SoVT Get on Board
Want to know how to make things happen in your town? Want to be more involved in your community? Are you already involved but want to know more about how things work?
This program will give you practical skills to become an effective and active participant in the civic life of your Southern Vermont community. Gain big-picture knowledge to inspire and inform, and most importantly, find connections to support you.
Course will be led by statewide and local experts with the region-specific knowledge and experience to help you turn ideas into action.
You can read more about the last session of Get on Board at the SVEP Program page on the BDCC Website.
Program Overview
4 Sessions, September- November 2025
dates subject to final confirmation
$200; scholarships are available as part of application;
town sponsorships may also be available -- indicate interest in your application.
Unit 1: Working Together as a Community
- What are the conditions for creating community?
- What are the roles of local government, nonprofit organizations, and local groups in building community and community project stewardship?
Saturday, 9/20, 10:00am - 3:00pm (location: Williamsville Hall (TBC) - lunch provided
Unit 3: Nonprofit Organizations; Inclusion and Community
- Roles and responsibilities of a nonprofit board
- Inclusion in the Community (Workshop/Discussion)
Saturday, 10/25, 10:00am - 3:00pm (Location: TBD, possibly Wilmington, Old School Community Center) - lunch provided
Beyond
- One-on-one follow-up
- 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)
- Local Leaders Panel -- how do you serve, what was your path to local leadership, and what does it mean to you?
Saturday, 10/4, 10:00am - 3:00pm (Location TBD -- in Bennington County) - lunch provided
Unit 4: Taking Action from the Course
- Community Meeting Experience Reflection
- Digging Deeper: Community Conversations
- Making a plan to move forward with what you've learned
Saturday, 11/8, location TBD (tentatively Saxton's River) - lunch provided