(802) 651-8889, 152 Pearl St, Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 651-8889, 152 Pearl St, Burlington, VT 05401
Latest News
Corrections Reform Action
On Wed, June 2nd, the Commissioner of the Department of Corrections and members of the Joint Legislative Justice Oversight Committee joined VIA's Corrections Reform organizing ministry as we shared our research, listened to stories from people who have experienced the system firsthand, and responded to our requests to create a corrections system that values a Culture of Wellness for residents and staff alike.
Our four main topics were:
- reinstating the Director of Women and Family Services
- Train and mentor corrections officers and hold them accountable to trauma-based and gender-informed practices
- Connect residents to educational and therapeutic opportunities
- Provide ample preparation for and supports after release
The event was recorded and can be viewed on VIA's YouTube channel.
Learn to be an Effective White Ally in Dismantling Systemic Racism
Liberatory Path Book Study: "So You Want to Talk
About Race" by Ijeoma Oluo
This four part study on Thursday nights in June is being offered to folks who may not have done much work already around racial justice but feel that it is time to start. There is no cost for this series on Zoom, although participants will have to obtain the book - through a local bookstore, audiobook, library, borrowing from a friend, etc. If you are unable to get a copy but still wish to participate, please let us know.
This study will be led by Rev. Marjorie MacNeill and Rev. Leigh McCaffrey, with support from VIA staff.
Thurs, June 3 - 7:00 to 8:30 PM
Thurs, June 10 - 7:00 to 8:30 PM
Thurs, June 17 - 7:00 to 8:30 PM
Thurs, June 24 - 7:00 to 8:30 PM
Big Wins in Affordable Housing
VIA's campaign at the end of the Legislative Session accomplished a great deal regarding Affordable Housing and Homelessness. Together, we:
- Held a virtual Action
- Drove calls and emails to our Legislators
- Met with the Chief of Staff of the Speaker of the House
- Held a Press Conference
- Wrote letters to the editor published in numerous Vermont publications
- Sent an Opinion piece that was published in VT Digger, Times Argus, and the Rutland Herald
- Got coverage on WPTZ, WCAX, and FOX 22/44
These efforts resulted in General Fund and federal ARPA money of $134 million this year to transition Vermonters in motels to housing and to construct hundreds of more units of permanent affordable housing.
Thank you for all your help!