Vermont Business Magazine On October 25, 2022, the Vermont Declaration of Inclusion initiative reached the milestone of exceeding 50% of Vermont residents residing in municipalities that have adopted a Declaration of Inclusion.
The 73 towns and cities that are home to 52% of the population (334,963 Vermonters) have each pledged themselves to welcome and treat all members of marginalized communities who visit, reside, or do business there, fairly and equitably.
The Declaration of Inclusion Initiative is an ongoing effort to raise consciousness about the importance of diversity, equity, and justice and the positive effect that diversity can have on our economy.
Vermont is struggling to maintain its workforce and its ability to fund basic programs for its citizens. By telling the world at large that Vermont welcomes all people, the state can attract people with myriad skills and traditions to Vermont to live, work and raise families in a state that values and encourages diversity in its population.
The affirmative statement by the leadership of a municipality that it wants its town to be a welcoming, unbiased place where everyone is made to feel they belong, is a commitment to actively promote equity and equal treatment for all and commit the town’s leadership to treat all of its residents and businesses with respect.
The inaugural Declaration of Inclusion was adopted by the Town of Franklin on September 16, 2020. Since its inception, the initiative has been led by three Rutland County volunteers: Bob Harnish, Al Wakefield, and Norm Cohen. The goal of the initiative is for a Declaration of Inclusion to be adopted by each of Vermont’s 246 municipalities.
“This is an important marker in the effort to have Vermont become a more diverse, equitable, and welcoming state. As we face the reality of Vermont’s demographics continuing to decline, we are increasingly motivated to succeed in our mission to help ensure the vitality of Vermont communities,” stated Harnish, of Pittsford.
“The goal of this initiative is for each Vermont municipality to adopt a Declaration of Inclusion that commits to implementing plans, policies, programs, procedures, and relevant training that support and advance the intent and spirit of the Declaration. We look forward to progress being made across Vermont by the implementation of the objectives set by each Declaration of Inclusion,” stated Wakefield, of Mendon.
On May 7, 2021, Governor Phil Scott issued a Proclamation of Inclusion, establishing the second week of May as Inclusion Week. The Declaration of Inclusion initiative aims to have 100 towns and municipalities adopt a Declaration of Inclusion prior to Inclusion Week in 2023.
About the Declaration of Inclusion
Vermont's Declaration of Inclusion is a grassroots effort working with community leaders to reinforce the message that Vermont is a safe and welcoming place for all. Additional information, resources, and a complete list of municipalities that have adopted the Declaration are available at vtdeclarationofinclusion.org/
Rutland, VT (October 31, 2022) Vermont Chamber
