NETWORKING
Networking is the foundation of our organization, and is a mainstay of our offerings. Each quarter, VT PoC offers at least one in-person event for our members, as well as monthly virtual and in-person meet-ups. We also provide additional opportunities for folx to connect by highlighting events happening across the state in our Events Calendar.
Events are open to all members who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color. BIPOC-led organizations and businesses are encouraged to engage with us at these event. We are committed to highlighting BIPOC-owned spaces, venues, restaurants/food options, and more.
Moving to Vermont from Out-of-State? Email us to get connected!
Photo by Isora Lithgow Creations
Photo by Coco Casper
MENTORING and EDUCATION
Empowerment comes from knowledge and access to knowledge; this helps us and our community to continue to grow. To us, mentoring is not just about the relationship between our youth members and experienced professionals. Life is a constant journey of growth, which is why we offer professional education programs like the Non-Profit Grant-making Workshop series, our Business Training series, and our themed information sessions. We also offer meet-ups for Executive-level professionals, early career, and entrepreneurs on a monthly basis so that we can nurture, support and educate each other.
Become a Member to learn about all of our professional opportunities.
VISIBILITY through ADVOCACY
The visibility of BIPOC in Vermont is crucial to our mission. There are over 40,000 individuals identifying as People of Color in the state and about 60% live outside of Chittenden County. Yet we are overlooked because we are not seen nor present at the “table”. Our goal is to increase visibility of all groups, including non-profits, businesses, individuals – the entire community. We work to identify the barriers to access and to break them down.
VT PoC works across the state to ensure BIPOC voices are heard. We work with public policy makers to ensure that we, as a community, are included in the planning and application of projects, programs, and various systems across the state.
We welcome white allies to help in our advocacy efforts. See our Support page to get involved.
We welcome requests for direct mentorship, programming ideas, and any education-related questions you might have!