Social Justice

Burlington Ward 4 and Ward 7 NPA Meeting 08/23/2017

Neighborhood Planning Assemblies (NPAs) are grassroots, neighborhood organizations that were established in each of Burlington's seven Wards to empower citizen participation in City government. Working as neighborhood advocacy groups, Neighborhood Planning Assemblies facilitate communication between the citizens of Burlington and city government through regular meetings scheduled in each Ward. Wards 4 & 7 meet the fourth Wednesday of the month.

Meeting place: Robert E. Miller Community Center 130 Gosse Court.

Hope for Haiti 08/23/2017

A panel discussion on history, politics, and culture with Moise St. Louis, Zach Niles, and Robin Lloyd with Doreen Kraft as moderator.

We are holding this event at a time when many Haitians in the U.S. are considering relocating to Canada out of fear that Trump will not renew their special visas granted after the hurricane. We hope our discussion will provide insights into the unique history and lively culture of the Haitian people.

Moise St. Louis is the Associate Dean of Students and Director of Multicultural Student Services at St Micheal's College and a member of the Haitian community of Vermont. Zach Niles is the American producer of the Haitian band Lakou Mizik, formed after the earthquake of 2010 in an effort to bring healing and hope to the ravaged community. He has also been influential in the formation of an Artists Institute and School in Jacmel, Haiti. Robin and Doreen worked on the animated film "Black Dawn" in Haiti in the ‘70s, and Robin returned to produce several documentaries on Haitian culture and economy.

Vermonters vs. Comcast: Sign the Petition Today! 08/23/2017

The Vermont Public Utility Commission, formerly the Public Service Board, ruled in favor of PEG access earlier this month, requiring Comcast to comply with its order and provide Vermont Access Manage Organizations (AMOs) with access to the Interactive Program Guide (IPG) along with other key PEG conditions commonly available in other Comcast territories.

We’re not sure yet whether Comcast will take the fight to Federal Court (they have 120 days from the July 27 ruling to decide), but we do know that this will cost both sides a great deal of legal expense--a waste of cable rate payer dollars.

We are excited to report that we have gained some allies in our fight with Comcast. The Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG) has launched a Petition (http://bit.ly/2xsY3RM) on our behalf (on 8/24), urging Comcast to cease and desist from further legal action against the Vermont Public Utility Commission, who ruled in our favor.

This Petition will raise awareness about this consumer rights issue and lay the groundwork for greater support if and when Comcast files a federal court case--which promises to be expensive (upwards of $100K) for VAN.

Please share this petition with your networks: Some Key Messages:
- Tell Comcast to Stop Squandering Rate Payer Money with Unnecessary Legal Costs - Sign the Petition Today
- Tell Comcast to Stop Isolating Vermont with Substandard Access - Sign the Petition Today
- Tell Comcast to Comply with its Contract - Sign the Petition Today

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2xsRoad
Twitter: http://ctt.ec/18ceS

In the World of Winooski: Vermont Works for Women 08/22/2017

Mayor Seth Leonard speaks with Wendy Rice, Executive Director of Vermont Works For Women, on the programming for girls and women in Winooski and throughout Vermont. For more information: www.winooskivt.org or Follow on Facebook

True North Reports TV: 21st Century Policing 08/18/2017

Guest Host Michael Bielawski welcomes Vermont Watchdog Reporter Lou Varricchio to discuss recent instances of civil unrest and how law enforcement can best respond.

What's Going On?: Charlottesville and the Uses of History 08/17/2017

Host Sandy Baird brings in Marc Estrin and Kurt Mehta to talk about the clashes at the Unite the Right event in Virginia, what to do with confederate memorial statues, and how to deal with unwelcome ideas without violating the constitution.

Feminist Media Review: Weekend Violence in Charlottesville, Virginia 08/14/2017

Host Peggy Luhrs discusses the violence over the weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia resulting from the white supremacy protest and counter protests.

Change The Story Hears from Young Women at the Boys & Girls Club 08/10/2017

As a way of introducing the thinking of young women to the participants at the 21st annual Women's Economic Opportunity Conference (WEOC), Change The Story VT interviews members of the Boys and Girls Club of Burlington, Vermont.

Art & Activism - The Poetry Show: The Poetry Show 08/10/2017

Kylie Dally speaks with David Foss, Burlington Housing Authority Resident Leader.

More information at www.avilix.org and sossblogdotcom.wordpress.com

A Visit With: The Champlain Senior Center 08/09/2017

"A Visit With" attends a healthcare-focused forum held at the Champlain Senior Center and led by officials from Rights and Democracy and Senator Sanders' office. Produced by Tessa Tallagnon and Margaret Harrington.

Featured Story

CCTV Receives NEH Grant to Support Community Archives

CCTV Center for Media & Democracy is pleased to announce receipt of a National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Humanities Collections and Reference Resources grant alongside 32 peer archival institutions across the country. This $49,927 grant award will support efforts to preserve and expand access to audio/visual community history materials in the CCTV Archives. Read more about this opportunity here!