As the face of Vermont grows increasingly diverse, Vermonters face new challenges and opportunities. The challenges can seem daunting. Our differences often separate our diverse communities. Our rural landscape and small towns can make us feel isolated from others in our identity groups. Yet, if we look beyond these challenges, there are vital opportunities for interaction with people who may or may not feel as we do. The more effectively we work with each other, the greater the opportunity to build a Vermont that treats all of its citizens with dignity and respect. Effective communication is the best tool for building our own communities, and for strengthening our ties with others. We hope this Guide will provide a vital resource for all Vermonters to communicate with each other - to help make the dream of social justice a reality.
This guide is intended to be used as a resource only. It is not an endorsement of any of the listed services, individuals, or organizations and is not intended to provide legal advice.
Please contact us if you or your organization would like to be added to this guide -
(802) 310-6296 lead@leadintl.org
Thanks to the following individuals for their assistance:
Sam Abel-Palmer Kate Hayes Jean Lowell Colleen Noonan Mary Trafton Gail Zatz
Thanks to the following organizations for their financial support of this project: Autumn Harp Gill Foundation Green Mountain Fund
Organizations
(Alphabetical)
ALANA Community Organization
Curtiss Reed, Jr.
214 Main Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301
(802)254-2972 (phone)
(802)254-0075 (fax)
alana@sover.net
www.alanavision.org (under construction)
ALANA’s mission is to build and reinforce relationships among communities of color and
communities at large by addressing issues in health care, education, environment, arts,
religion, business, and economic development.
Alianza Latina
Beverly Colston, Director
ALANA Student Center, Blundell House, Redstone Campus, Burlington, VT 05405
(802)656-3819 (phone)
(802)656-8511 (fax)
beverly.colston@uvm.edu
http://www.uvm.edu/~alianza/
Founded in 1988 by Cesar Murillo (recently deceased in the attacks of September 11), and
Philip Gonzalez, Alianza Latina began as a social support group for Latino/a students. The
group’s activities evolved to encompass discussions related to the atmosphere of UVM
and the need to bring more diversity to the campus. The group pursued student
government recognition and began the process of becoming an official organization.
American Civil Liberties Union of Vermont (ACLU-VT)
Allen Gilbert, Executive Director
137 Elm Street, Montpelier, VT 05602
(802)223-6304 (phone & fax)
ACLUVT@aol.com
http://members.aol.com/acluvt/home.html
ACLU-VT's mission is to protect and enhance the civil liberties of all Vermonters.
American Friends Service Committee
Joseph Gainza
73 Main St., #19, Montpelier, VT 05602
(802)229-2340 (phone & fax)
afscvt@together.net
www.afsc.org
www.afscvt.org
AFSC is dedicated to nonviolence: opposing both the overt violence of war and the covert
violence that erodes the human spirit through deprivation and indifference. AFSC has an
essential Quaker spirit, but its staff and partnerships include many who hold firm to other
faiths.
AWARE:
The Multicultural Awareness Association
Robert J. Peeples
Brattleboro Area Middle and High School
(802)257-3029 (phone)
(802)254-7672 (fax)
Bob_peeples@fc.brattleboro.k12.vt.us
www.bams.k12.vt.us
The purpose of AWARE is to give support to minority students, to identify and help
eliminate racism in the school community, to learn about the various cultures and
nationalities represented in the school, and to increase awareness and understanding of all
types of oppression, such as sexism, homophobia and classism.
Center for World Education
David Shiman
539 Waterman Bldg., UVM, Burlington, VT 05405
(802)656-1428 (phone)
(802)656-0004 (fax)
www.uvm.edu/~uvmcwe
The Center promotes education for justice, peace, and a healthy environment by
providing resources for teachers and conducting workshops and courses.
Clan of the Hawk
Chief Spirit Water/Ralph S. Swett
645 Evansville Rd., Brownington, VT 05860
(802)754-6305 (phone)
(802)754-2954 (fax)
chiefspiritwater@clanofthehawk.org
www.ClanoftheHawk.org
The Clan helps to revive native peoples’ heritage through lectures and drum music
programs offered by the Clan to schools, probation offices, and prisons.
Chellis House, Middlebury College
Women and Gender Studies Center
Karin Hanta, Director
Chellis House, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT 05753
(802)443-5937 (phone)
khanta@middlebury.edu
www.middlebury.edu/~chellis
Chellis House is a resource center for those concerned with issues pertaining to women
and gender. It houses several student organizations and produces a newsletter and a
speaker series.
Clarina Howard Nichols Center
Susan Aikman, Executive Director
P.O. Box 517, Morrisville, VT 05661
(802)888-2584 (phone)
(802)888-5256 (hotline)
(802)888-2570 (fax)
www.vtnetwork.org/orgpages/chnc.html
chnc@pwshift.com
The Center is a private, non-profit agency that has been serving Lamoille County
communities since 1981. Its mission is to end violence against women and their children
by providing shelter and services to survivors of domestic and/or sexual assault and
preventive, outreach education programs.
Client Assistance Program
Karen Colgrove
1111 Main St., Suite B, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
(802)748-8721 (phone)
(802)748-4610 (fax)
The Program advises and informs clients and client applicants of all services and benefits
available to them through programs authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Vermont Teacher Diversity Scholarship Program
Phyl Newbeck
P.O. Box 359, Waterbury, VT 05676-0359
(802)241-3379 (phone)
(802)241-3369 (fax)
phyl.newbeck@vsc.edu
http://templeton.vsc.edu/teacherdiversity
The Vermont Teacher Diversity Scholarship Program is a state-wide loan
forgiveness program which recruits students from diverse racial and ethnic
backgrounds to become Vermont public school teachers. The program accepts
applications twice a year from high school seniors, current college students,
members of the immigrant/refugee population, and adults looking to embark on
a new career. Scholars can receive up to $12,000 in loan forgiveness if
they attend college in Vermont and teach in the public school system for three years.
