Civic Engagement Positions

The Community Sailing Center is a community-based nonprofit organization providing access, education, and recreation on Lake Champlain for almost 8,000 people annually. The new Community Waterfront Center is a vital hub on the shores of the lake where community members and visitors to Burlington gather to play and learn on the lake together. The Board of Directors donates their expertise and time to create, maintain, and pave the way for the Community Sailing Center’s future. They are dedicated to seeing the Community Sailing Center achieve and exceed its goals.

PLL is a statewide provider of literacy professional development. We work with school districts, schools, and teachers. While PLL is 5 years old, it grew out of the Vermont Reads Institute at UVM and has served Vermont schools for over 20 years. The lessons learned from almost 20 years of research and practice have resulted in a book, monographs, research presentations, professional development materials and tools used by all educators in the state. The work has been grounded in the principles and standards of high quality professional learning, coaching, leadership development, and school improvement. Although the projects of PLL are guided by empirical evidence and ongoing data collection, the focus of PLL is to share the lessons learned over the past 20 years with classroom teachers, district leaders, and policy makers. As a new entity built on the solid foundation of VRI at UVM, PLL has the strongest basis for helping schools and districts to strengthen their practice so that student outcomes are improved – for all students. As a nonprofit, we can focus on the mission of helping professionals solve the problems they face by employing an action-oriented focus that is designed to help schools “get better.” The Mission and Vision of PLL: Mission: Partnerships for Literacy and Learning is committed to bringing the power of literacy to all students through partnerships with organizations and educators. We are dedicated to building expertise so that students prek-grade 12 develop complex reading, writing, and critical thinking skills for personal and civic engagement throughout their lives. Vision: PLL envisions nothing less than effective schools, expert educators, and equitable outcomes that lead to productive citizens and literacy for all people to enrich their lives and communities. The PLL Board is a dedicated group of individuals who come together from a variety of backgrounds to support the work of PLL. We currently have 10 Board members. We need 12.

GOTRVT is a statewide non-profit, after-school program for girls in 3rd-8th grade. Our 10-week season is facilitated by trained, volunteer coaches who use a curriculum that delivers lessons to nurture the social, emotional and physical wellbeing of our participants. Our lessons are designed to build self-esteem for all girls who participate so that they have the tools to unleash their unlimited potential! The season culminates with a celebratory, noncompetitive 5k event in two locations in Vermont (Essex and Manchester). We serve approximately 2,000 girls each spring across the state. Our statewide board of directors is the governing body of our organization. We are seeking additional individuals to join our board to add perspective and context through their lived experience.

Old Spokes Home is a bike shop and 501(c)(3) nonprofit creating access to bikes and the opportunities they provide for our whole community. OSH is located in Burlington's Old North End and is dedicated to getting everyone, regardless of income, on a bike. The board is composed of 8 members committed to bikes as a tool to reduce transportation inequity.

Board members are a vital part of CVABE’s community. Our students, community members and staff in Washington, Orange and Lamoille Counties are committed to developing, evaluating and providing accessible literacy instruction for adults and teens. Our work is driven by the belief that a literate person has the essential key for self-understanding and for full and active membership in the world. Board members have the ultimate responsibility, stewardship and accountability for the organization’s dual focus that requires - providing basic education instruction for adults and teens while involving the entire community in the encouragement of their efforts. Board members advocate for the organization’s work wherever they can promote the progress of individual lives in the 47 communities served by CVABE and the state of Vermont as a whole. The CVABE Board is legally and ethically responsible for all activities of the organization.

The Preservation Trust of Vermont (PTV) is a non-profit organization that builds community through the preservation and revitalization of Vermont’s historic buildings, villages, and downtowns. We envision Vermont as a model for rural revitalization, anchored by a strong sense of place and vibrant communities. By taking a broad view of preservation, PTV nimbly and creatively supports locally led efforts to save and revitalize historic buildings, gathering places, villages, downtowns, and local economies. By empowering community champions with skills, resources, and connections, PTV helps Vermont realize a dynamic and hopeful future.

The Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op is more than just a grocery store. It’s a community-owned, democratically-governed business that supports local farmers, provides jobs, and increases access to healthy foods. Our Co-op is stronger when all our community members are represented. Add your voice by joining the Co-op board! Serving on the board is one way to help steer the direction of our Co-op and participate in making our collaborative, democratic organization thrive. Board members receive a yearly stipend and a 10% store discount, plus ample learning and leadership development opportunities. Board elections take place every May. Apply by March 12, 2023 to run for the board. For details, visit middlebury.coop/learn/our-board.

Valley Court Diversion Programs is a non-profit organization that practices restorative justice in Windsor County, Vermont, and Sullivan and Lower Grafton Counties, New Hampshire. Our programs are designed to assist individuals who have violated the law and been referred to us to repair the harm caused by their unlawful actions.. Our mission is to empower individuals and communities to reduce harm and inspire change..