post the video on facebook and youtube. You can contact Dan at www.rcjsv.org.
Come and see the banner and arrange to fly it in your town or arrange to make a postcard in front of your post office.
All people who attend this event agree to nonviolence in word and in deed. Contact Woody at: 802 464 3154 or at [email protected].
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SPIKE THE HIKE! Submit Testimony Online to the Green Mountain Care Board
Now until Friday, July 28th, 2017. Online at link below.
Add your voice in objecting to the insurance rate hikes the GMCB is considering. (Blue Cross Blue Shield is asking for an average 12.7% hike in their rates!!) This is an opportunity to speak out about the need for universal health care in Vermont, and any capitulation to the insurance companies as a dereliction of the Board's legislated mission to move health care toward being a public good. You can submit your testimony here:https://www.workerscenter.org/healthcare/share-your-story
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Protest Vigil at TD Bank
sponsored by Post Oil Solutions
Brattleboro
Friday, July 28, 2017 (and every Friday) in front of TD Bank Brattleboro (215 Main St, Brattleboro, VT 05301). Noon-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!
If you’re a Vermonter, demand that state funds not be deposited with a bank investing in fossil fuels.
Contact your state legislators to support the bills in the House & Senate calling for a commission to explore the possibility of a State Bank.
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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The Bi-Weekly Solidarity Vigil
sponsored by Post Oil Solutions
Friday, July 28th, 2017 at the Windham Hotel corner (across from the Flat Iron Cafe) in 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. For more information please contact [email protected] or 802.869.2141.
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A Vigil of Lovingkindness
sponsored by Post Oil Solutions
Saturday, July 29th, 2017 at Wells Fountain (located at the park area in front of the Courthouse, where Routes 9 and 30 intersect, Brattleboro, VT). 11am-12pm.
“May All Beings Be Free Of Pain And Suffering, May All Beings Know Peace And Happiness.” Please join us in a silent vigil in support of the values of a loving, compassionate world.
We will also be meeting in August:
Friday, August 4th, 2017 at Pliny Park on Main Street in Brattleboro, VT. 6pm-7pm.
For more information please contact [email protected] or 802.869.2141.
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Racial Justice Fundraiser
Saturday, July 29th, 2017 at Superfresh Organic Cafe (30 Main St. Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 6:30pm-8:30pm.
Live performance by 11:11 Sarah West on vocals, Molly Steinmark on vocals and percussion, Lisa Newell on bass and percussion. Delicious food available to order and BYOB.
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Women Marching Forward
Sunday, July 30th, 2017 from 4pm-6pm. Location: The Learning Collaborative in Dummerston, (471 Route 5, Dummerston, VT 0530)
All are welcome to attend what promises to be a fascinating presentation and discussion time with Michael Krasner, political scientist and professor at Queens College, City University of New York. Krasner will focus on the Trump administration, giving a brief review of how he got elected, and now how he is staying in place. Time will be spent on, broadly speaking, what the possibilities are in regards to where we go from here. We look forward to seeing you there.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Senior Town Meeting
hosted by The Office of Senator Bernie Sanders
Tuesday, August 1st, 2017 at the American Legion Hall (32 Linden Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301). 12:30pm. Free lunch served at 12pm. The event is free and open to the public. Please call 1-800-339-9834 to RSVP.
Sen. Bernie Sanders’ office and a coalition of Vermont senior groups will hold a town meeting on senior issues on Tuesday, Aug. 1 at the American Legion Hall, 32 Linden Street, in Brattleboro.
A free lunch will be served at noon. At 12:30 p.m., representatives from Sanders’ office, Gibson-Aiken Center, Senior Solutions and the Vermont Alliance for Retired Americans will give short updates on issues impacting seniors, followed by an open discussion.
Vermont seniors are invited to hear about proposals coming out of Washington that call for cutting Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and Meals on Wheels. These misguided proposals would also make prescription drugs even more expensive. Now is the time to get informed, ask questions and take a stand.
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Local Love Brigade: Postcard-Making Gathering
Sunday, August 13th at the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center (10 Vernon St, Brattleboro, VT 05301). 11:30am - 1:30pm.
