Newsletter Vol. 5 No. 3 – March 2025

Posted on March 3, 2025March 6, 2025

NAVIGATION

OUR JOB RIGHT NOW IS TO IMAGINE

by M Barney

I’ve been hearing a lot of plans from folks to leave America. Yet, I feel – in my bones – that this is the moment in which we have the greatest chance of building a future of belonging and safety for everyone. In this moment of great distraction and upheaval, we have an opportunity to meet in the field Rumi talks about and use our bold, brilliant imaginations to bring a just world into being. While everyone’s attention is everywhere else, ours must be on what is possible.

The world as we know it is ending – it has to. Lucky for us, our Ancestors have survived the end of the world as they knew it many times over. They held onto the ancient knowing that under new suns, their songs would fill lungs despite all that had been taken.

We, too, can face this ending. When it ends, though, we will need something new to step into, and it is our job to build that now, while no one is looking.

Now can’t be when we leave. Now is when we double down. What a shame it would be, to forfeit our Ancestral gifts and hard-earned lessons of survival. The colonial project has always, always hoped that those of us determined to arrive at liberation would abandon it. The powers that be are foaming at the mouth as they imagine us withdrawing ourselves from the roots of our survival. Lucky for us, we are backed by a promise from the past seven generations and a promise to the next seven to come: we will be here.

Let us remember the gifts of fluidity. Attempts at empire, dominance, and rigidity are always swept away by our collective softness. Our lineages of creativity have survived every despot, and now is our moment to channel this creativity into building and building and building. Buildings with such genius and love in their walls that no earthquake can shake them.

Our Ancestors – from many lineages – adorned themselves generously. They were decked out in beads, ribbons, feathers, and shells. They had flowers in their hair and charcoal on their eyelids. All of this beauty was an ode to the gifts of the Earth. I like to think of us as the Earth’s regalia. We have adorned our planet, clothed her in our million square-foot warehouses, roads, and factory farms. Now, we have a chance to re-dress this land boldly. To cover her with tapestries of interwoven communities. Earrings of meticulously adored garden plots and reciprocity. We can cover her shoulders in a shall of promises that we will stay the course. We will build a place of safety and nourishment for all of us. How embarrassing might it be, to be the generation that squandered our opportunity to create something so beautiful to behold. A true home for all of us. At last.

This movement will demand the creativity that the mighty have been determined to extinguish since time immemorial. While they are distracted imagining our dutiful obedience, might we quietly go off and build systems that serve and honor all of us? A commons that holds this us sacred. That protects and loves us as the land we walk on always has. If our creativity weren’t so powerful, they wouldn’t be so afraid of it.

Our dances imprint our prayers into the land. How could we, then, abandon a place that holds so many prayers? A land that remembers us and holds the bones of all of the generations before us. We walk on this land – and stay on this land – to terrify the colonial experiment with the possibility and magic of bringing us all to this moment where we, together, ask, “What if?”

About the Author

Madison Murphy Barney (M) is a sister, author, doula, and public health storyteller. M’s work sits at the intersection of equity, storytelling, and connection. She works with health and equity-focused organizations to embed storytelling into their systems and connect them to the populations they are responsible for serving. She authors the weekly newsletter Our Medicine focused on connection to self, others, the planet, and awe. M is also in the process of writing her first book, which will be available everywhere books are sold in early 2026.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

news FROM THE NETWORK

EVENTS

March 3 – Discovering Self-Identity Through Culture and Conversation (6:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
Over Haitian drinks and snacks, you’ll be invited to explore how the world perceives us versus how we truly perceive ourselves. This sensory experience serves as the backdrop for a deep conversation about the power of embracing our authentic selves. Through shared stories and reflections, we will examine how societal expectations shape our identities and how reclaiming our personal narratives can be both freeing and transformative.

