Home ›

National

Voices of Vermont: Democratic National Convention 1968-2024: Is History Repeating Itself? 08/27/2024

From VICII:

In this episode of Voices of Vermont, Citizen Journalist Sandy Baird is joined by fellow citizen journalist Steve Goodkind, Kim Friske, and activist Wafic Faour. Together, they debrief on the recent Democratic National Convention and draw parallels with the tumultuous 1968 convention. The panel will explore whether the political divisions, protests, and public sentiments of 2024 echo the turbulence of 1968 and discuss what these comparisons mean for the future of American democracy.

Celebrating Olympian Ilona Maher 08/17/2024

From Burlington School District:

Olympic Bronze Medalist, and Burlington High School (BHS) alum, Ilona Maher is returning home to Burlington this weekend! The community is invited to celebrate her success at 10 AM at Battery Park on Saturday. Maher will be recognized by Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak as well as by her former field hockey coach Allyson Archacki. Maher will also receive the "Keys to the BHS Athletic Fields" before speaking to the crowd.

Ilona Maher graduated from Burlington High School in 2014. During her time at BHS she played softball, basketball, field hockey, and, of course, rugby. At the 2024 Olympic Games, Ilona Maher was a major reason that the USA Women's Rugby Sevens took home the Bronze medal. The medal was the first for the US in women's rugby, and the first US medal in rugby in 100 years.

The event will kick off with the playing of the National Anthem by local trumpet legend Larry Solt and end with a ceremonial cake-cutting. All Vermonters are invited to welcome Ilona Maher home and celebrate her success! The event will be held rain or shine.

Don't Burn Our Future: Clean Power Now Rally 08/10/2024

From 350 Vermont:

This summer, we are witnessing accelerating climate change with more floods ravaging our communities and record breaking heat. There is no time to wait!

On August 10th Vermonters and Leaders from the VT Environmental Justice Network Earl Hatley, Ana Mejia, Kiah Morris, and Destinee Pierce, to call on Vermont’s utilities and elected officials to urgently move away from outdated and dirty energy infrastructure in favor of a affordable and clean energy for all.  

For more information visit: www.350vermont.org/dont-burn-our-future-action-invitation

Rights & Democracy Housing Rally 08/10/2024

From Rights & Democracy:

Join Rights & Democracy on August 10th for a Housing Justice Rally in solidarity with renters and low income homeowners as we demand action on Vermont's housing crisis! We will gather with community to build grassroots power, hear from guest speakers including state representatives and community members who know firsthand the effects and importance of Vermont's current housing crisis, and take action to demand that VT lawmakers pass policies that will improve the situation for everyday Vermonters. Free lunch provided by the People's Kitchen!

For more information visit: www.mobilize.us/rightsdemocracy/event/647820

Press Conference: Vermont Clean Cities and Communities Welcomes Coast-to-Coast EV Road Trip 07/30/2024

From Vermont Clean Cities and Communities (VTCCC):

We are excited to invite you to a press conference hosted by Vermont Clean Cities and Communities (VTCCC), housed at UVM’s Transportation Research Center. The event will be held at Hula Lakeside on July 30th at 2:00 PM. This event will highlight the Vermont stop on the coast-to-coast EV road trip organized by our partners at the Clean Transportation Coalition of Western Connecticut. This road trip is designed to demonstrate the efficacy and feasibility of cross-country travel in electric vehicles (EVs) and highlight workplace charging and other charging technologies. The event will include speakers who will share their insights on the significance of this initiative for the future of sustainable transportation:

  • Peggy O'Neill Vivanco, Coalition Director, Vermont Clean Cities and Communities
  • Daphne Dixon, Coalition Director, Clean Transporation Coalition of Western Connecticut
  • Jen Green, Burlington Electric Department (BED) Director of Sustainability for the City of Burlington
  • Isabel Vivanco, BHS alumna and current Smith College senior.
  • Russ Scully, Founder, Hula Lakeside

We are particularly proud to showcase the female-led team from Connecticut, whose dedication and leadership are driving this initiative forward. The press conference will provide an opportunity to learn more about the advancements in EV technology, the growing infrastructure supporting electric vehicles, and the collaborative efforts between states to promote equitable, efficient transportation options.
 

VICII: Burlington Sister Cities Summit: Detente From Below 07/11/2024

From VICII:

In this era when nation-states are amassing more weapons, engaging in more wars, and spreading more hatred, join us at the Vermont Institute of Community and International Involvement as we host a summit meeting of Burlington’s Sister Cities. Together, we aim to reinvigorate our Sister Cities and strive again for true peace through Détente From Below. Let's build bridges of friendship and understanding, proving that people-to-people contact can foster peace and community across the globe.