Committee to End Racism in Our Schools
Beth Kuhn, Director
Champlain Iniative, c/o the United Way, 95 St. Paul St., Burlington, VT 05401
(802)864-7541 (phone)
(802)864-7401 (fax)
beth@unitedwaycc.org
www.unitedwaycc.org
The purpose of the Committee is to create awareness and establish priorities for
addressing racism within schools. The Committee establishes a safe and inclusive school
environment by creating a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) to monitor racial harassment in
the schools, promotes hiring of people of color in the schools, and creates citizen
involvement.
Community of Vermont Elders (COVE)
Dolly Fleming, Executive Director
79 River Street, Heritage II Building, Suite 1, Montpelier, VT 05602
(802)229-4731 (phone)
(802)229-0156 (fax)
cove@vermontelders.org
www.vermontelders.org
COVE is a group of organizations and individuals who believe that Vermont elders
deserve to live healthy, satisfying lives and make their own choices about aging
successfully.
Diversity Champlain
David Wolfe
Champlain College, 163 South Willard St., Burlington, VT 05402
(802)865-6416 (phone)
(802)860-2772 (fax)
wolfe@champlain.edu
www.champlain.edu
Diversity Champlain is a committee of faculty, staff, and students who work to foster a
sense of community, acceptance, and understanding in Champlain College life. The
organization provides seminars and speakers regarding building community in the dorms
and on campus; exposure to people, places and ideas outside campus; and resources to
assist people facing challenges of diversity in their communities.
Division for the Blind & Visually Impaired
Fred Jones, Director
103 S. Main St., Waterbury, VT 05671-2304
(802)241-2210 or (888)405-5005 (phone) (802)241-2128 (fax)
DBVI’s mission is to assist Vermonters who are blind and visually impaired to achieve
or maintain their fullest possible economic independence, self-reliance, and social integration.
A wide range of services are offered to accommodate individual needs.
The Domestic Abuse Education Project at Spectrum Youth and Family Services
Mark Larson
31 Elmwood Ave., Burlington, VT 05401
(802)660-8560 (phone)
mlarson@spectrumvt.org
DAEP provides services in Addison, Chittenden, and Franklin counties to enhance the
safety of battered women and their children by providing educational services for men
who batter. Services are designed to broaden men’s understanding of domestic abuse and
its effects, and to encourage safe, respectful relationships.
G/LEARN (Gay/Lesbian Education and Resource Network)
P.O. Box 27, Norwich, VT 05055
(802)649-5297 (phone)
(802)649-5297 (fax)
info@glearn.org
glearn.necis.org
G/LEARN is a community-based organization dedicated to promoting a positive climate
for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) youth, and children of GLBT parents.
It works with school gay-straight alliances and sponsors workshops, in-service training for
teachers, and community forums.
Governor’s Advisory Commission on Native American Affairs
Jeff Benay, Chair
49 Church St., Swanton, VT 05488
(802)868-4033 (phone)
(802)868-4265 (fax)
jbenay@fnwsu.k12.vt.us
The Commission studies problems and issues and makes recommendations to the
Governor relating to the cultural, educational, and economic concerns of the Native
American residents of Vermont. The Commission recommends actions that will enhance
understanding and protection of Native American culture, sacred or traditional places, and
archeological or important artifacts.
Kids on the Block-Vermont
Deb Ward Lyons/Mary K. Dennsion/Adam Courville
294 N. Winooski Ave., Suite 105, Burlington, VT 05401
(802)860-3349 (phone)
(802)860-3349 (fax)
kids@kidsontheblockvermont.org
www.kidsontheblockvermont.org
This organization teaches children to be safe and healthy and to appreciate physical and
cultural differences. Using life-sized puppets, this program seeks to create a community
which helps children realize their full potential.
LEAD International
(Leadership Education Action Diversity)
Virginia Renfrew
P.O. Box 1103, Montpelier, VT 05601-1103
(802)310-6296
lead@leadintl.org
www.leadintl.org
LEAD International encourages development of individual leadership skills and
capabilities, promotes equality and social justice, assists people to become involved in
their communities, and supports diversity and tolerance.
League of Women Voters of Vermont
Marge Gaskins, President
P.O. Box 8266, Essex Jct., VT 05451-8266
(802)657-0242 (phone)
GASKINRE@together.net
www.lwvofvt.org
The League promotes equal rights and opportunities, social and economic justice, and
health and safety for all.
Mountain Pride Media, Inc.
Dan Brink, President, Board of Directors
P.O. Box 1122, Burlington, VT 05402-1122
(802)861-OITM(6486) (phone)
(802)860-0705 (fax)
mpm@mountainpridemedia.org
www.mountainpridemedia.org
Mountain Pride Media, through communication vehicles, works to develop and strengthen
the community of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and questioning (GLBTQ)
Vermonters.
Multiracial Alliance of the Rutland Area (MARA)
Alis Headlam
20 Jackson Avenue, Rutland, VT 05701
(802)747-3448 (phone)
(802)747-3448 (fax - call ahead)
headlam@aol.com
www.home.ddc.com/MARA
MARA promotes racial unity and harmony in the Rutland area. It provides education,
resources, and support to individuals and groups in the community, and offers dialogues,
workshops, and presentations about racism and experiences of those of different races in
the area.
National Association of Social Workers, Vermont Chapter
Warren Hathaway, Executive Director
P.O. Box 1348, Montpelier, VT 05601-1348
(802)223-1713 or (888)260-7398 (phone)
(802)229-4318 (fax)
naswvt@naswvt.org
www.naswvt.org
The Association supports, enhances, and facilitates communication across the spheres of
community, agency, and clinical social work. It supports members through legislative
advocacy and committee work within the organization. It promotes and respects social
justice, self-determination, human rights, diversity, and interdependence.
National Organization for Women (NOW), Vermont Chapter
Judy Murphy, State Coordinator
P.O. Box 1877, Manchester Center, VT 05255
(802)442-8816 (phone)
(802)362-2005 (fax)
murph@sover.net
NOW works to achieve equality for women, including assuring safe, legal, and accessible
abortion and reproductive freedom. It works to end racism, violence against women, and
discrimination based on sexual orientation, color, ethnicity, national origin, economic
status, age, disability, size, childbearing capacity or choices, or parental or marital status.