March 4, 11, 18, 25 (Every Tuesday) – Richard Kemp Center: Got Chess? (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
The Youth Chess Club is a dynamic and inclusive program designed to empower young individuals from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities through the timeless game of chess. Our program offers a safe and welcoming space where youth can explore the world of chess, cultivate essential life skills, and experience a range of valuable benefits.

March 6 – Virtual Policy Forum on Medical Debt Relief (11:30 AM – 1:00 PM)
Vermont has some of the highest health care costs in the country, putting many Vermonters just one medical emergency away from crushing debt through no fault of our own. Join Vermont Treasurer Mike Pieciak, Rhode Island Treasurer James Diossa, legislative leaders, and local and national experts for a Virtual Policy Forum on Medical Debt Relief.

March 6 – The Flynn Presents: Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue (8:00 PM)
If anybody knows their way around a festival, it’s Trombone Shorty. Born Troy Andrews, he got his start (and nickname) earlier than most: at four, he made his first appearance at Jazz Fest performing with Bo Diddley; at six, he was leading his own brass band; and by his teenage years, he was hired by Lenny Kravitz to join the band he assembled for his Electric Church World Tour. Shorty’s proven he’s more than just a horn player, though. Catch a gig, open the pages of the New York Times or Vanity Fair, flip on any late-night TV show and you’ll see an undeniable star with utterly magnetic charisma, a natural born showman who can command an audience with the best of them.

March 5 – Vermont Womenpreneurs: Biz Buzz Zoom (10:00 AM – 11:00 AM)
Our monthly Vermont Womenpreneurs meet-up, on Wednesday of each month at 10am, serves as an opportunity for women business owners across the state to connect, learn of new opportunities and updates from one another. Register to get Zoom link.

March 7 – Conscious Homestead: Karaoke on the Homestead (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Join us First Fridays February – April on the homestead for Karaoke in the dome! We’ll have light snacks and herbal mocktails. 21+ BYOB

March 7, 14, 21, 28 – Fletcher Free Library Presents: USCRI Mother’s Wellness Group for Swahili Speakers (1:00 PM – 2:30 PM)
A mental health and wellness support group for refugee mothers to come together and create community and to learn strategies for mental health support.

March 8, 15, 22, 29 – Richard Kemp Center: Legal Clinic (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
We’re promoting racial equity by offering accessible legal support to those who often face systemic barriers within the legal system. Here we empower individuals, protect their civil rights, and offer representation in legal matters where racial discrimination or injustice may be prevalent.

March 8 – Y4C Teen Dance (7:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
Save the date! Y4C is a hosting another teen dance!!!. There will be uncensored music, free pizza snacks and beverages, etc. This dance is for youth of all identities ages 14-18. We want to especially invite BIPOC, disabled, queer and trans youth. Mark your calendars and more details will come soon!!

March 9 – Firefolk Arts: Claim Yourself (2:00 PM – 4:30 PM)
Toni Nagy will lead this somatic workshop to relieve stress + release emotions! Cost: $40.

March 11 – Vermont Womenpreneurs: Biz Buzz Brattleboro (10:00 AM – 11:00 AM)
Hosted by Luella Strattner with support from Vermont Womenpreneurs and Downtown Brattleboro Alliance. The Biz Buzz Brattleboro Meetups are monthly networking events for women and gender expansive folk who feel comfortable in women-centered spaces where we can be witnessed in community, share resources and encouragement, and connect around the joys and growth of solo/entrepreneur, small business, and leadership life in southern Vermont.

March 13 – Vermont Womenpreneurs: Biz Buzz Burlington (10:00 AM – 11:00 AM)
Our monthly Burlington Vermont Womenpreneurs meet-up at 10am is an opportunity for women business owners in Chittenden County to connect, learn of new opportunities and updates from one another. Registration ($8) covers your beverage (coffee, tea, juice, etc.) and light breakfast fare from Deep City’s kitchen. VTW PRO Members are free (promo code will be sent to you via member email.)

