NAVIGATION
CREATING WHAT DIDN’T EXIST: SHELA LINTON ON BUILDING THE ROOT
by Alex Hilliard
I first met Shela almost a decade ago, in 2016, where she made it known to me that her org, The Root, held a weekly affinity space for people of color at its Soul Food Sunday potluck community gatherings. I still haven’t made it to a Soul Food Sunday (sorry Shela!) but I have been impacted by the programming at The Root, and am aware of its impacts on POC all across our beautiful state of Vermont. Let’s be real, the patriarchy leads us to honor high-achieving dudes all the time, but tremendous women are rarely afforded the same opportunities. And, all too often, the spotlight on leaders focuses on Chittenden County. I wanted to give a southern Vermont professional of color the opportunity to be platformed and make her phenomenal efforts more accessible to the broader audience of POC statewide.
Shela Linton is a community leader. A Black femme-identifying Brattleboro native, she’s executive director and cofounder of The Root Social Justice Center, a BIPOC-led, Brattleboro-based organization focused on racial justice.
Shela has long been civically engaged. Her advocacy work has earned numerous accolades: Glamour Magazine’s “Hometown Hero” (2014), Brattleboro Interfaith Initiative’s “Unsung Hero” (2017), and the NAACP’s “Courage and Action” award (2019).
In 2015, Shela was arrested while peacefully protesting for healthcare as a human right. Although an initial court ruling favored police, Shela represented herself on appeal and won. The U.S. 2nd Circuit Court found that using pain compliance on a nonviolent protester was excessive force and reversed the original judgment.
I spoke with her about her journey and founding The Root.
| Q: Did your experience in the legal system influence The Root’s work? |
| A: Absolutely… My life experiences have helped me to create the vision and the mission of The Root [which is] build[ing] a part of what is needed to help our communities thrive. At The Root there are various resources geared towards supporting impacted community members as they navigate the legal system in Vermont. Some examples include Legal Aid clinics centering-BIPOC and offering tools for expungement, Youth 4 Change, which works on legislative campaigns impacting Vermont youth, and the Ready Response Team, which supports those most impacted with resources such as advocacy and legal support. |
Founded in 2013, The Root prioritizes BIPOC leadership, healing, education, and organizing in a financially and physically accessible space. It aims to be free from oppression and injustice while shifting resources to BIPOC-led movement work.
Shela’s lived experience as one of few POC families in Brattleboro informs her leadership. In a 2018 interview, she described her childhood as “extremely difficult and challenging” due to racism.
| Q: How does the current climate for BIPOC Vermonters compare to when you were growing up? |
| A: [The] racism and discrimination… impacting communities of color in Vermont… hasn’t really changed much. Folks are still experiencing racism across the board… What has changed is how we are organizing and showing up for each other. Taking us out of isolation, sharing our truths and organizing for change. The Root has helped to do this. |
| Q: What inspired you to cofound The Root? |
| A: Growing up here in Brattleboro I was constantly harassed, bullied and even assaulted… There were no spaces for people who looked like me… I wanted to help create a space where we could be seen, valued, and safe. |
| Q: Did race present challenges when launching The Root? |
| A: When starting The Root… I was the only person of color [and] a single parent… I was different [from] my Collective peers. They had the financial resources, more time, connections, and the privilege of being white… Being the person of color in the organization meant that I experienced what we were doing differently. I was the ‘angry Black woman’ [and a] ‘race chaser’. |
The Root offers programs including mentorship, youth leadership, financial empowerment, and mutual aid. Events center racial justice and connection. In 2024, its ARC program held a Community Sports Day for immigrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking families to gather and build community through play. Brattleboro Community TV credited The Root with helping to “build a stronger community”.
| Q: Are there any Root programs you want to uplift? |
| A: BPI- Black Prosperity Initiative and BYS- The Black Youth Scholarship. Both of these programs are helping to address systemic issues of inequities that have been created for Black people in our society around basic income and education. These programs are… regenerating systems that have been broken. |
| Q: What’s something Vermont still needs to become a true haven for BIPOC people? |
| A: Opportunity creation: This is when you [can] recognize someone’s gifts and support them in creating the future they see for themselves. I want to see more of whatever our communities of color feel is wanted and needed. I have also been thinking about a Black-centered beauty/hair and barber shop with a retail part, so we have another community spot to gather. |
| Q: What advice would you give a BIPOC Vermonter starting an organization? |
| A: Relationships are everything! Stand in your truth! You are good enough! |
About the Author
Alex Hilliard (they/them) is a Black man of transgender experience living in Poultney (Rutland Co.). They wear many hats: small business owner, parent, AI trainer, social justice advocate, and trail runner. Alex is passionate about improving the quality of life for all Vermonters of color (native and transplant) and when possible, creating space to increase the visibility of impacted community members.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
This month’s member spotlight is a feature on Eniel Rolon (he/him)!
