The "A Good Citizen" bag-decorating project with the Danville Girl Scouts
The "A Good Citizen" bag-decorating project with the Danville Girl Scouts was a great success last week! 13 girls participated. Thank you again to Mary, Bart, Margaret and Caroline for making this fun and thought-provoking experience happen for these youngsters.
"Setting the Table for Civility"
I mentioned again the info re: "Setting the Table for Civility" which I sent out in my last email, just in case anyone is passionate about bringing discussions about civility not just to their family gatherings, but to the NEK in general-- is anyone interested in this?!
Carbon Tax Research
Lynn reported on the LWVVT's civics ed project and also on the LWVVT's project to research the idea of a carbon tax as a prelude to adopting a public policy regarding it. The LWVVT needs help doing this research-- anyone love to do research and interested in learning about carbon tax practices?
Essay Contest Judges
Also, is anyone interested in helping out with the LWVVT's annual youth essay contest? This would entail reading essays. Let me know!
Programs at the Athenaeum
I need some help with the next two programs at the Athenaeum: I need a helper to manage the small-but-important A/V component of our Critical Thinking program. Also, if anyone has insights about former elected officials from the NEK who might be interested in participating in a panel discussion about their experience deciding to run for office, running for office, holding office and how all of this changed their citizenship, please let me know!
Ranked Choice Voting
Betty shared info from the calls with the LWV of Maine regarding their process bringing Ranked Choice Voting forward in their state. Then, she gave an educational presentation about RCV based on Maine's materials, and we did a mock election afterwards. It was all super-cool and a good learning experience. And, it was very exciting to consider how this could positively impact elections in our own communities here in Vermont. Kudos to Betty for spearheading this project! However, she needs help-- if you want to make real change happen in our system please jump in and help Betty. Just FYI: if you want to learn about RCV to get inspired,
FairVote.com is a good resource.
Run for Local Office
I mentioned that it would be great if some of us consider running for local offices. Our communities need thoughtful people shaping their policies! If you feel at all inspired, there is a free workshop happening this weekend. Here's the info:
The New Economy Law Center at the Vermont Law School is presenting a nonpartisan, free, workshop “How To Run For Public Office” on Saturday, November 11th
from 9:30-3. Whether you’re thinking of the US Senate, Vermont Legislature, or your local school board, you are welcome to attend. Topics include Motivation, Message, Money and Mechanics. The workshop will take place at Vermont Law School, Chace Community Center in Royalton, Vermont and is free (including lunch) and open to the public. Pre-Register Here
December Meeting
Our next meeting will be on Sunday, December 3rd, 3:30-5:00 p.m. at the UCC, as usual.
** We have been enjoying the use of the Parlor space for free but it would be good if we make a donation to express our gratitude for this privilege. The UCC said that we can donate non-perishable items to be shared with the local Food Shelf, and of course a cash donation would also be welcome (it costs money for the church to keep the lights and the heat on!). My suggestion is that we each donate $5 and a couple of cans/boxes of food. Please keep this in mind for next time (I'll remind you). Thank you.