Updates from VCRD - June 2025

Climate Catalysts Leadership Program Announces Sixth Cohort

On a beautiful evening in June, members of the newest Climate Catalysts Leadership Program met at the North Branch Nature Center in Montpelier to kick off the start of their six-month journey together. They introduced themselves and their project ideas, heard from guest speakers and Denise Smith, VCRD’s Executive Director (see her remarks below) and shared a meal together. VCRD will provide these leaders with opportunities to build peer connections, strengthen leadership skills, and receive project development.

“The Climate Catalyst program continues to adapt to fit the needs that are present in local climate efforts. This year’s cohort will focus on finding common threads needed to develop equitable climate actions and building out their state wide networks,” says Laura Cavin Bailey, the Climate Economy Program Manager. “The range of projects - from climate storytelling to community meals - speaks to the multi-faceted ways we can solve our climate crisis and become more resilient.”

Since the program’s inception in 2020, nearly 75 Vermonters have participated in this program sparking innovative projects in their hometowns and beyond. Find out more about the new cohort members and their projects here, or contact Laura at laura@vtrural.org and 802-234-1646.



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Remarks to the new cohort

Denise Smith, VCRD Executive Director

As we face ever more complicated impacts to our planet caused by a changing climate, we see people like you from all over the state taking action to make a difference.

Dr. Joanna Macy, author and teacher wrote “Of all the dangers we face, from climate chaos to nuclear war, none is so great as the deadening of our response - If the world is to be healed, it will be through human efforts… by ordinary people, people whose love for this life is even greater than their fear.”

Vermont is a place where motivated individuals have real power to make positive changes in their communities. Throughout our history, leaders like you have shaped our towns and the state. Today, active and engaged local leaders, with or without an official position, are more important than ever as we respond to and

recover from recent floods, the global pandemic, and shrinking resources. VCRD is committed to supporting leaders who want to be part of the solution. For over 30 years, we have helped Vermonters build leadership skills as they tackle projects that make their communities more prosperous and resilient. We are as determined as ever to continue this work as we move toward a more resilient and self-determined future. We are so glad to be part of your journey and you, part of ours. We are forever linked, and we will always be there to support you.

Village Trust Initiative (VTI) - Updates and Announcements

The Village Trust Initiative, made possible with a $10 million Congressionally Directed Spending award from Senator Patrick Leahy’s office, fosters community driven revitalization of both the physical and social infrastructure at the foundation of the historical success of Vermont’s small villages. Now in its second year, the effort is a partnership between Preservation Trust of Vermont, Vermont Council on Rural Development and Vermont Community Foundation to help Vermonters revitalize a historic asset in their village that strengthens the sense of community. 

Village Trust Initiative - 2nd application round opens July 7th

VTI is pleased to announce that a new application round will open July 7th for towns with fewer than 2,500 people as of the 2020 Census. Each community will receive financial and technical support for their initial project to ensure it successfully meets a community identified need, contributes to a thriving village, and acts as a catalyst for future projects within the village.

“One of the goals of this initiative is to build community,” said Ben Doyle, President of Preservation Trust of Vermont. “We are thrilled with the results from the first cohort: village trusts have identified transformational projects, formed strong working groups, and strengthened community capacity and confidence. All of us are excited to support the next round of projects—whether that involves saving a general store, adaptively reusing a church to start a child care facility, or restoring village-scale multifamily housing.” 

An informational webinar about VTI and the application is available here. Visit our website after July 7th for a link to the application: vtrural.org/village-trust.

A Gathering of the First VTI Cohort, June 4th

The seven communities in the first VTI cohort have been busy working on their town projects. On June 4th, all seven groups came together at the Windsor Mansion Inn to learn about each other’s projects, share successes/challenges, and return to their towns revitalized. They also heard a presentation on “Development Process: From Design to Construction” given by Ryan Edwards of R. Edwards & Co Architects + Conservationists and Elizabeth Bridgewater, Executive Director of Windham & Windsor Housing Trust.

Village Meet-Up in Reading, June 5th

The next day, VCRD, the Preservation Trust of Vermont and the Department of Housing and Community Development hosted a “Village Meet-up” in Reading. VTI cohort members and other community members joined forums and panelists on the future of Vermont’s towns and villages. Participants had the opportunity to stroll around downtown Reading to visit sites and admire the town’s architecture and charm, with a culminating reception at the Hall Art Foundation.

