Civic Engagement
This February, VT PoC is focusing on civic engagement, and all the ways that you as a community member have a voice to make a difference. Our spotlight feature is Kesha Ram Hinsdale (she/her), Vermont State Senator and candidate for Congress, representing the state of Vermont. She explains in her interview below how the she has been working with a network of people of color to support folx running for office. “In 2021, we came together to found the Bright Leadership Institute (BLI),” Kesha says, “with the goal of getting more people of color in office and leadership roles.” Read more of her interview here to see how the BLI is supporting more BIPOC in politics.
This month, we would like to recognize the countless Black civic leaders who worked tirelessly to change history – from John Lewis, Ida B. Wells, Malcolm X, to Marsha P. Johnson. Learn more about their legacies, and the works of other Black leaders, through Burlington’s department of Racial Equity, Inclusion and Belonging “28 Days of Resilience.” Click here to see each day’s special guests feature.
We also have relevant events and news, including new board member openings and the upcoming BIPOC clinics. The best way to help your community right now is to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Read up on all of these opportunities below!
Get to Know VT PoC
Businesses and People
Kesha Ram Hinsdale
VERMONT STATE SENATOR SINCE 2021, VERMONT STATE REP. 2011-2021
Kesha Ram Hinsdale grew up “waiting tables and sweeping peanut shells off the floor in [her] Indian immigrant father’s and Jewish American mother’s Irish pub” before making her way to Vermont for university. After running for a position in the Vermont State House at only 21 years old, she’s been working in politics and government ever since. Working in this field – and in Vermont in general – as a person of color, means “you have to lean on BIPOC folks around you,” Kesha says, “That is something to fall back on so you can lift others up with you as you rise.”
Read the rest of our interview with Kesha Ram Hinsdale here.
Find all the ways to connect with Kesha below!
Updates and Resources
Events
BIPOC Ski Day!
The Craftsbury Outdoor Center in collaboration with Unlikely Riders and UVM Rubenstein School for Environment and Natural Resources, are hosting a BIPOC Ski Days February 12th.
Get all the info at this link.
Gentle Yoga with Candace Taylor
Join Candace Taylor for virtual weekly Gentle Yoga Classes through Laughing River Yoga studio.
Join the class here!
Booster Shots/Kids Shots at BIPOC Clinic
Get vaccinated at the BIPOC Clinic in Burlington! The next Booster clinic is this Saturday, February 12th from 9-1pm.
Register at their website.
Community Sailing Center (CSC) BIPOC Scholarship
CSC is offering 11-15 BIPOC campers a 100% paid summer camp experience of up to 4 weeks! The opportunity extends beyond this summer, supporting sailors for up to 4 years.
Learn more at this link.
News
Calling all VT PoC Members!
Complete the updated member info form if you haven’t already!
Click here.
Winooski Housing Authority (WHA) Seeks New Board Member
Looking for an important way to give back to the community?
Do you have experience or an interest in housing? Get involved with the WHA.
Apply to the opportunity here.
King Street Center is hiring!
The King Street Center in Burlington is hiring for 3 positions – Development and Comms. Associate, co-lead Toddler Room Teacher, and afterschool teacher.
Learn more about the openings at this link.
Do you know a BIPOC Insurance Agent?
VT PoC is planning a series of Financial Literacy workshops and is searching for a BIPOC insurance agent who can share their expertise. This is a paid opportunity. Send us an email at TheFam@vtpoc.net!