Eniel is a dedicated healthcare professional based in South Burlington and has called Vermont home for the past year and a half. He is the owner of Mahoney Chiropractic Group in Colchester, where he brings a deeply personal understanding to his practice—one rooted in his own journey as a college athlete whose life was changed by chiropractic care.
news FROM THE NETWORK
Join the VT PoCket Club: An Exclusive Facebook Group!
What’s a network without networking? We’re excited to announce the launch of our new Facebook group: The VT PoCket Club!
We created this group after hearing from members who wanted more ways to connect with one another. Since Facebook is a common platform for many, we thought it’d be a great space to build community, share resources, and support each other.
Our hope is to continue growing this group and bring in as many VT PoC members as possible!
Don’t Forget to Take Advantage of VT PoC’s Resources!
Looking for new opportunities or ways to get involved?
We offer a variety of resources to support you—personally and professionally!
VT PoC’s The Things in Between: Full Playlist
Explore key topics like life insurance, personal credit, financial planning, and business entity basics to gain valuable insights to support your financial journey.
VT PoC x VSBLC Legal Webinars: Past Recordings
Missed a webinar? Catch up with our past recordings and stay informed on key legal topics! Learn about starting a nonprofit, liabilities & torts, legal contracts, hiring your first employee, and more!
| Other Resources | |
|---|---|
| Putney, East Montpelier, Winooski, Rutland, NEK: VTRC Public Truth-Telling Sessions | The Vermont Truth and Reconciliation Commission (VTRC) is holding in-person public sessions. These are spaces where Vermonters from communities named in Act 128 can share how state laws or systems have caused them harm. These sessions are about listening to others. They are about honoring truth, and supporting healing, understanding, and accountability. |
| Breakout Session Proposals due August 15: 2025 Farm to Plate Network Gathering | Vermont Farm to Plate is excited to invite network members and non‑members who work across Vermont’s food system to submit proposals for 11 breakout sessions at our 15th Annual Gathering on November 20th and 21st, 2025 at Burke Mountain Resort. We are looking for sessions that equip participants with practical tools, skills, and relationships that upholds our shared values and builds a food system that is more resilient, prosperous, and just. |
| Applications Open Now: Green Mountain Job and Retention Program | $5000 loan repayment program to incentivize new graduates from Vermont colleges and universities to live and work full time in Vermont. Any student who graduates from a Vermont college or university between July 2024 and June 2025 with a bachelor’s or master’s degree can apply. |
| Applications Open Now: Leadership NEK | Readership development program designed to empower a diverse group of emerging and established leaders across Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties. Rooted in the belief that strong communities need strong, connected leadership, the program helps participants deepen their understanding of the region, expand their networks, and grow their capacity to lead positive change. |
| VCJC 2024 Fair and Impartial (FIP) Policing Policy Review Process | The Vermont Criminal Justice Council (VCJC) reviews its model Fair and Impartial Policing (FIP) policy every two years. The VCJC worked with community organizations to update the Fair and Impartial Policing Policy in 2024, and every Council member voted in favor of accepting the policy. By law, all Vermont Law Enforcement Agencies (sheriffs, municipal/city, state, and towns) must adopt the components of the Vermont Criminal Justice Council’s Fair and Impartial Policing Policy within their own agency policies. This means that Vermont Law Enforcement Agencies commit to treat everyone living in and visiting Vermont fairly. If you have not read the policy before, please find a copy of the policy here. We also created a shorter Statement to Communities that explains the policy. Both the full Policy and Statement to Communities are translated into 14 different languages including ASL. We would like to know your thoughts about the current 2024 version of the policy. Please share this email with your colleagues and networks! If you would prefer to send us your thoughts in writing, please either email, Lisa Ryan, VCJC’s Community Inclusion Director at lisa.ryan@vermont.gov, or use this survey, or both, by September 1, 2025! We are working on providing translation options for this letter and survey, but it is not available at this time. |
| Visiting Teacher-Naturalist Program | Educators or experts in fields related to nature connection are welcomed to week of teaching and learning through our program. We will begin reviewing proposals for the November 2025 session on 7/19, and will continue to accept proposals for this and future sessions on a rolling basis. |
| Call for Vendors: 9/21 New Suns Community Center Fall Festival in Thetford | Are you a farmer/crafter/baker/maker interested in selling @ the market? Are you a musician, dancer or performing artist seeking space to share? If you have something you’d like to offer, let us know – we would love for you to be there 🙂 |
| All Brains Belong Reopening to New Patients | Our area of focus is medical care of neurodivergent people with complex chronic health conditions, either known or suspected. We are only able to accept new patients within this scope of practice. |
EVENTS
August 10 — 5th Annual August Kickback!