March 14, 28 – Richard Kemp Center: Youth Movie Night (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Youth Movie Night is a community-centered initiative aimed at promoting awareness, understanding, and dialogue on racial justice issues through the medium of film. This program creates a safe and inclusive space where youth from 8 to 18 can come together to watch thought-provoking movies with cultural themes, engage in meaningful discussions, and share food in a welcoming and collaborative environment.

March 14, 15, 16 – Green Mountain Film Festival
Independent since 1997 – The Green Mountain Film Festival is returning to Montpelier and Central Vermont in March 2025! We are grateful for your support to make this coming year’s festival a beautiful and expansive weekend of international and local film! The now 24 year old Green Mountain Film Festival returned to Montpelier, Vermont in March 2024 after a 4 year hiatus. Since 1997, we have offered unique independent film programming in our downtown Montpelier and Central Vermont community — showcasing narrative, documentary, and experimental features and shorts from all over the world!

March 19 to Apr 6, 2025 – PRIMARY TRUST: A Play (6:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
Winner of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize in Drama, this outstanding play revolves around Kenneth, a 38-year-old bookstore worker who spends his evenings sipping mai tais at the local tiki bar. When he’s suddenly laid off, Kenneth finally begins to face a world he’s long avoided – with transformative and even comical results. “Primary Trust” is a touching and inventive play about new beginnings, old friends and seeing the world for the first time. This regional premiere runs 90 minutes with no intermission. Appropriate for ages 13 and up. Members – check your emails for a promo code!

March 20 – Vermont Womenpreneurs: Biz Buzz South Royalton (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Get ready for a Biz Buzz that brings together farming, food, and entrepreneurial spirit! We’re heading to Roma’s Butchery in South Royalton, where owner Elizabeth Roma turned her passion for Vermont agriculture into a thriving business.

March 21 – Richard Kemp Center: Game Night (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
The Game Night is a unique and inclusive community event designed to foster unity, understanding, and celebration of diverse cultures while promoting racial equity and social justice. This is a welcoming space for people from all racial backgrounds to come together, have fun, and engage in meaningful conversations. You can expect Inclusive Games, Cultural Exchange, Racial Justice Discussions, Networking and Building, Community, Food and Refreshments and a Family-Friendly Environment.

March 21 – Sons of Mystro (7:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
Prepare to be transported into a musical realm like never before as the Sons of Mystro, the dynamic violin-playing brothers, Malcom and Umoja, grace the stage. Born in South Florida to a Jamaican father and Barbadian mother, brothers Malcom and Umoja learned to play violin through South Florida’s public school system, and attended Dillard High School for the Performing Arts. Together, these brothers are Sons of Mystro. They use their violins to interpret reggae classics, American pop songs and their own creations accompanied by a DJ & a drummer. They are winners of the Emerging Artist under 21yrs Old award at IRAWMA (International Reggae and World Music Awards). Their debut recording, “Reggae Strings” is available now wherever music is streamed or sold Mentored by Black Violin, these artists’ stars are on the rise.

March 23 – UVM Lane Series: Sona Jobarteh (4:00 PM)
In spring of 2023, a lucky sold-out Recital Hall experienced something truly magical – Sona Jobarteh, the first professional, female kora virtuoso to come from any of the West African griot dynasties. Her lineage carries a formidable reputation of renowned Kora masters, and she is widely recognized for her skill as an instrumentalist, distinctive voice, infectious melodies and grace on stage. She has transformed the tradition of her instrument and introduced education reform in her native Gambia through her school, which she supports through her performances. When we heard she was touring again, we jumped at the chance to bring her back!

March 26 – The Flynn Presents: Leslie Jones (7:30 PM)
Leslie Jones is a three-time Primetime Emmy Award nominee as well as a Writer’s Guild Award and NAACP Award nominee for her work on SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE. She has also been honored as one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People.

