Oct 2023 Issue: Welcome Charlie Smith | Innovation Fund Applications Open | PRA Conference | WCC Opportunity | CV Updates | Upcoming Events
Welcome Charlie Smith!
Vermont Council on Rural Development We’re excited to announce that Charlie Smith joined our team on October 2nd as the interim Executive Director. In recent years, Charlie has provided transitional leadership to many Vermont non-profit organizations including the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, the Vermont Energy Investment Corporation, and Vermont PBS to name a few. Prior to that, he served as Secretary of Human Services and Secretary of Administration for Governor Jim Douglas and was the Vermont President for KeyBank.
Climate Catalyst Innovation Fund Open for Applications
Applications are now open for the third competitive round of the Climate Catalysts Innovation Fund. In collaboration with local funders, VCRD is supporting innovators in developing solutions that move Vermont closer to its climate and energy goals. Award amounts range from $500-$4,000 and will be awarded based on demonstrating a mix of addressing Vermonters in need, innovation, resilience, collaboration, and replicability. This year, some of the funding will go toward projects in flood-affected communities. Applications will remain open Monday November 6th, 2023 at 5pm. Find out more here and apply today!
Partners for Rural America Visit
In September, VCRD hosted the national conference of the Partners for Rural America, an association of State Rural Development Councils from around the country working to increase economic and social opportunities for rural citizens and the viability of rural communities. In addition to the annual meeting, the 2-day event included a day-long bus tour highlighting some innovative and inspiring Vermont projects for our visitors from Arizona to Maine with stops in Hardwick, Montgomery, St. Albans, and Burlington. Special thanks to USDA Rural Development Director Sarah Waring and Preservation Trust of Vermont President Ben Doyle for entertaining and informing the group as trip emcees along the way!
Working Communities Challenge Opportunity
VCRD provides technical assistance, coaching, and facilitation services to the Vermont Working Communities Challenge (WCC) teams and their communities. The Winooski WCC team is seeking a consultant to work with them to build cross-sectoral collaborations to enhance economic opportunity by advancing equity. This will include:
- Working with the community of Winooski to solicit ideas
- Assembling a list of residents for the team to consult
- Engaging the community in program creation and processes
- Recruiting new team members from the community
- Co-developing the team structure
- Setting priorities and creating “Action Teams” to meet those priorities
In all aspects, emphasis is to be placed on historically marginalized voices, especially New Americans. Please see https://www.thefamilyroomvt.org/ for the RFP.
Community Visits: Shelburne and Albany
In September, Shelburne community members met and began action planning for three community priorities: Conserve Open Land and Wildlife Habitat; Develop Affordable Housing Solutions; and Improve Walk and Bike Connectivity and Pedestrian Safety. Community members can sign up to join task forces working to advance these priorities and learn more about the Shelburne Forward Together process at http://bit.ly/ShelburneTogether. We look forward to beginning our next Community Visit process in Albany, starting in November.
"Barre Up" Community Flood Recovery Focus Groups
October 18 | 5:30-7:30pm | Barre Opera House
This gathering will include breakout groups in three critical areas that have emerged in discussions since the July flood event including Housing; Social and Community Wellbeing; and Infrastructure and Planning. Participant feedback will inform the focus points, next steps, and actions of the Barre Up Flood Recovery Committee and other partners for the immediate and long-term future of the city. More information available at https://www.vtrural.org/barre-up/.
Workshop: Community Mental Health and Wellbeing
November 8 | 10-11:30am | Virtual
Mental health and community wellness are critical components of a thriving and resilient community. In this workshop we will hear from a panel of community mental health and wellness experts and hear examples of community wellness initiatives across Vermont.
Southeastern Vermont Youth Opportunity Initiative Regional Forum
November 14 | 5:30- 7pm
River Valley Technical Center at the Howard Dean Educational Center | 307 South Street, Springfield VT
This regional forum, part of a series we're holding across the state, is a chance for people of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences to come together and share ideas. We’ll be gathering feedback on a range of topics, including education, job training, community connection, youth voice, mentoring, and more. Your voice can help shape the future of programs and policy in Vermont, so don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference. Free pizza and desserts will be served.
Register Today for the VCDA Fall Conference!
November 2 | 9am-4:30pm | Brandon
With the recent flooding, rising temperatures, and extreme climate events becoming more common across the nation, how can Vermont look ahead and build resilience in communities across the state? This conference, hosted by the Vermont Community Development Association (VCDA), will investigate how our communities can become more equipped to deal with disasters. From streamlining processes, to adapting our downtowns, to the grassroots efforts between neighbors at the local level, panels and sessions will provide tips and discussions on what has worked for Vermont communities in order to ensure preparedness for future climate change.
Register today at https://www.vtcda.org/fallconference2023.html.
Vermont Council on Rural Development
9 Bailey Ave., PO Box 1384 Montpelier, VT 05601
(802) 223-6091 | https://www.vtrural.org | [email protected]
