By Gillian Sewake, NEK YPN Chair & Vermont Welcome Wagon host
The New Year is here, and if you’ve resolved to make a difference in your community, there are countless opportunities for leadership, service, and engagement right here in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom.
Unlike life in a big city, you don’t have to have a prestigious career or have connections to step into a position of leadership. All it takes is reaching out and expressing an interest. Chances are a cold call, or even a DM on social media, will be met with gratitude and a grateful “yes”. If you’re a new Vermonter, volunteering is also a great way to start building social bonds, by connecting with people who share your values and interests.
But, it can feel intimidating to put yourself out there, so here are a few ideas of places to start:
While your town’s Selectboard, Planning Commission, or Recreation Committee might not have a reputation for hosting the most exciting meetings, these municipal boards are among the most vital leadership roles out there, and all residents have the right to participate. Alongside routine discussions about dog licenses and committee procedures are weighty decisions that shape the fabric of our communities.
Zoning, budgeting, and municipal policy can take some time to learn, but by attending, you’ll have a chance to ask questions, learn the vocabulary, and get up to speed. Many municipal board meetings are now required to have a virtual option as well, so you can even tune in by video conference if you can’t get there in person.
One very special opportunity for civic engagement is Vermont’s annual Town Meeting Day, this year on Tuesday, March 4th. All residents are given the chance to discuss and vote on important items like the town budget, special appropriations, Selectboard/City Council nominations, and more. Check your town’s website or ask your Town Clerk for information on how to participate in your information meeting or voting process, as the dates and details of these vary quite a bit from town to town.
Interested in learning more about civic engagement in Vermont?
Check out “Freedom and Unity: A Graphic Guide to Civics and Democracy in Vermont”.
Chances are, any cause that you have an interest in–whether it’s the arts, social services, civics, animal welfare, you name it–has a local nonprofit with a need that YOU are perfectly suited to fill. Most volunteer boards for Vermont’s nonprofit organizations are actively looking for new members to help them provide strategic direction and to pitch in to plan events or fundraisers.
Did you know that the NEK Young Professionals Network is looking for new members to join our Steering Committee, to help plan events and manage our chapter of the Vermont Welcome Wagon? RSVP to learn more (and to enjoy a FREE dinner) at our 2025 Open Meeting on Friday, January 24 from 5pm - 7pm at The Work Commons in Newport, Vermont. The YPN’s meetings ARE fun, and filled with direct opportunities to make an impact by creating a Northeast Kingdom where young people can thrive in their lives and professions.
Interested in learning more about joining a nonprofit board?
Check out “Common Good Vermont: Boards & Governance”.
In our small, rural communities, it can be harder than usual to make social connections. This is especially true for new Vermonters who might have moved here without any local friends to turn to for advice or support. The Vermont Welcome Wagon project is a great tool to help new Vermonters get acquainted–and feel welcomed–in their local community. Sign up as a volunteer “Host” to be a friendly point of connection for new Vermonters.
Or, consider supporting our most vulnerable community members. Recently, there has been a huge need for volunteer drivers to keep Meals on Wheels programs running, and for volunteers to support local meal sites and food banks. You can find out how to volunteer for both types of positions at the NEK Council on Aging website.
By volunteering, joining a board, or participating in a meeting, you’re becoming part of Vermont’s long history of rolling up our sleeves to help our neighbors, and participating in a connected and engaged community. Thank you!