Northern New England Tradeswomen
Tiffany Bluemle, Executive Director
51 Park Street, Essex Junction, VT 05401
(802)878-0004 or (800)639-1472 (phone)
(802)878-0050 (fax)
info@nnetw.org
www.nnetw.org
Northern New England Tradeswomen helps women enter, advance and remain in the
skilled trades or technical fields through a comprehensive program of recruitment,
training, referrals, placements, networking, advocacy, and retention activities.
Office of the Attorney General, Civil Rights Unit
Sandi Everett, Director
109 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05609-1001
(888)745-9195 (toll-free phone in VT)
(802)828-3657 (phone)
(802)828-3665 (TTY)
(802)828-2154 (fax)
civilrights@atg.state.vt.us
http://www.atg.state.vt.us/display.php?pubsec=0&smod=50
This Office is a law enforcement agency focusing on employment discrimination, including
discrimination based on race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex (including
sexual harassment), sexual orientation, place of birth, age, disability, HIV status, or
worker's compensation claims. The Office enforces state laws regulating parental and
family leave, drug-testing and lie-detector (polygraph) testing and helps victims of hate
crimes to obtain restraining orders in court.
Office for Institutional Diversity, Middlebury College
Office for Institutional Diversity, Middlebury College
Carr Hall, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT 05753
(802)443-5615 (phone)
graf@middlebury.edu
http://www.middlebury.edu/diversity
The Office for Institutional Diversity (OID), created in the year 2000, supports Middlebury
College's institutional mission by working with a variety of faculty, staff, and student
cultural organizations on and off Middlebury`s campus to promote and encourage diversity and
intercultural exchange and communication. It fosters diversity through communication,
collaboration, integration, and education. It believes that communication of differences
among individuals forms the basis for the collaborative endeavors on our campus and enhances
the integration of each member of our community into a diverse educational environment.
Older Women’s League, Green Mountain Chapter (OWL)
Marion Gray
14 Freedom Dr., Montpelier, VT 05602
(802)229-1101 (phone)
OWL is an advocacy organization for older women concerned with issues related to
health, economics, social activities, transportation, housing, and other issues related to
aging. No woman is too young to be part of OWL!
Outright Vermont
Kate Jerman, Lluvia Mulvaney-Stanak, Co-Executive Directors
P.O. Box 5235, Burlington, VT 05402
(800)GLB-CHAT or (802)865-9677 (phone)
(802) 865-4916 (fax)
info@outrightvt.org
www.outrightvt.org
Outright Vermont fosters sensitivity and understanding of issues facing gay, lesbian,
bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth. Through education and outreach, Outright
seeks to challenge stereotypes and prejudices, creating fearless and hate-free environments
for youth.
PAN-AFRICAN-LATINO-NATIVE AMERICAN LIVING AND LEARNING CENTER (P.A.L.A.N.A), Middlebury College
Leroy Nesbitt, Senior Advisor for Institutional Diversity
Carr Hall, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT 05753
(802)443-3166 (phone)
nesbitt@middlebury.edu
The PALANA center is a living and learning space dedicated to the principle that diversity
and a larger worldview are integral parts of a complete academic, social, and residential liberal
arts education. The Center features an experiential living space designated to create a common
ground for exploration of issues of cultural diversity, and serves as a locus in the Middlebury
community for academic and social programs. The Center houses twelve residential students, the
Office of Institutional Diversity as well as classrooms and offices for faculty.
Parents, Teachers & Students for Social Responsibility, Inc. (PTSSR)
PO Box 1173, Montpelier, VT 05601-1173
(802)223-3409 (phone)
(802)229-1166 (fax)
www.uvm.edu/~dewey/oaxaca/ptssr.html
PTSSR works with youth and adults to advance social justice across borders and
boundaries including inter-cultural, inter-racial, economic, etc. The organization builds
networks, currently in Vermont, New York City, Haiti, Mexico, and South Africa.
Peace & Justice Center
Chris Meehan, Executive Director
21 Church St., Burlington, VT 05401
(802)863-2345 (phone)
(802)863-2532 (fax)
info@pjcvt.org
www.pjcvt.org
The Center works to create a just, peaceful and ecologically healthy world through
education, advocacy, training and non-violent activism, focused on issues related to
economic and racial justice, peace, and human rights.
PFLAG of Champlain Valley
Lil Venner
23 Birchwood Lane, Burlington, VT 05401-2719
(802)863-4285 (phone)
venner@webtv.net
www.pflag.org
PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) promotes the health and
well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons, their families and friends.
It provides support to cope with an adverse society, education to enlighten the public, and
advocacy to end discrimination and secure equal civil rights. PFLAG provides an
opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity, and acts to create a
society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity.
Programs for Environmental Awareness & Cultural Exchange (P.E.A.C.E.
Michael Caduto
P.O. Box 1052, Norwich, VT 05055
(802)649-1815 (phone and fax)
michaelcaduto@p-e-a-c-e.net
P.E.A.C.E. offers programs that promote cultural and biological diversity and instill
awareness, tolerance, understanding, appreciation and stewardship through music, dance,
native instruments, and storytelling. These presentations are offered for children, parents,
and the public. School residencies and hands-on workshops for teachers are available.
Project Against Violent Encounters (PAVE)
Joan Sakalas, Executive Director
P.O. Box 227, Bennington, VT 05201
(802)442-2370 (phone)
(802)442-6162 (fax)
pave@together.net
The mission of PAVE is to end domestic violence and sexual assault by providing
supportive and educational services to individuals, families, and the community.
Project Independence
Lou D'Antonio, Executive Director
420 Washington St., Barre, VT 05641
(802)476-3630 (phone)
verduck@sover.net
This Project provides comprehensive, long-term adult day health services, which will assist
participants in maintaining independence and an optimum quality of life, while offering
respite, advocacy, and support to their caregivers and families. Project Independence
supports individuals making choices regarding their lifestyle.