March 27, 28, 29 – Vermont Comedy Club Presents: Langston Kerman (7:00 PM, 9:00 PM)
Langston Kerman is an LA based actor, comedian, and writer who has acted in shows including Insecure, High Maintenance, Bless This Mess, The Boys and English Teacher. Kerman is a writer and co-star on HBO Max’s South Side.

trainings & professional development

March 6, 11, 13 – CVOEO: In-Person Preferred Renters Workshop Series (1:00 PM)
This series of three workshops (Tenant Skills, Finding Housing, Sustaining the Rent) will be held at CVOEO, 5 Lemnah Drive, St. Albans. Choose a workshop at right (or below if using a phone) and click to let us know you’re coming – Walk-ins welcome too! If you have questions or would like to schedule an interpreted class, please email classcoord@cvoeo.org or call 802-660-3455 ext. 205.

March 6, 13 – CVOEO: Spend SMART (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Spend SMART (2 Sessions): Build skills to track spending. Learn how to develop a budget that works for you, and develop SMART savings goals.

March 12 – CVOEO: Email Marketing for Small Businesses: Building Relationships and Sales (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Email marketing is one of the most powerful ways to stay connected with your customers and drive sales, but many small business owners don’t know where to start. In this webinar, we’ll cover the basics of setting up an email list, creating emails that people want to open, and how to turn subscribers into loyal customers. This session is designed to be simple and actionable, even if you’re not tech-savvy.

March 17 – CVOEO: Keys to Credit (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
If you are interested in learning how credit affects your day to day life, what influences your credit score, and how to build and repair your credit, this class is for you! This class is offered multiple times a month over Zoom. Choose a date and time that works for you, then click register! For questions, please email growingmoney@cvoeo.org.

March 18 – CWEVT – How to Start an Email List: Building Genuine Connections Beyond the Algorithm (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM)
This workshop is is designed for small business owners, creatives, and changemakers who are ready to step away from the endless social media grind and build deeper, more sustainable connections through email marketing.

March 19 – CVOEO: LinkedIn for Self-Employed Professionals: Building Your Online Reputation (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
LinkedIn isn’t just for job seekers – it’s a powerful tool for self-employed professionals to build credibility and attract clients. In this beginner webinar, you’ll learn how to create a strong LinkedIn profile, make meaningful connections, and use LinkedIn to showcase your expertise. This session is perfect for small business owners, freelancers, and anyone looking to build their professional brand online.

March 26 – Discover St. Johnsbury’s Economic Development Committee Workshop: What can I do to prepare for cash flow issues? (4:30 PM – 6:00 PM)
Not all cash flow issues are negative! Whether dealing with a temporary shortfall, or needing to raise capital to invest in an exciting expansion, almost all businesses have dealt with having less cash-on-hand than they’d like. Rick will walk you through some financing options–like grants, loans, lines of credit and more–and introduce some budgeting tools to help predict cash flow throughout the year.

FUNDING & GRANTS

Vermont Women’s Fund 2025 Grant Applications
We support programs that seek to address systemic barriers to economic well-being, and those that recognize the disproportionate impact of these barriers on women and girls by race, gender identity, sexuality, class, age, and ability. We award single or multi-year grants that support programmatic expenses for pilot or established programs and/or general operating costs. We consider funding proposals that supports work at any phase of development (including pilots). Applications due on March 4, 2025.

Grassroots Fund Grants for New England Community Groups: Seed Grants
Geared towards groups launching new projects or starting to significantly change the direction of an existing project. Note that groups do NOT need to have formal tax status or a fiscal sponsor. A group only needs a bank account in the group’s name. Applications due on March 18, 2025.

Walking Together: Investing in Folklife in Communities of Color
Walking Together serves traditional artists/practitioners and organizations that show a deep commitment to sustaining folklife rooted in communities of color. $15,000 grants for traditional artists/practitioners, $50,000 grants for community organizations. Grant funds have limited restrictions and do not have to be used for a specific project. They may be used to grow your work and help you support your community’s traditions into the future. Applications due on March 19, 2025.

