Staying home does not mean isolating ourselves! Not at all! There is a lot of community organizing going on that we can access and amplify. For starters:
Burlington Tenants Union has started a petition to stop evictions during coronavirus. Moritorium on utility bills and rent, https://www.change.org/p/governor-scott-and-vermont-senate-and-legislature-call-on-the-state-of-vermont-to-postpone-evictions-and-rent-during-coronavirus
AFL-CIO has a set of demands that include healthcare for all, paid medical leave, paid family leave, and pre-K -- asking people to write letters and email governor, mitzi, tim, and legislators. Facebook: Vermont State Labor Council AFL-CIO. https://www.facebook.com/vtworkers/
Ali Dieng urges people to sign up for Quarantine Delivery. If you are feeling ill or find yourself stuck at home, needing something from the outside world? We're here to help. Volunteers in and around Burlington have agreed to bring you the goods/groceries you need! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdic_eBjoA-4_yqDEDoAqvsn3YGgQQK-InOVI8lRyOg3zimBw/viewform
UVM Students 2020-2023 living on Campus - UVM Sophomore Ben Bieri posted a form on Facebook and Instagram to document the concerns of students who must return to live in the residence halls. Bieri’s form consists of three sections, labeled "concerns, fears you may have, and things you need clarified." You can find the form on the "Bieri4prez" instagram!
Big Heavy World/105.9FM The Radiator - artists or people with anything to share or talk about are welcome to drop onto the airwaves. Email Jim if you’d like to spend any time on-air. The Cherry Coal
Front Porch Forums - residents are forming care networks via their FPF. If your Forum hasn't done this, start it!
HANDS: (Helping And Nurturing Diverse Seniors), in partnership with Heineberg Community Senior Center and others, is setting up a "buddy system" to support homebound seniors during this uncertain time. https://docs.google.com/forms/
Peace & Justice Center - There are many mutual aid systems being put in place around the state. These are opportunities for people who need support and services to get them directly from people who can provide them. We list many of them here on our website.
Ren Weiner set up a VT website for folx to connect on needs etc. in these times- free- sign up via foodfightvt.com and post your haves/needs on the newsfeed
Phoenix Books is offering free shipping on orders. It's a good time to catch up on reading. info@phoenixbooks.biz
Vision Quest - a new group is forming to create the vision for a real downtown neighborhood in The Pit. These folks are working via google docs, with people from all over the world. They have circulated a report on ending homelessness in Finland: https://getpocket.com/explore/item/it-s-a-miracle-helsinki-s-radical-solution-to-homelessness