ReCycle North YouthBuild
John Westie, Program Director
266 Pine Street, Burlington, VT 05401
(802)658-4143 ext. 39 (phone)
(802)658-0543 (fax)
jwestie@recyclenorth.org
ReCycle North YouthBuild is a comprehensive job training, education, and leadership
development program for low-income young adults, ages 18 through 24. The ReCycle North
YouthBuild program has been carefully designed by community leaders with the input of
young people in several communities. Its mission is to guide and inspire young people
in creating a nurturing community in which they develop successful and productive lives.
R.U.1.2? Community Center
Christopher Kaufman, Executive Director
P.O. Box 5883, Burlington, VT 05402-5883
(802)860-7812 (phone and fax)
thecenter@ru12.org
www.ru12.org
R.U.1.2? provides venues for the social, cultural, artistic, and educational endeavors of
our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, intersex, questioning, and allied communities
through visibility, awareness, and community building. R.U.1.2? hosts events, support
groups, and other activities in Burlington.
Safeline, Inc.
Marty Levin, Chani Waterhouse
P.O. Box 446, Randolph, VT 05060
(802)728-5647 (phone)
(800)NEW-SAFE (hotline)
(802)728-5635 (fax)
safeline@valley.net
www.orgsites.com/vt/safeline
Safeline is a domestic violence/sexual assault 24-hour crisis agency with a 24-7 hotline.
Safeline offers court and hospital advocacy, and survivor and victim support.
SafeSpace
Kara DeLeonardis, Executive Director
P.O. Box 158 Burlington, VT 05402
(802)863-0003 (phone)
(802)863-0004 (fax)
info@safespacevt.org
www.SafeSpaceVT.org
SafeSpace is a social change and social service organization working to end physical,
sexual, and emotional violence in the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer,
and questioning people. Advocates provide information, support, referrals, and advocacy
to survivors, as well as an open support group. SafeSpace is also available as a resource
for information about same-sex domestic and sexual violence.
Samara Foundation of Vermont
Bill Lippert
P.O. Box 1263, Burlington, VT 05402
(802)860-6236 (phone)
(802)860-6315 (fax)
info@samarafoundation.org
www.samarafoundation.org
Samara, a charitable foundation, supports and strengthens Vermont's gay, lesbian, bisexual
and transgendered communities today and builds an endowment for tomorrow.
The Schoolhouse Learning Center, Inc.
Nari Penson
8 Catkin Dr., South Burlington, VT 05403
(802)658-4164 (phone)
(802)864-4345 (fax)
The Center’s purpose is to enhance children’s innate joy in learning, while providing a
coherent program of instruction. The Schoolhouse encourages independence of mind, self-
reliance and resourcefulness, while children learn respect for self, community, and
environment.
Seeds of Peace
Jon Schottland
P.O. Box 858, Putney, VT 05346
(802)387-4827 (phone)
peace@together.net
Seeds of Peace provides trainings for schools, community groups, and other agencies on
leadership, diversity, nonviolence, conflict resolution, and mediation.
Sexual Assault Crisis Team
Bobbi Gagne
4 Cottage Street, Barre, VT 05641
(802)479-5577 (hotline)
(802)476-1388 (phone)
(802)476-1381 (fax)
Gagnepad@aol.com
The Sexual Assault Crisis Team provides services to victims/survivors or non-offending
family members of sexual violence, including rape, incest, ritualized abuse, child sexual
abuse, and sexual harassment. Services include a hotline, emergency hospital and legal
advocacy, emergency shelter, training, and education. The group also offers special
healing and crisis response services to Native Americans.
University of Vermont
Asian Studies Outreach Program
Dr. Juefei Wang, Director
479 Main Street, Burlington, VT 05405
(802)656-7985 (phone)
(802)656-8472 (fax)
jwang@uvm.edu
www.uvm.edu/~outreach
This program promotes teaching and learning about Asia in Vermont schools at levels K-
12. Activities include in-service programs, overseas programs for teachers and school
leaders, programs for high school students, curriculum design and instruction, and
exchanges.
University of Vermont
Center for Cultural Pluralism (CCP)
Dr. Sherwood Smith
Allen House, 461 Main Street, Burlington, VT 05405
(802)656-8833 (phone)
(802)656-3348 (fax)
ssmith3@uvm.edu
www.uvm.edu/~ccpuvm/ or
www.uvm.edu/~culture
The Center promotes the value of cultural pluralism, academic excellence, and challenge
to oppression.
University of Vermont Counseling Center
Deb Renshaw
146 South Williams Street, Burlington, VT 05401
(802)656-3340 (phone)
(802)656-8022 (fax)
ddeb.renshaw@uvm.edu
www.uvm.edu/~counscen
The focus of the Center is individual growth and development in the context of a caring
community. The Center encourages academic success and a positive experience at UVM.
University of Vermont LGBTQA Services (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender,
Questioning and Ally)
Dorothea V. Brauer, MA, LCMHC, Director
461 Main Street, Burlington, VT 05405
(802)656-8637 (phone)
(802)656-3348 (fax)
lgbtqa@uvm.edu
www.uvm.edu/~lgbtqa
The services provided assist the University of Vermont in meeting the needs of lgbtqa
staff, students and faculty for inclusion and representation in university and community
concerns. Staff provide consultation and training to all departments of the university,
foster and support lgbtqa programming, and manage a lgbtqa listserve and a web page.
University of Vermont Women’s Center
LuAnn Rolley, Interim Director
34 South Williams, Burlington, VT 05401
(802)656-7892 (phone)
(802)656-4556 (fax)
women@uvm.edu
www.uvm.edu/~women
The Women's Center works to improve the quality of women's lives by facilitating
communication among women and by insuring gender equity through policy initiatives and
programming. The Center serves as a source for referrals and information about services
for women and issues impacting women. The Women's Center offers advocacy and crisis
counseling to members of the University community who have been impacted by violence
against women.