Mark your calendars for Sunday, August 10th, from 12 PM to 4 PM! Location details will be shared with confirmed RSVPs.
In the spirit of fostering “Strength In CommUNITY,” organizations and collectives that embody care, connection, and collective support will be tabling at the resource fair.
September 5 — VT PoC Co-Work & Chill: Hula
Join VT PoC for co-working sessions around the state! VT PoC Co-Work & Chill is an informal space for co-working, chatting, answering questions, meeting new people, getting out of the house, etc. Come through and hang out with us at a local BIPOC-owned spot!
Our next pop up is at Hula Lakeside in Burlington on Friday, September 5, from 12 to 3 PM. Please meet in the lobby at the front desk. See you there!
September 20 — VT PoC x Color The Valley: Ride & Thrive
We’re excited to announce a bike ride with Color The Valley on Saturday, September 20, from 11:30 to 3:00 pm! The 20-mile ride will begin and end at Local Motion, conveniently located on the Burlington bike path. This event is open to the BIPOC community and their loved ones.
Due to recent budget adjustments and lower attendance at certain events, we will offer a sliding scale payment option for this event, starting at $1.00 with a suggested donation of $10 to cover the event’s cost. VT PoC remains committed to offering and hosting exceptional events.
trainings & professional development
| Date | Workshop | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Month | Vermont Joblink: Interview Skills, Career Guidance, Resume Prep, Etc. | Multiple | |
| Aug 11 | VCRD’s 6th Community Leadership Summit | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Randolph |
| Aug 21 | Outdoor Innovation Showcase: Vermont’s Vision for Sustainability | 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM | Burlington |
| Sept 3 | Outdoor Equity Partnerships: Fundraiser for Inclusive Access | 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM | Middlebury |
| Sept 25 | Outdoor Career Pathways Meet-Up | 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM | Montpelier |
| Oct 21 | ClimateReadyVT Workshop for Small Businesses | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Richmond |
| Nov 13 | 7th Annual VOBA Outdoor Economy Summit and Membership Meeting | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Burke |
FUNDING & GRANTS
Thank you to everyone who applied for VT PoC’s Community Impact Grant!
Applications are closed—we hope to reopen this opportunity in the future. If you’d like to learn more or contribute, click the link below!
| Due Date | Grant | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Rolling | Vermont Equity & Justice Grant Program 2025 | Addresses needs that have arisen as a direct result of federal actions and policies. |
| Rolling | Nonprofit Enhanced Rebate | For eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits to purchase qualifying equipment or complete a custom project. |
| Rolling | Nonprofit Capacity Building | Supports consultant fees for nonprofit organizational capacity building work. |
| Rolling | Grassroots Fund: Grow Grants | For groups who have some experience implementing a project in their community. |
| Rolling | Vermont Humanities Rapid Response Grants | Quick turn-around small grants for humanities-focused community projects. Awards up to $1,000. |
| Rolling | Grassroots Fund: Seed Grants | Support for community groups who represent a broad range of voices in their community and who are not being reached by other funders. |
| Rolling | New England Presenter Travel Fund | Supports travel costs associated with researching artistic work that may eventually be presented in New England. |
| Rolling | Community Action Team | Offers general or project support within the broad guidelines and funding provided by the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation. |
| Rolling | USDA Small Business Cost Share Program | Businesses with fewer than 50 employees and gross profit under $1,000,000 are eligible. |
| Rolling | Social Equity: Vermont Cannabis Control Board | Individuals determined to meet social equity status by the Vermont Cannabis Control Board may be eligible. |
NEWS
Vermont launches website to simplify starting a business
The Vermont Business Portal, which is live at business.vermont.gov, includes information on filing taxes, applying for permits, and accessing funding.
Essex Rejects Amazon’s Plans to Build a Warehouse
The decision followed months of debate over whether the promise of faster delivery times was worth the potential impacts to traffic and the local economy.
Vermont beaches are closing for cyanobacteria. Here’s how to keep track
Before you head out to enjoy Vermont’s lakes and ponds, it’s a good idea to check the water status to make sure it’s safe to swim — and refresh yourself on how to spot cyanobacteria on your own.
‘The Daily Show’ Visits Burlington, ‘Rue Canada’
Comedy Central correspondent Jordan Klepper interviewed Burlington business owners and residents about the city’s effort to attract Canadian visitors.
