Land Acknowledgment
The Vermont Professionals of Color Network (VT PoC) acknowledges that the space we take up is on lands that have been a site of convergence and cultural exchange, nurtured and stewarded by ongoing generations of Indigenous communities, including the Western Abenaki.
The Western Abenaki refer to this land as Ndakinna [in-DAH-kee-NAH], which translates to “homeland.” We recognize the trauma caused by the violence and forced displacement inflicted upon these communities due to colonization.
With humility, we understand ourselves as guests on this land. We hold deep reverence for the profound Indigenous knowledge ingrained in this space. Our commitment lies in uplifting and honoring the presence of Indigenous voices, histories, peoples, and cultures within our community. We express gratitude for the opportunity of enjoying this beautiful land and are dedicated to its protection and preservation.
Our Vision
Creating shared prosperity for all.
Our Mission
The Vermont Professionals of Color Network (VT PoC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the social and economic prosperity of the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community in Vermont.
Redefining Professionalism
Traditionally, the idea of “professionalism” has become coded language that privileges the values and standards set by white employers. This form of white professionalism has established a standard of conduct that doesn’t apply equally to everyone, perpetuating systematic disparities. It has fostered a system where appearance often takes precedence over skill and expertise, and where white-centric norms take priority over the diverse talents and skill sets that individuals from all racial and ethnic backgrounds have to offer.
At VT PoC, we’ve redefined the term professionalism to transcend its associations with white favoritism. Our definition of professionalism celebrates inclusivity and equitable opportunities for all who desire to gain skills in any workplace or entrepreneurial setting.
VT PoC defines a professional as an individual dedicated to developing expertise in a skill or craft that contributes to personal growth and/or societal improvement.
In this spirit, professionalism at VT PoC prioritizes:
- Recognizing Skills With Compensation: People should be acknowledged and compensated fairly for their valuable skill sets. Period.
- Emphasizing Expertise: Our perspective on expertise extends to cultural knowledge and practices shaped by various identities that may differ from conventional or traditional (read: white) approaches.
- Empowering Growth: We endorse a culture of ongoing learning and personal development. Professionalism isn’t measured by a position or a profession; it embodies the pursuit of opportunities and personal career goals.
As we navigate this path, we uphold the belief that we are not free until we are all free, and that our approach to professionalism goes beyond superficial attributes such as appearances, place of birth, level of formal education, occupational sector, or skin color.
Whether you spend your days caring for young people or elders, building physical or visual creations, working third shift and spending time to build your own business on “off-hours,” or in an office between the hours of 9 AM to 5 PM, VT PoC welcomes you to the Fam. We’re building a professional community that thrives on the rich tapestry of skills, experiences, and aspirations that each one of us brings to the table.
Core Values
Community
Creating opportunities to provide structure, relationships, affinity, safety, and openness resulting in a network all to advance the prosperity of BIPOC in the state of Vermont.
Growth
Growing relationships with community members and organizations by engaging in mutual learning, challenges, risks, and personal development all to advance the prosperity of BIPOC in the state of Vermont.
Leadership
Using what we learn to advocate and lead by example, foster respect, and earn trust from the community all to advance the prosperity of BIPOC in the state of Vermont.
Equity
Disrupting traditional norms to build and dismantle oppressive systems because we are not free until we are all free.
Service
Meeting the needs of the community with care, joy, respect, and humility all to advance the prosperity of BIPOC in the state of Vermont.
Who We Serve
Our Audience
We serve BIPOC-identifying individuals who live or work in Vermont, regardless of where they were born. We also use terms like “Global Majority” or “People of Color” to describe our community.
They represent individuals who are:
- All BIPOC identities
- Ages 18 to 65
- Across a variety of income levels
- A wide range of professions, including:
- Emerging professionals
- Those entering or reentering the workforce
- Mid-career and established professionals
- Entrepreneurs and business owners
- Skilled trades
The following groups are important members of our broader audience. They receive our messaging, engage with us, may have a stake in our mission, and can be direct or indirect beneficiaries of our work. While our current initiatives are not specifically tailored to them, we recognize their relevance and potential alignment with our goals. They include:
- Retired professionals
- Individuals who do not identify as a Person of Color
- Newcomers to the U.S.
- People not employed or actively seeking work
- K-12 students
VT PoC is a 501c3 organization. VT PoC’s nonprofit designation letter and current 990s are available upon request. Please email thefam@vtpoc.net to request this information.
