diversity

Cultural Diversity Series: Whiteness in Vermont 03/02/2011

A presentation of the Cultural Diversity Series of the Diversity and Equity Office of the Burlington School district and Fletcher Free Library. What does it mean to be white in Vermont? Three panelists (Patricia Shine, Deborah Krug, and Jonathan Kissam) from different backrounds respond to this question and share their culture through narrative.

Serving and Learning from our New Neighbors in a Multicultural Environment 02/16/2011

The 2nd Annual conference developed by the Committee fro Diversity Initiatives of the College of Educatoin and Social Services at the University of Vermont. Keynote speaker L. Michelle LeBaron, Professor of Law and Director of the University of British Columbia Program on Dispute Resolution. The keynote will be followed by a panel presentation on 'Perspectives on Living and Working in Vermont and discussion groups on professional practice issues. Sponsoring the conference: Agency of Human Services' Refugee Office, Burlington Police Department, Burlington School District, Vermont Multicultural Alliance for Democracy, The Howard Center and King Street Center.

Uncommon Alliance - Race Data Collection Report and Community Engagement Forum 01/26/2011

Uncommon Alliance's primary goal is to dismantle racial and ethnic profiling in our criminal justice system. This objective is realized by building positive relationships between members of affected communities and criminal justice professionals, and by providing continuing opportunities for dialogue and study around issues of race. The objective of this data collection effort is to promote accountablity and transparency of law enforcement officers, especially when dealing with members of minority communities. Moderated by Wanda Hines with participation by Burlington, Winooski and South Burlington Police Chiefs Schirling, McQueen and Whipple, Christine Longmore, Cofounder of Uncommon Alliance, Robert Appel of the Vermont Human Rights Commission, Jeanine Bunzigiye and Haskell Garrett, community members. The event is sponsored by Uncommon Alliance and Local Law Enforcement.

Common Good Vermont: Cultural Competency Basics 01/25/2011

Host Lauren-Glenn Davitian speaks Paij Wadley-Bailey, Racial Justice Activist, and Denise Dunbar, Educational Consultant for Just Transformations.

A Conversation on Race - Community Leaders Speak Out 01/22/2011

Conversation on Race Now (C.O.R.N.) brings community leaders including Arthur Brooks, former Middlebury and Bennington College Professor, Jeanne Collins, Burlington Schools Superintendent, Ali Dieng, a recent Vermont resident, Dr. Fayneese Miller, UVM Dean and Chair of the Vermont State School Board, Mike Schirling, Burlington Chief of Police, into a community conversation moderated by Robert Walsh. For more information: Vivian Mason: vhm84@hotmail.com, Susan Linskey hhskl47@myfairpoint.net

Barriers to Public Benefits Access 01/10/2011

Changes at the Department of Children and Family's Economic Services program, and the Vermont Department of Labor have created crisis situations for English language learners. Exploring the impacts with host Lauren-Glenn Davitian are Sara Martinez de Osaba, Director, VT Multicultural Alliance for Democracy, and Robert Appel, Executive Director of the Vermont Human Rights Commission.

Road to Citizenship - Engaging and Enabling New Americans to Become Voting Citizens 01/06/2011

The Road to Citizenship is a new collaboration between various agencies who share a common goal to assist legal permanent residents (LPRs) to become citizens and increase their civic engagement in the communities in which they live. The Road to Citizenship collaboration connects a group of agencies to provide a seamless pathway of services to assist legal residents to become citizens. Built into the Road to Citizenship program is education and encouragement to increase civic engagement, starting with the message that becoming a citizen is not the last step, but a first step to participate in this democracy. We envision in a few years immigrants and former refugees sitting on school boards, city councils, commissions and boards. Agencies participating in this collaboration and their roles include: VT Multicultural Alliance for Democracy (VT MADE) – organizer, capacity-building (fundraising), voter education and registration, and civic engagement support; VT Immigration and Asylum Advocates (VIAA ) – fee waiver and naturalization case management, and legal services; VT Adult Learning (VAL) – English and civics classes; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) – federal guidance and updates; State Refugee Office – support and information dissemination to other agencies; Human Rights Commission – legal rights education; the League of Women Voters – voter registration. Panelists include: Jeanine Bunzigiye - Congolese Community Leader, Americorps State Team Leader, Michelle Jenness- Legal Services Coordinator at VT Immigration & Asylum Advocates, Sara Martinez de Osaba - Director, VT Multicultural Alliance for Democracy, and Mohamed Abdi, President of Somali Bantu Community Association of Vermont..

Champions of Diversity Awards Ceremony 11/17/2010

2nd Annual event, presented by the Burlington School District, Burlington Social Equity Investment Project and the City of Burlington.

Burlington Livable Community Project: Multicultural Participation 11/16/2010

Burlington Livable Community Project is engaging residents, community organizations and the City to make changes so people of all ages can live in the setting of their choice, get around the city in a variety of ways, and engage fully in the life of our community. For more information visit the AARP Site. Host Jennifer Wallace-Brodeur speaks with the Champlain Senior Center's Executive Director Holly Sullivan on 'multicultural participation'.