Vermont American Association of
University Women
Louise Luring
P.O. Box 444, Saxtons River, VT 05154
(802)869-2566 (phone)
fax - call ahead
luring@vermontel.net
www.aauwvt.org
AAUW promotes education and equity for all women and girls. It supports equity in
education and the workplace, affirmative action, reproductive choice, and programs that
provide opportunities for women and girls to reach their greatest potential.
Vermont Anti-Racism Action Team (VARAT)
Paij Wadley-Bailey
P.O. Box 714, Montpelier, VT 05601
(802)229-9910 (phone)
VARAT is a statewide grassroots force addressing and counteracting racism in Vermont’s
educational system.
Vermont CARES (Vermont Committee for AIDS Resources, Education and Services)
Kendall Farrell, Executive Director
361 Pearl Street, Burlington, VT 05401
(800)649-2437 or (802)863-2437 (phone)
(802)864-7730 (fax)
kendall@vtcares.org
www.vtcares.org
Vermont CARES’ mission is to improve the quality of life for those living with HIV or
AIDS, create compassionate communities, and prevent the spread of HIV by working
with people affected by HIV/AIDS as catalysts for social and individual change.
Vermont Center for Independent Living (VCIL)
Deborah Lisi-Baker, Executive Director
11 East State St., Montpelier, VT 05602
(802)229-0501 (phone - V/TTY)
(802)229-0503 (fax)
Deborah@vcil.org
VCIL’s mission is to empower Vermonters with disabilities, deaf Vermonters, and other
citizens of Vermont to tear down physical, communication, and attitudinal barriers that
keep people from realizing their full potential.
Vermont Commission on Women
126 State St., Montpelier, VT 05633-6801
(800)881-1561 (phone)
info@women.state.vt.us
www.women.state.vt.us
The purpose of the Commission is to help women achieve legal, economic, social, and
political equality in Vermont. The Commission works to shape policy by educating and
informing the public. It works to find long-term solutions to the problems that confront
women and their families by increasing educational, economic, social, and health-related
opportunities.
Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council
Karen Schwartz, Executive Director
103 South Main St., Waterbury, VT 05671-0206
(802)241-2612 (phone)
(888)317-2006 (toll-free phone in VT)(Voice/TTD)
(802)241-2989 (fax)
vtddc@ahs.state.vt.us
www.ahs.state.vt.us/vtddc/
The Council seeks to assure that all people with developmental disabilities receive the
opportunities, assistance, and services necessary to live independently and productively in
integrated and inclusive community settings. The Council provides funding to
organizations and individuals to develop systemic change and advocacy.
Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force
P.O. Box 481, South Hero, VT 05486
(802)388-2633 (phone & fax - call first to fax)
info@vtfreetomarry.org
www.vtfreetomarry.org
The Task Force represents a coalition of individuals and associations in Vermont who
support the freedom for same-sex couples to enter into civil marriages.
Vermont Human Rights Commission
Robert Appel, Executive Director
135 State St., Drawer 33, Montpelier, VT 05633-6301
(800)416-2010/(802)828-2480 (phone)
(802)828-2481 (fax)
human.rights@hrc.state.vt.us
www.hrc.state.vt.us
The Commission promotes civil and human rights in Vermont. It protects people from
unlawful discrimination in housing, state government employment, and public
accommodations. It enforces laws, mediates disputes, educates the public, provides
information and referrals, and advances public policies on human rights.
Vermont Institutes
Kathy Johnson, Director of Equity Initiatives
(802)828-0072 (phone)
kjohnson@vermontinstitutes.org
www.vermontinstitutes.org/equity
The Vermont Institutes Equity Initiatives provides leadership, training,
technical assistance, resources, data analysis, networking opportunities,
etc. relating to issues of educational equity and diversity in Vermont.
These initiatives include: professional development; policies and
procedures; action planning; student programs; curriculum, instruction, data
collection and analysis, and more.
Vermont Legal Aid, Inc.
Jan Randy, Development Director
PO Box 1367, 264 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington, VT 05402-1367
(800)889-2047/(802)863-5620 (phone)
(802)863-7152 (fax)
jrandy@vtlegalaid.org
Vermont Legal Aid provides free legal services to Vermonters who are poor, are elderly,
or have disabilities.
Vermont Legal Aid
Eric Avildsen, Director
57 N. Main St., Suite 2, Rutland, VT 05701
(802)775-0021 or (800)769-7459 (phone)
(802)775-0022 (fax)
The mission of the Disability Law Project is to provide free legal services to people
with disabilities who are dealing with legal problems arising from their disability.
The Vermont Network Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Rose Pulliam, Statewide Coordinator
P.O. Box 405, Montpelier, VT 05601
(802)223-1302 (phone)
(802)223-1115 (TTY)
(802)223-6943 (fax)
vtnetwork@vtnetwork.org
www.vtnetwork.org
The Network is a statewide coalition of 16 domestic violence and sexual assault programs
in Vermont. These programs provide comprehensive domestic violence and sexual assault
services to each county in Vermont.
Vermont Parent Information Center
Christine Kilpatrick
600 Blair Park Road, Suite 301
Williston, VT 05495-7589
(802)876-5315 or (800)639-7170 (phone)
vpic@vtpic.com
www.vtpic.com
The Center is dedicated to increasing and expanding educational and developmental
opportunities that improve the quality of life for children with special needs and their
families.
Vermont Protection and Advocacy
Marsha Bancroft, Intake Specialist
141 Main St., Suite 7, Montpelier, VT 05602
(802)229-1355 or (800)834-7890 (phone)
(802)229-1359 (fax)
info@vtpa.org
www.vtpa.org
Vermont Protection and Advocacy defends and advances the rights of those labeled
mentally ill.
Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program
Stacie Blake, Executive Director
1700 Hegeman Ave., Colchester, VT 05446
(802)655-1963 (phone)
(802)655-4020 (fax)
vrrp@vrrp.org
The Program helps refugees achieve social and economic self-sufficiency and well-being,
and helps refugees and other foreign-born individuals receive fair treatment and recognize
their rights in the United States.