Vermont Arts Council Creation Grant
Creation Grants support Vermont artists or artist groups in creating new work. Grant funds may be used to compensate the artists for time spent creating new work, to purchase materials, or to rent equipment or space for the process. This highly competitive program is reviewed by an independent panel of practicing artists and arts professionals. Both established and emerging artists are encouraged to apply. Applications due on April 8, 2025.

Vermont Arts Council Arts Project Grants
Arts Project Grants support nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and schools in their efforts to add vibrancy to Vermont communities through projects that provide equal and abundant access to the arts. Applications due on May 20, 2025.

Grassroots Fund Grants for New England Community Groups: Grow Grants
Geared towards groups who have some experience implementing a project in their community. Note that groups do NOT need to have formal tax status or a fiscal sponsor. A group only needs a bank account in the group’s name. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Vermont Humanities Rapid Response Grants
Our Rapid Response Grants are quick turn-around small grants for humanities-focused community projects. We award Rapid Response Grants of up to $1,000. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Waterbury Arts Grant Application
Waterbury Arts is offering a total of $3000 in grant awards in 2024. Grant applications are accepted and awarded on a rolling basis throughout the year. The decision to support a project or projects is determined by members of Waterbury Arts. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Grassroots Fund: Seed Grants
Seed grants prioritize support for community groups who represent a broad range of voices in their community and who are not being reached by other funders. The Grassroots Fund interprets the word ‘environment’ broadly and provides funding for a wide range of activities. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

New England Presenter Travel Fund
Presenter Travel Fund enhances the performing arts in the region by supporting travel costs associated with researching artistic work that may eventually be presented in New England. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

VT Main Street Flood Recovery Fund
The Vermont Main Street Flood Recovery Fund was established last year to provide grants to Vermont’s small business owners impacted by the July 10, 2023 flooding. July 2024 brought more extreme weather and catastrophic flooding to Vermont, devastating numerous small businesses, particularly in the Northeast Kingdom. In response, The Fund is once again raising money and taking applications. Grants up to $2,500 are intended to cover operating expenses or costs such as equipment replacement, supplies, and help with clean-up. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Community Action Team
The Vermont Community Action Teams (CATs) are groups of employees at each of Ben & Jerry’s three Vermont manufacturing and office facilities. They offer general or project support within the broad guidelines and funding provided by the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation. Applications are reviewed monthly.

USDA Small Business Cost Share Program
Funds are available for businesses through the USDA Small Business Cost Share Program. Businesses with fewer than 50 employees and gross profit under $1,000,000 are eligible. Grants can cover as much as 70% of the project cost with the business cost-share component at 30%. For more information, please contact Annie McLean at amclean@nvda.net.

Social Equity: Vermont Cannabis Control Board
Individuals that have been determined to meet social equity status by the Vermont Cannabis Control Board may be eligible to receive a beneficiary payment from this program. Eligible applicants must have completed the intake process with Roads Consulting, the state’s provider of cannabis business technical assistance. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Flood Recovery Rebates for Residents
Qualifying low- and moderate-income Vermont homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $29,500 per household to replace flood-damaged appliances and equipment. Damage must have occurred between July 10 – July 31, 2023 (or July 10 – August 10 for residents of Addison County). Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Flood Recovery Rebates for Businesses
Businesses whose heating, cooling, refrigeration, or commercial kitchen equipment was damaged by recent floods can receive a flood recovery rebate of 100% of costs up to $4,000 per product for up to four products, in addition to standard offers. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

NEWS

Partnership grows to help more clinicians of color find community in Vermont
University of Vermont Medical Center and the Vermont Professionals of Color Network are collaborating to expand connections for medical residents.

Black medical residents seek community at University of Vermont Medical Center
UVM Medical Center, in partnership with VT POC, works to bring culture and community to medical residents of color