SoVT Get on Board

SoVermont Get on Board is a course designed to offer practical skills for effective and active participation in the civic life of Southern Vermont communities. Learn from statewide experts and longtime local leaders, get big-picture knowledge to inspire and inform, and most importantly, find connections to support your journey.

We have trained 45 active and aspiring local leaders from Pownal to Vernon, and Winhall to Dummerston, and everywhere in between. “Graduates” are exploring plans to run for town office, protect local wetlands, and implement strategic planning protocols with their nonprofit boards.

Each session takes place in a different Southern Vermont community. Topics covered are:

Session 1: Working Together as a Community/Community Led Projects
Session 2: Local Government in Vermont
Session 3: Nonprofit Organizations/Local Leaders Panel
Session 4: Taking Action and Deepening Your Impact

Throughout the course, participants determine what opportunities they might like to explore, with follow-up support and helpful connections from BDCC staff.

While we encourage everyone (and especially those new to community involvement in Vermont) to take the full course, it's also possible to drop into individual units based on your interest and background.

2026 Program Overview

4 Sessions, October- November 2026

Full course fee: $200; Individual sessions $55 apiece

scholarships are available as part of application;

town sponsorships may also be available -- indicate interest in your application. Light breakfast and full lunch served at each session.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through September 26, 2026

Unit 1: Working Together as a Community

- What are the conditions for creating and sustaining functional communities?

- What are the roles of local government, nonprofit organizations, and local groups in building community and community project stewardship?

Saturday, 10/3, 10:00am - 3:00pm (location: Townshend Town Hall)

-Presenters: professor Matthew Hoffman and VT Council on Rural Development Staff

Unit 3: Nonprofit Organizations; Inclusion and Community

- Roles and responsibilities of a nonprofit board

- Local Leaders Panel -- how do you serve, what was your path to local leadership, and what does it mean to you?

Saturday, 11/7, 10:00am - 3:00pm Location: Wilmington, Memorial Hall

Presenters: Sage Ruth, Structural Integrity, and a panel of Southern VT Non profit and municipal volunteers

Beyond

- One-on-one follow-up with SVEP staff

- Personalized introductions to projects and leaders in your town

- Cohort meetups

Unit 2: Local Government in Vermont

- Everything you wanted to know about Vermont’s local government (but were afraid to ask) - Becoming an informed participant in local issues

Presenters, VT League of Cities and Towns and

Duane Miller Barlow, Local Minutes

Saturday, 10/17, 10:00am - 3:00pm

Location: Manchester, Town Hall

Unit 4: Taking Action and Deepening your Impact

- Community Meeting Experience Reflection

- Workshop: Finding Both/And Solutions to Your Community's Toughest Issues

- Making an actionable plan to move forward with what you've learned

-Presenter: Susan Clark, author, Slow Democracy

Saturday, 11/14

Location: TBD

Learn More

Apply Now