Join us to make postcards and send out love to folks who are facing hate. No artistic ability necessary.
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Climate Change Café: A Community of Concerned Citizens
“We the People 2.0”
a project of Post Oil Solutions
Tuesday, August 22nd, 2017 at Brooks Memorial Library (224 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301). 6pm.
FREE. Light Refreshments Available
A New Democracy Movement Is Building, Elevating Community And Natures Rights Over Corporate “Rights.” This excellent film is a visual essay about the loss of democracy in the United States, and how people are taking it back. It describes a profound change in thinking at the grassroots level where people are building a movement, not just in this country, but around the world. It shows how and where it all began.
This event is a great lead-in to the Community Rights Awareness Workshop by the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund (CELDF) that Post Oil Solutions and Rights and Democracy will sponsor on Sunday, September 10, @ the Brattleboro Food Co-op, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
For more information please contact802.869.2141 or [email protected].
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Community Rights Awareness Workshop
presented by the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund (CELDF) and sponsored by Post Oil Solutions & Rights and Democracy
Sunday, September 10th, 2017 at the Brattleboro Food Coop (2 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301) in the Community Room (please use the entrance at 7 Canal Street). 10am-1pm. FREE, but registration required: [email protected]. Refreshments will be provided.
In this workshop, we take an in-depth look at how political and legal structures have been set up to protect the interests of an elite wealthy minority, at the expense of the majority of people and community self-government. We’ll look at how corporations have received more rights and protections than real people living in communities. Most importantly, we’ll look at how communities have pushed back against these oppressive structures to reclaim democratic self-government in their communities, and at the state level with a proposed Community Rights Amendment.
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STANDING REGULAR MEETINGS
350Brattleboro Regular Meetings
350 Brattleboro will be taking a break from our regular schedule for July and August. We will return to our regular meeting times from September onwards. To be kept in the loop follow us at facebook.com/350brattleboro and sign up for our email list by emailing [email protected]. Thanks!"
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Lost River Racial Justice, Black Lives Matter-South, and People Of Color Caucus Regular Meetings
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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SKILLED VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
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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VOLUNTEER AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT OPPORTUNITIES
Sister District
SisterDistrict is an organization that connects you with your local home district team to work on Sister Races in Virginia, Washington State, and Georgia. The goal? To turn Red states Blue. Support these critical races by donating to them and sharing about them on social media. Or, get in on the fun by joining your local district team for even more action items!
Here is an update from the Vermont district team:
SisterDistrict Soup
We have made a few changes to our SisterDistrict Soup project and will be offering a monthly soup subscription to benefit either SisterDistrict directly or our current candidate (subscriber's choice).
Please help us by sharing this link with friends and family who may be interested in subscribing or volunteering to help make or sell soup:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfU1Vv1oJRgTBATJ8TTp8vHUaGFIz0coVCVe28gYVOrK9K-BQ/viewform?c=0&w=1 (NOTE: for more information please email [email protected] or [email protected]
In addition to raising money to help get our nation onto a better trajectory, we are also committed to providing you the most delicious and locally-sourced soup that we can. Vegetarian, gluten- and dairy-free options will be available. There is no reason that you can't eat well and resist at the same time!
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Exchange Student Hosts Wanted
PAX (Program of Academic Exchange Vermont) is looking for families who are interested in hosting a high school exchange student for Brattleboro HS and Bellows Falls for the upcoming school year. Clara is one such student, a 15 year old girl from Spin whose interests include skiing, scouting and gymnastics. Could you open your home to one of these students?
Host families come in all shapes and sizes - they represent the diversity of American culture, with varied economic, religious and racial backgrounds. Among those who truly enjoy the exchange experience are parents looking to give their families a glimpse of the world and introduce them to new customs and cultures, without having to travel the globe.
Many of our host families do not have high school age children, while others have adult children who no longer live at home. They say that hosting an exchange student gives them an opportunity to enrich their own lives and connect with their community in a whole new way.
If you've considered hosting but have questions, please contact Kimberly at [email protected] or 802-824-3792.
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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
Your Friendly WeCAN Admins,
Ann and Joanna