“Spring passes and one remembers one’s innocence.
Summer passes and one remembers one’s exuberance.
Autumn passes and one remembers one’s reverence.
Winter passes and one remembers one’s perseverance.”
― Yoko Ono
As winter deepens we continue to persevere through the wind storms, snow melts, freezing rain, and horrid regime of the current president. We will stay warm through this changing climate by bringing our communities together, offering trainings throughout the state, and holding dear the dream of a future where all can thrive.
Below check out a few of the community gatherings, trainings, and action opportunities we are offering, as well as our friends’.
With warmth,
Katherine, Maeve, Jaiel, Abby, Lily, Jen
TOWN MEETING DAY
Collect Signatures
Right now!
We are closing in on the TMD signature collecting deadlines. We need help with the last minute canvassing push in Williston, Montpelier, Brattleboro, and Manchester. If you’re able to help collect signatures over the next week please contact Jaiel at jaiel@350vt.orgBurlington Action Night
January 23, 6:00 – 8:00, 350VT Office in Burlington
Join the 350 Burlington node for the first action night of 2018! stop by and create art and promotional materials to use for tabling and promoting the Fossil Free and Clean Energy movement. Action Nights happen every other Tuesday!
Public Speaking Trainings
Early February
We are hosting multiple trainings throughout Vermont in mid February prepping community members to speak out at their town meeting day. If you are interested in speaking in favor of renewable energy and banning fossil fuel infrastructure then join us! More information coming soon.
MOTHER UP!
Contact MU! Coordinator Abby Mnookin at abby@350vt.org for more details
Mother Up! Monthly Meet-ups
Burlington and Chittenden County – January 18th and 3rd Thursdays, 5:30 – 7:30 pm, First UU Society of Burlington
Montpelier and Central Valley – January 19th and 3rd Fridays, 5:30 – 7:30 pm, North Branch Nature Center
Brattleboro and Windham County – January 22nd and 4th Mondays, 5:30 – 7:30 pm, KidsPLAYce
Mother Up! Lobby Day
Thursday, February 15
Our 2nd Annual MU! Lobby Day is an opportunity for families to come to the State House to call for bold climate action now. Line-up includes being recognized on the House floor, talking with Lt. Gov. David Zuckerman, and meeting with the Climate Caucus (from 10 – 2ish with exact schedule forthcoming).
Mother Up! Summer Trip to the Coast of Maine
June 2018
Four-day family trip to learn firsthand about the impacts of climate change on coastal communities, coastal fisheries, coastlines, and coastal ecology; have fun in a beautiful setting while strengthening the ties within our Vermont MU! community; hear from Maine families who have been directly affected by our changing climate and return to Vermont with stories to share.
WORKSHOPS & TRAININGS
Express your interest in any of the below workshops or trainings by emailing katherine@350vt.org
Intersections of Racial and Climate Justice Workshop
March (and available on an on-going basis)
With the support of allied individuals and groups, 350VT is re-vamping it’s workshop on how and why racial justice is integral to the movement for climate justice. This workshop will be participatory and dive deep into the roots of the climate crisis, supporting participants to think about their own current activism and definitions of justice.
Nonviolence Study Group
Winter/Spring 2018
Are you interested in learning more about the ways that nonviolence is practiced as a part of movement building and transformation work? This multi-week study group will give you the opportunity to read and reflect and prepare to incorporate nonviolence into your activism. Free and open to all. Readings, discussion questions, and guidance provided.
Building Ground Leadership Trainings
April & October
An intensive training on the fundamentals of climate justice. Designed for folks who are new to the climate movement. Sliding scale tuition and scholarships available. More information coming soon!
High School Workshops
Mid February – Mid April
We are partnering with six to eight students at UVM through a service learning course that focuses on providing training and leadership development to college students. These college students will lead our high school workshops program this semester and rally students to participate in Youth Lobby Day! If you are interested in bringing 350VT to your school, let us know!
HIRING
Burlington Mother Up! Field Organizer
Part – Time, 5 hrs/wk, rolling applications
350Vermont seeks an individual to join our Mother Up! team and organize our Mother Up! group in Burlington. Mother Up! is a statewide initiative to engage parents and families in the meaningful work of activism and organizing in response to the climate crisis. Find the full application here!
VT Human Rights Council Coordinator
Part – Time, 10 hrs/wk, application due January 29
The Vermont Human Rights Council (HRC) is looking for a Coordinator. Our ideal candidate is excited about the power of social justice in Vermont and eager to support the Human Rights Council in becoming a leader within the Vermont social justice movement. The Coordinator works with organizations from across the state (including 350VT!) to help build the infrastructure and capacity of the HRC. Find the full application here!
JANUARY HAPPENINGS
Check out the amazing events hosted by our friends from different organizations around the state!
A Landowner Forum on the Gas Pipeline
Saturday, January 20, 2:00 – 4:00 PM, Leicester Meeting House, Leicester
During Phase 1 of the Addison/Rutland Gas Pipeline project, a number of landowners and community members gained experience and insight into how Canadian-owned VT Gas Systems operates. With a wealth of factual and documented information, these landowners seek to inform communities in the potential pipeline path so people can protect their rights and make sound decisions when confronted with Vermont Gas Systems or the Vermont state regulatory process.
March for our Future
Saturday, January 20, 1:00 – 4:00 pm, Montpelier City Hall
A march and speakout for youth of all ages, and their allies! Meet at Montpelier City Hall at 1pm, then march to Statehouse lawn for a speakout. Please come, bring your friends and families, and spread the word! The march will elevate and raise youth voices. We will march for human rights, dignity, and equality for all. We will march for our future.
Public Hearing on Access to Healthcare
Tuesday, January 23, 5:30 – 8:00 pm, VT State House, Montpelier
Join Vermont Workers’ Center, Vermont Center for Independent Living, Vermont Coalition for Disability Rights, Vermont Interfaith Action, and RAD VT to share your experience of the healthcare crisis and call for a system that treats healthcare as a human right at this hearing hosted by the Senate Health & Welfare Committee.
Systemic Racism Awareness Day
Thursday, January 25, 10:00 am, VT State House, Montpelier
Join Justice For All for a full day of events planned with the goal of expanding competence and understanding of systemic racism and how it affects people here in Vermont. Join JFA for all or any of the day’s activities, which you can find here! |
