Reasons to Be Thankful - post-election thoughts

This month, people have been coming together all across our state to move forward on a transition to cleaner, affordable energy for all Vermonters. Volunteers in our network have been making plans and finding solutions, reaching out to neighbors to talk about hopes and fears, and standing up for justice in our communities. 

We’re thankful we can meet this moment together. Here are just a few examples:

Grief and Inspiration with Families Rise Up

Families Rise Up hosted an inspiring edition of 350VT’s Don’t Burn Our Future tour on November 16. A group of 21 parents, grandparents, and community members gathered at the North Branch Nature Center in Montpelier. While kids played outside, the group sat in a circle, some holding babies, some with babies long grown. Each person chose a rock, introduced themselves, and talked about one thing they were grieving – snow, the loss of hope, the current state of the world – before placing the rocks in the center of the circle. Describing what happened next, 350VT community organizer Rebecca Dalgin said: 

“Hannah, the Families Rise Up coordinator, led us in a song and then we considered how we could meet this moment together. We talked about our power as parents and how movements create deep social change. We started brainstorming what we could do in our own communities: host house parties and create plans for safety circles, connect with energy committees, help our schools to build community through weatherization.”

Hold on, hold on,
hold the vision, that's being born.
Hold on, hold on,
through the darkness into the dawn.

Deep Canvassing in South Royalton

In a deep canvassing event on November 17, eleven members of 350VT’s White River node went out into the Royalton community to discuss energy issues with their neighbors. During 30 conversations on weatherization, heating sources, and the transition away from fossil fuels, node members found that concerns about misinformation and greenwashed energy projects were holding folks back from taking action in their homes. There was an overall desire, however, for more energy independence in Vermont and for more information on real clean energy solutions without increasing taxes. Commenting on the experience, node member Bella O’Connor said: 

“Deep canvassing throughout South Royalton was a great learning experience. I was incredibly surprised by just how many people were eager to share their thoughts with me. I was also taken aback by how often someone’s opinion was shaped by their distinct identity group—even though almost every person had the same core values and concerns. Overall, I think the experience made me much more passionate about combating misinformation, and really inspired me to take the time and effort to listen and connect with my community. I walked away with so much love for every single person I spoke to.”

White River node members getting ready for deep canvassing 

Don’t Burn Our Future in Middlebury

Nearly 60 people came to the Unitarian Universalist Society in Middlebury for the latest stop of the 350VT Don’t Burn Our Future tour on November 19. The meeting was a summit of local climate groups: students from Middlebury College’s Sunday Night Environmental Group, members of the 350VT Addison County Node, and representatives from the Climate Economy Action Center of Addison County. Renewable Energy Vermont’s Peter Sterling gave a short presentation on the state of solar in Vermont. The group discussed the possibilities for climate action in schools, communities, local businesses, and municipalities – from advocating for Thermal Energy Networks in downtown Middlebury to helping Addison County residents connect with financial resources for energy transitions in the home. 

Addison County node member Sally Burrell called it “a very stimulating event, with engaged students through passionate elders, all sharing ways to move forward on caring for the environment regarding energy policy.”

Don’t Burn Our Future gathering in Middlebury

Climate Forecast with Roger Hill in Montpelier

Also on November 19, 350VT’s Montpelier Node hosted Roger Hill, a local meteorologist, presenting his Climate Forecast. At the Unitarian Church of Montpelier, 145 people turned out to hear how weather and climate patterns are changing, and the impact that is having around the world. Reflecting on the presentation, node member Heather Johnson said:

“Our home here in Vermont and the world at large is changing and will look very different in the years and decades to come. While grieving for what we have done to our planet and how it is and will affect us is necessary, we still have the power to create the communities we want to live in.”

Don’t Burn Our Future gathering in Burlington