Vermont State Employees' Association
Diversity Committee
Ed Stanak, President/Anne Noonan, Director
P.O. Box 518, Montpelier, VT 05601-0518
(802)223-5247 (phone)
(802)223-4035 (fax)
vsea@vsea.org
www.vsea.org
VSEA is a statewide public sector labor union. The Diversity Committee works to
promote diversity awareness in the state workforce, provide education and information
about diversity and harassment, provide a safe and healthy work environment, and
encourage recruitment and retention of a diverse state workforce.
Voices Against Violence
Kristin Lukens-Rose
P.O. Box 72, St. Albans, VT 05478
(802)524-8538 (phone)
(802)524-6575 (hotline)
(802)524-8539 (fax)
voices@cvoeo.org
This program provides crisis intervention, support, and advocacy services to
victims/survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Franklin and Grand Isle
Counties, encourages empowerment of survivors, and works towards the advancement of
all people through awareness and prevention activities.
Waubundwin Society
Charles Delaney - “Megeso”
P.O. Box 5862, Burlington, VT 05402
802)863-6002 (phone)
(802)864-8203 (fax)
acerca@sover.net
The Waubundwin Society is an outreach organization for aboriginal, indigenous peoples in
support of religious, educational, social, historical, and traditional government.
Winter Center for Indigenous Tradition
Donna Roberts Moody or John Moody
(802)649-8870 (phone)
(802)649-1227 (fax)
wcit@valley.net
The Center protects and strengthens the past, present, and future for Native peoples.
Women Helping Battered Women
Lisa Marie Hayward
P.O. Box 1535, Burlington, VT 05402
(802)658-3131 (phone)
(802)658-3832 (fax)
lmhayward@whbw.org
whbw@whbw.org
www.whbw.org
WHBW addresses the problems of battering in Chittenden County by building a
multicultural organization which empowers staff, volunteers, and women and families
served, demonstrating the strength of women working together.
Women of Color Alliance
Aiyana Blackhawk
12 North Street, Burlington, VT 05402
(802)660-0606 (phone)
(802)951-1637 (fax)
vtwoca@yahoo.com
The Alliance supports the needs and concerns of women of color and their children in the
community through education, advocacy, resource referrals, and programming.
Women’s Coalition of Burlington
Kim McRae, Co-Founder
P.O. Box 8324, 111 St. Paul St.
Burlington, VT 05401
(802)862-0614 (phone)
The Coalition helps better the lives of women and girls in the Burlington community.
Women’s Rape Crisis Center
Celia Cuddy, Executive Director
P.O. Box 92, Burlington, VT 05402
(802)864-0555 (phone)
(802)846-2544 (TTY)
(802)863-8449 (fax)
stoprape@sover.net
www.stoprapevermont.org
The Center is dedicated to ending all sexual violence. The Center provides free,
confidential crisis counseling, ongoing emotional support, information, referrals, and
support groups to people whose lives have been affected by sexual violence. The Center
also does education and outreach work and provides assistance to survivors in accessing
medical care, in making police reports, and in other interactions with criminal justice or
service systems.
WomenSafe, Inc.
Naomi Smith, Director
P.O. Box 67, Middlebury, VT 05753
(800)388-4205 (hotline)
(802)388-9180 (phone)
(802)388-9181 (TTY)
(802)388-3438 (fax)
info@womensafe.net
www.womensafe.net
WomenSafe works toward the elimination of physical, sexual, and emotional violence
against women and their children through direct service, education, and social change.
Trainers
Ruth I. Durkee, Esq.
696 Crosstown Rd., Berlin, VT 05602
(802)223-4268 (phone)
ridurkee@aol.com
Ms. Durkee provides professional consulting services in the areas of sexual harassment
training and investigation, affirmative action, and nondiscrimination in education and
employment.
Kathy Johnson
497 Elmore Road, Worcester, VT 05682
(802) 223-0176 (phone)
kjohnson@vermontinstitutes.org
Ms. Johnson consults on school equity and diversity issues including those relating
to school climate, harassment prevention, the use of data, peer training programs,
gender, anti-racism, class, the digital divide, disability, sexual orientation, and
other topics.
Stephanie Lahar
11 Dewey Street, Montpelier, VT 05602
(802) 223-2485 (phone)
(802) 223-7311 (fax)
stephanie.lahar@verizon.net
www.stephanielahar.com
Organizational assessment, facilitation and mediation for organizations working with
diversity issues. Higher education team available with national experience.
Kathleen Manning
208 Mann Hall, Trinity Campus
University of Vermont
(802)656-0826 (phone)
(802)656-3173 (fax)
kathleen.manning@uvm.edu
Ms. Manning is an independent consultant in the area of anti-racism, organizational
multiculturalism, and diversity.
Julie A. Moore, Esq.
Employment Practices Group
93 Sherwood Drive
No. Andover, MA 01815
Phone: (603) 421-0080 or 978-975-0080
Fax: (603) 425-6320
Email: JMoore@EmploymentPG.com
www.employmentpg.com
This group provides comprehensive training, education, and risk-management services to
employers and schools on employment issues.
ReVisions
Merryn Rutledge, President
233 Van Patten Pkwy., Burlington, VT 05401
(802)863-7084 (phone)
(802)860-7183 (fax)
mr@revisions.org
www.revisions.org
ReVisions designs and teaches programs in diversity, communication, conflict
management, and team performance; assesses organizational communication and diversity
needs; facilitates diversity policy development, facilitates strategic planning and
other decision-making meetings; and coaches leaders and staff
Sussman & Associates
Susan M. Sussman
P.O. Box 908, Montpelier, VT 05601-0908
(802)229-2310 (phone)
(802)224-9187 (fax)
ssussman@adelphia.net
Sussman & Associates provides training and consulting services for businesses,
organizations, governmental entities, and educational institutions on diversity and
employment-related topics, including diversity awareness and cultural competence,
anti-harassment laws and prevention, state and federal disability laws, and overview
of equal employment laws and practices.