The Town of Reading Has My Heart: Small Schools, Big Questions for Vermont

After two days in Reading, the town and their love for their school captured the heart of VCRD’s Jessica Savage, Director of Programs and Strategic Initiatives. So she wrote this love letter / opinion piece sharing her reflections.

Highlights and Updates from Towns We've Recently Worked With

The Lunenburg and Gilman community came together at the end of 2024 through the “Lunenburg-Gilman: One Community Working Together” Community Visit (CV) process, and are celebrating summer and their successes with a "Hello Summer" celebration event on June 28th. Through the CV process, community members formed task forces to advance outdoor recreation, trails & tourism, and community events & recreation. VCRD has been thrilled to work with this dedicated community and we put together a story of the incredible progress they have made in just six short months here.

In the wake of the 2023 and 2024 flooding events, the Town of Johnson invited VCRD to facilitate the “Re-Imagine Johnson” process to bring the community together and identify actions for recovery and future efforts. It’s inspiring to follow their progress on some big and impactful projects. This spring, the Johnson library building literally moved to its new location next to the Johnson Elementary School; the Johnson General Store celebrated its grand opening,; and the Johnson Food Access task group held its first community meal.

Barre Up is expanding their flood resilience series with a quarterly program aimed at helping residents learn valuable skills for emergency preparedness. On June 30th, Barre Up’s “Facing the Water” event will include a community dinner and training on water pumps and generators, dehumidifiers, and the cleaning supplies that make the most impact after a flood. To learn about this event and others by Barre Up, click here.

The Bridport Housing Task Force, formed out of the “Bridport Comes Together” Community Visit process, was awarded a “Small Grant for Smart Growth” grant to advance their work!

VCLN Workshop:

Legislative Roundup 2025

June 26 | 11:30am - 1pm | Virtual

Register here

As the legislature session comes to a close, Vermonters are often left wondering what has happened and how the outcomes of the session will affect their lives and communities. Join us to hear about the state budget, pending and passed legislation, as well as the federal government's influence on these decisions. Panelists include: Alison Clarkson, Senator for Windsor; Josh Hanford, Director of Intergovernmental Relations of VT League of Cities & Towns; Lindsay Kurrle, Secretary of Agency of Commerce & Community Development; Monique Priestley, Representative for Orange-2, Co-Chair, Rural Caucus; and Amy Shollenberger, Lobbyist from Action Circles.

VCLN Workshop:

Nonprofit Collaboration

July 27 | 11:00am - 12:30pm | Virtual

Register here

Join us to learn about the Vermont Collaborative Survey. The panelists have been compiling this survey to consider how organizations are sharing services and/or spaces with peers and partners. Together we will explore why collaboratives are an interesting model, the characteristics of successful collaboration, and what Vermont nonprofits should consider when forming a collaborative structure? Panelists will include: Sarah Henshaw, Leaves of Change VT; Sarah Phillips, Housing & Homelessness Alliance of VT; Emma Spett, Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships at UVM; Christine Zachai, Three Thirty Three Foundation.

To view past VCLN workshops, visit: vtrural.org/leadership-network/workshops/.

COMMUNITY FACILITATION

What's Possible, Windham?

Community Visioning and Forums

June 17 | 4:30-8:30pm

On June 17, Windham community members will come together for the first of 2 meetings for visioning, forum discussions, prioritization, and action planning. Participants will enjoy a free community dinner with live music. Find out more: bit.ly/WhatsPossibleWindham.

COMMUNITY VISIT

Sunderland Shines

Step 1: Community Forums

June 18 | 4:30-8:30pm

On June 18, Sunderland community members will gather for the 1st step in VCRD’s Community Visit process – a 3-month process to help the community identify and implement key priorities for the future. At this meeting, participants will attend forums to share their ideas for Sunderland's future and enjoy a free community dinner. Find out more: bit.ly/SunderlandShines.

SAVE THE DATE: August 11, 2025

6th Vermont Community Leadership Summit

Vermont State University Randolph

The 6th Community Leadership Summit will bring together 500 community builders from across the state to gain skills and build connections. The day will include workshops, panels, group discussions, networking and a diverse range of topics designed to support and connect community builders in working together and getting things done, even when times are challenging and resources are limited. Attendees can participate in any sessions of interest or follow optional participation pathways: Building Community Leadership and Capacity; Using Arts and Culture to Create Community and Solve Problems; From Idea to Action; and Navigating Change and Uncertainty.

Registration will open next week so look for an email announcement then! For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Denise at denise@vtrural.org.