(802) 651-8889, 152 Pearl St, Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 651-8889, 152 Pearl St, Burlington, VT 05401
Latest News
Annual Statewide Convention on Wed, Sept 6th!
Plan now to learn organizing skills and form & strengthen relation-ships! This year we're back to an in-person gathering
Our Eighth Annual Statewide Convention will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 6th from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church, 43 Hebard Hill, Randolph, VT.
Join us for:
- Reports about our issue work
- Opportunities to talk with justice-minded people from all over the state and across the spectrum of faith traditions
- Training on three foundational aspects of community organizing
- Sharing a meal together
- Celebrating interfaith worship together
- Approving our Revised By-Laws during a brief business meeting
The Board and Staff think it's important for us to gather completely in person this year, to foster and strengthen our relationships. We can help coordinate carpools to make it easier for you.
We have included a suggested donation of $25 on the registration form to offset the costs of renting the space, providing food, and for staff time. But we do not want lack of funds to keep anyone from attending.
Please contact either Melissa or Debbie if you need more details.
July Flood updates
UPDATE on VIA congregations in flood zone areas
Dear friends,
It's been 3 weeks since over 2 months' worth of rain fell in about 2 days. Many of the congregations and communities which make up Vermont Interfaith Action were unaffected by the flood, but a few were not as fortunate.
The areas of Barre and Montpelier were hit hard. Estimates of 10-12% of the housing stock in Barre have been completely destroyed, much of these affecting low-income folks who may not have the resources to get back on their feet. For a state already strained with a housing crisis, this flood has displaced more than 750 Vermonters who say that their dwellings are now uninhabitable due to flooding.
All of our partner congregations in Montpelier experienced damage. And yet we find resiliency in our communities. Beth Jacob Synagogue has welcomed the Unitarian Church of Montpelier to hold their summer meditation services while their building has closed and they assess damages. Friends at Christ Episcopal Church of Montpelier are being hosted by The Old Meeting House while they continue efforts to clean out, assess damages and decide the best plan to move forward.
Our neighbors at Bethany Church UCC, who offer so much in the way of music and the arts, as well as Trinity Methodist Church, who hosted the Montpelier Food Pantry, are however both still closed as they continue efforts to clean out their basements and figure out their next steps forward.
It will take our community months, possibly years, to move forward. And yet we have hope that as we do so, because of the organizing work that we have already been doing in these areas, we will be able to see our communities shine brighter and be more inclusive to those on the margins.
Staff, clergy and leaders at Vermont Interfaith Action are committed to ensuring that our communities have the tools and resources they need to create solutions to the systemic issues of climate change and the lack of affordable housing in order that every resident of Vermont may enjoy the quality of life God intends for us all. We hope you will join us in this. VIA is taking up a special collection to direct toward our hard-hit congregations and their congregants. Please donate today to help us continue to rebuild.
Thank you,
Melissa Battah
Deputy Director and Barre resident
What this work means to us...
VIA leaders shared about the work that they have been a part of in 2022 and what that means to them. Take a listen and get involved!
Visit our Events page to see what meetings are coming up and how you can be part of this work.
Feel free to contact VIA staff for more information or if you have any questions.
8th Annual VIA Statewide Convention
We're back in person! Join us on Wednesday, Sept. 6th for our virtual statewide convention.
Click here for more details and to register!