Zatz & Renfrew Consulting
Gail Zatz and Virginia Renfrew
P.O. Box 1274, Montpelier, VT 05601
(802)485-9334 (phone)
Zatz & Renfrew Consulting provides trainings which include employee/supervisor
education regarding prevention and intervention skills, workplace assessments to
determine the existence of harassment/discrimination, and implementation of sexual
harassment policies.
The Vermont Institutes
Kathy Johnson, Director of Equity Initiatives
45 College Street Alumni Hall
Montpelier, VT 05602
kjohnson@vermontinstitutes.org
phone: (802) 828-0072
fax: (802) 828-1327
www.vermontinstitutes.org/equity
THE VERMONT INSTITUTES (VI) EQUITY INITIATIVES provide leadership,
training, technical assistance, and networking opportunities relating to issues of
educational equity and diversity in Vermont. VI Equity Initiatives work to actively
prevent bullying, harassment, and bias-related issues in Vermont schools, and to recognize
and effectively address them when they do occur. VI coordinates Vermont implementation
of the A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Institute, an anti-bias education program of the
Anti-Defamation League (www.adl.org/education/edu_awod/awod_classroom.asp). The
A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Institute offers staff training, the Peer Training program
(in which students learn to facilitate workshops with other students), and a K-12 Curriculum.
Additionally, VI coordinates the annual "Closing the Gap" educational conference, which
focuses on ways to address equity and diversity issues that impact student achievement,
social success, and school climate and safety.
Note: Many of the organizations listed in this guide also provide training in their local
communities or statewide. Please contact the organizations directly for more
information.
Mediation and Dispute Resolution
The Dispute Resolution Center
at Woodbury College
Neal Rodar, Director
660 Elm Street, Montpelier, VT 05602
(800)820-0442 (phone)
(802)229-2141 (fax)
nealr@woodbury-college.edu
www.woodbury-college.edu
The Dispute Resolution Center provides professional mediation and facilitation services,
workshops, and trainings that help individuals, organizations, and communities throughout
Vermont. The Center has helped people and groups solve disputes over contracts,
neighborhood issues, divorce, child custody, landlord/tenant matters, parenting, school,
and environmental and workplace issues.
Some Commonly Used Terms Related to Diversity
Diversity
Diversity can be defined as all the ways that human beings are both similar and different. Diversity
is widespread throughout our society - it is part of everyday life. These commonalties and
differencescan bring both connectedness and conflict. Although diversity can be celebrated on
many levels in our society - the sharing of cultures, food, lifestyles - it can also be the root of
difficulties. For example, in the workplace, if assumptions and preconceived notions prevent
talented employees from being hired, if differences in values block communication and teamwork,
or if a lack of knowledge about cultural norms loses customers, conflicts as a result of diversity
must be addressed. It is important to remember that diversity can bring both benefits and
challenges (both in the workplace and in society). It is critical for all to keep up the dialogue
about its many dimensions.
Racism
Racism is the intentional or unintentional use of power to isolate, separate, and exploit others.
This use of power is based on a belief in superior racial origin, identity, or supposed racial
characteristics. Racism confers certain privileges on, and defends, the dominant group, which in
turn sustains and perpetuates racism. Both consciously and unconsciously, racism is enforced and
maintained by the legal, cultural, religious, educational, economic, political, and military
institutions of societies. Racism is more than just a personal attitude; it is an institutionalized
form of that attitude.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment involves behavior that may include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for
sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct. Sexual harassment is illegal if:
* a worker's job depends on consent to sexual behavior;
* raises or promotions depend on a worker's consent to sexual behavior; or
* the harassment creates a hostile, offensive, or intimidating work environment that significantly
interferes with workers doing their jobs.
Discrimination/Prejudice
Discrimination is the unequal treatment of equals. In the employment context, there are two kinds
of discrimination: (1) disparate treatment - people who are performing equivalent work are
treated differently, and (2) policies or practices which have a disparate impact - all people are
treated the same, but a policy or practice has an unfair impact on one or more groups, and is not
justified by a legitimate business reason. A good way to distinguish discrimination from prejudice
is: discrimination is expressed in overt behavior, while prejudice is expressed in attitude.
Summary of the Laws
The Vermont Fair Employment Practices Act, 21 V.S.A. §§ 495-496
These laws prohibit employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, ancestry, national
origin, sex, sexual orientation, place of birth, age, disability, and HIV status. The law states
that an employer may not fire, refuse to hire, misclassify or otherwise discriminate against
an employee based on membership in these protected categories. It covers discrimination in all
aspects of employment from job applications and hiring processes, through termination and layoff.
The law also specifically bans, and clearly defines, sexual harassment and requires all Vermont
employers, no matter how small, to have a posted sexual harassment policy. The law requires
employers to adopt and enforce an anti-sexual harassment policy. It also encompasses the
employment requirements of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including the
provision of reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities.
The Fair Employment Practices laws (as well as the Fair Housing laws) also include provisions
that prohibit retaliation against anyone who files a complaint under the law, or cooperates with an
investigation into such a complaint.
Parental & Family Leave Act, 21 V.S.A. §§ 470-493
The law protects workers who require temporary leave time from employment. Leave related to
pregnancy, adoption, and care of a new child is called "parental leave." Leave related to illness of
the worker or in the worker's family is called "family leave." Leave for appointments related to a
child's preschool or school activities directly related to academic educational advancement, for a
child's medical care or medical emergencies, or for medical emergencies or medical or other care
appointments of the worker, a spouse or parent, is called "short-term family leave." Although not
all workers and employers are covered, the law requires many employers to permit employees
up to twelve weeks of unpaid family or parental leave during any twelve-month period and,
in addition, up to four hours of unpaid short-term family leave in any thirty-day period, not to
exceed twenty-four hours in any twelve months. Employers with 10 or more full-time employees
are required to allow parental leave for their full-time employees who have worked for them for
over one year, and employers with 15 or more full-time employees are required to allow parental
leave, family leave, and short-term leave for their full-time employees who have worked for them
for over one year.