Objectives include:

  • Promote Cultural Exchange: Enhance mutual understanding and respect through cultural, educational, and social exchanges.
  • Foster Economic Collaboration: Identify and develop economic opportunities and partnerships that benefit sister cities.
  • Support Peace and Conflict Resolution: Use people-to-people connections to support peacebuilding and conflict resolution efforts.
  • Strengthen Community Bonds: Engage local communities in sister city activities to build lasting relationships.

Opening Remarks and Welcome Address: Eric Agnero, Executive Director, VICII

  • Keynote Speech: Peter Clavelle, former Mayor of Burlington

Session 1: Historical Context and Origins of Détente From Below

  • Presentation: "The Peace Movement 'Détente From Below' - Origins and Evolution" by Sandy Baird, Historian

Session 2: Case Studies, Success Stories, and Strategies for Strengthening Sister City Bonds"

  • Panel Discussion: "Burlington's Sister Cities - Building Bridges Across Continents"
  • Moderator: Peter Clavelle
  • Panelists:  Representative from Puerto Cabezas, Bilwi, Nicaragua; Representative from Yaroslavl, Soviet Union (Russia); Representative from Bethlehem, Palestine; Representative from Thiès, Senegal; Representative from Honfleur, France.

Discussion on Batman with Senator Patrick Leahy 06/27/2024

Steven Heron, Town Meeting TV's Co-Director of Production, hosts a conversation with former Senator Leahy about Batman and his legacy.

New American Public Health Initiative's First Annual Community Health Walk 06/22/2024

From the New American Public Health Initiative:

Itinerary: Opportunities Credit Union / Burlington, 92 North Avenue, Waterfront Park, North Beach Campground, North Avenue, Opportunities Credit Union. 

Mike Africa Jr. of the MOVE Organization 06/22/2024

From the organizers:

Mike Africa Jr. of the MOVE organization speaks to Burlington about the legacy of the 1985 bombing of his family by Philadelphia police.

On May 13, 1985 the City of Philadelphia dropped a bomb on the home of the revolutionary organization MOVE while thirteen members - seven adults and six children - were inside. Of the victims, eleven of the thirteen were murdered, with only one adult, Ramona, and one child, Birdie, surviving.

Many MOVE organization members were not at the house at the time of the bombing. One of those members, Mike Africa Jr., is now working to reclaim the house on Philadelphia’s Osage Avenue that was rebuilt after the bombing. The fundraiser campaign is called “Reclaim Osage.”

"Reparations begin with understanding the root word: repair,” Mike Africa, Jr. said. “If the system truly wanted to repair the destruction of our culture, it would act. But we can't wait any longer. It's past time for us to reclaim what's rightfully ours. This is what Reclaim Osage is all about."

VICII: Justice on the Global Stage - Analyzing the ICJ Genocide Case, Israel v. South Africa 05/22/2024

From VICII:

Join us for an enlightening panel discussion on the pivotal International Court of Justice (ICJ) case, Israel v. South Africa, a significant milestone in international law. This case, with its allegations of genocide, has garnered global attention, sparking intense debates on state responsibilities and human rights.

Discussion Points:

  • Overview of the ICJ genocide allegations between Israel and South Africa
  • Legal frameworks and historical precedents relevant to the case
  • The role of literature and cultural narratives in understanding state conduct
  • Implications of the case for international law and global justice

We are privileged to have Helen C. Scott, a Professor of English at the University of Vermont, as our guest speaker. Professor Scott's profound knowledge of contemporary global anglophone literature and her insightful analysis of post-colonial narratives will enhance our understanding of the cultural and historical contexts influencing this case.

Syndicate content

Featured Story

Applications Now Open for the Spring 2025 Cohort of the Neighborhood Community Media Internship Program

Town Meeting TV is excited to announce that applications are now open for the Spring 2025 cohort of the Neighborhood Community Media Internship program. Join up to 8 other youth to engage in interesting media making projects! This paid media internship opportunity is designed for youth aged 16-20 who are eager to gain professional experience in the audio-visual field and develop a deeper understanding of their local community. The group will meet under the leadership of Town Meeting TV's Travis Washington from the end of January 2025 to the beginning of June 2025, on a schedule agreed upon by the whole cohort. Click here to apply!

Read more...

More News from the Center for Media and Democracy