Harassment in Education 16 V.S.A. §§ 11(a))26), 14, 565, 1161a
These laws make a variety of changes to the guidelines for harassment policies which educational
institutions are required to maintain. The general definition of harassment is expanded to include
written or visual conduct and conduct motivated by a student's perceived as well as actual
membership in a protected category. Racial harassment is defined to mean conduct directed at the
characteristics of a student's or a student's family member's actual or perceived race or color and
includes the use of epithets, stereotypes, racial slurs, comments, insults, derogatory remarks,
gestures, threats, graffiti, displays, or circulations of written or visual material, and taunts
on manner of speech and negative references to racial customs.
An educational institution that receives actual notice of conduct that may constitute harassment
must promptly investigate to determine whether harassment occurred. Notice means a written or
oral complaint provided to the employee designated by the school to receive harassment
complaints. If the complaint is oral, the designated employee must put it in writing. After
receiving notice of the alleged conduct, the school must provide a copy of its harassment
policy, including its harassment investigation procedure, to the alleged victim and the
alleged perpetrator. Absent special circumstances, the school must initiate an investigation
within one school day after the complaint is filed and issue a determination within five days
after the filing. Internal reviews of the initial determination must be completed within 30
days after the review is requested. If the school determines that harassment occurred, it
must take prompt and appropriate remedial action reasonably calculated to stop the harassment.
If the student is dissatisfied with the school's procedure, he or she has the right to an
independent review.
Lawsuits cannot be brought in court over the alleged harassment until the school's internal
procedures have been exhausted. Exhaustion is not required if the school does not have
harassment procedures, the school hasn't met the required timelines, exhaustion would be
futile, or exhaustion would jeopardize the health or safety of the student or subject the
student to retaliation.
School Discipline Policies; Bullying 16 V.S.A. § 11(a)(32
This law directs schools to include bullying in their policies for responding to misconduct
on and off school grounds; and directs the commissioner of education to update model
policies on student discipline to include a definition of bullying, a process for reporting
acts of bullying, and responses to bullying.
The Vermont Fair Housing and Public Accommodations Act, 9 V.S.A. §4500 et seq./
The Fair Housing and Public Accommodations law prohibits discrimination in rental and real
estate transactions and in public accommodations, such as businesses, restaurants, schools, and
government offices based on the protected categories of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age,
marital status, religion, national origin, disability, presence of minor children in the household, or
receipt of public assistance.
The law states that you cannot be denied a rental or real estate transaction or loan, or be evicted,
harassed, or given different terms or privileges in a housing situation because you belong to any of
the protected categories. Some housing situations, such as senior citizen housing or small owner-
occupied apartment buildings, are exempt from the law.
The law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, marital status,
religion, national origin, or disability. The laws state that an owner or employee of a business,
restaurant, school, or other public accommodation may not harass or deny anyone the use of
services or facilities because that person belongs to one of these protected categories. The law
also encompasses the requirements of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which
requires most public accommodations to provide equal access to people with disabilities,
including allowing service animals.
****************
In addition to these Vermont laws, there are federal anti-discrimination laws that include:
- Civil Rights Acts
- Federal Fair Housing Laws (“Title VIII“)
- Americans with Disabilities Act
- Rehabilitation Act
****************
Both state and federal anti-discrimination laws include protections against discrimination if you:
- Apply for a job or try to get into a course
- Work, whether it be full-time, part-time, casual, temporary, or voluntary
- Attend schools, colleges, universities, or other educational institutions
- Buy things in shops, hotels, cafes, restaurants, cinemas, etc.
- Seek or use services from legal, medical and other professionals, businesses and trades persons
- Rent a house, flat or apartment, hotel or motel room, caravan, office or shop
- Purchase land or property
- Apply for credit or a loan
- Deal with banks, superannuation, or insurance companies
- Seek or use the services of state or local governments
Tips on Choosing a Trainer for Your Organization or Business
- Check references
- The trainer should never be a member of the group getting trained
- The trainer should not be in a power position over anyone receiving training
- Gender, sex, or race should not be relevant, except that you should know the audience
well enough to anticipate any problems/conflicts that might occur because of comfort levels
and personalities
- Look for a listener rather than a judge, but someone who can be assertive if needed
- Keep in mind your budget limitations
- The trainer should be educated in the issues and support all issues relevant to the training
- The trainer should feel comfortable leading group activities in a way that allows group dynamics to occur
Legal Services and Enforcement Agencies
Vermont
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
110 E. State St., Montpelier, VT 05602
(802)223-6304 (phone)
ACLUVT@aol.com
http://members.aol.com/acluvt/home.html
Human Rights Commission
135 State St., Drawer 33, Montpelier, VT 05633-6301
(800)416-2010/(802)828-2480 (phone)
human.rights@hrc.state.vt.us
www.hrc.state.vt.us
Office of the Attorney General, Civil Rights Unit
109 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05609-1001
(888)745-9195/(802)828-3657 (phone)
(802)828-3665 (TTY)
civilrights@atg.state.vt.us
www.state.vt.us/atg/civil%20rights.htm
Vermont Legal Aid
PO Box 1367, Burlington, VT 05402-1367
(802)863-5620 (phone)
jrandy@vtlegalaid.org
www.web_vla.htm
Federal
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
JFK Federal Building, Government Center
4th Floor, Rm. 475, Boston, MA 02203
(800)669-4000/(617)565-3200 (phone)
(800)669-6820/(617)565-3204 (TTY)
www.eeoc.gov
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - Fair Housing Office
Thomas P. O'Neill Federal Building
10 Causeway St., Rm. 321, Boston, MA 02222
(800)827-5005 (phone)
(617)565-5453 (TTY)
www.hud.gov/complaints/housediscrim.cfm
U.S. Department of Education, Region I
Office of Civil Rights
Director, Compliance Division Area II
John W. McCormack Post Office & Courthouse, Rm. 222
Post Office Square
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 223-9667 (phone)
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