You, Our Essential And Amazing Volunteers!

Two women hanging up curtains. Image: Kelly McCracken
June 6, 2025 0 Comments

Hello CVRAN Community. I have been in this role as board president for six weeks now. There are so many topics I could write about in my first president’s letter, so many exciting events and challenging issues. I want to focus on the most core aspect of CVRAN: you, our volunteers. We are constantly impressed …

CHANGE OF VENUE: Come Support A Detained Asylum Seeker!

May 31, 2025 0 Comments

TODAY’S RALLY FOR NAFIOU HAS BEEN CHANGED FROM THE COURTHOUSE BANDSTAND IN ST JOHNSBURY TO THE UNITED COMMUNITY CHURCH, JUST DOWN MAIN STREET A SHORT WALK FROM THE COURTHOUSE.  THE EXACT LOCATION OF THE CHURCH IS THE CORNER OF MAIN AND CHURCH STREETS. WE APOLOGIZE FOR THIS LAST MINUTE CHANGE. SEE YOU AT 10am. On …

Member Recommendation: The Afghan Women of Brattleboro

May 29, 2025 0 Comments

Peter T. sent in this recommendation for the Vermont Public podcast “The Afghan Women of Brattleboro“: While time is often challenging (with much to read and listen to), today’s summary of the long podcast series – on Afghan Women of Brattleboro – was deeply engaging; remarkably well done. You’ll find 6 podcasts in the series. The …

Come Support A Detained Asylum Seeker!

May 27, 2025 0 Comments

On the morning of May 12th, Nafiou Lamidi, a 35 year old asylum seeker who has been living in the Northeast Kingdom reported to ICE for a routine check-in at the ICE office in St. Albans, VT. He was accompanied by three friends who are members of NEKASAN, The Northeast Kingdom Asylum Seeker’s Assistance Network. …

CVRAN’s Arts Marathon And A Local Artist’s Democracy Heroes

May 14, 2025 0 Comments

The 2025 March Arts Marathon may be over, but one local artist is hoping to publish the daily paintings of democracy heroes she created during that busy month. The Montpelier Bridge has a great article about Joyce Kahn’s plans to develop a book of paintings from her MAM posts. We hope she is successful! The …

Vermont Starts Immigration Legal Defense Fund

May 9, 2025 0 Comments

This week, a new legal defense fund for immigrants was launched. The Vermont Immigration Legal Defense Fund is looking to raise $1 million to assist immigrants in the state with their legal needs. Immigration cases fall under civil law and there are no legal requirements to provide lawyers for people in this situation. Though some …

Annual Meeting Perspectives

April 25, 2025 0 Comments

April 19, 2025 Dear CVRAN Community, April 15th was not only tax day. It was also the day of the Central Vermont Refugee Action Network annual meeting. 67 people were able to make the occasion at the Unitarian Church, not only our annual meeting but also our 10th birthday, ten years since our founding in …

Meet Your 2025 Board Candidates – 2

April 10, 2025 0 Comments

Here are the two remaining candidates for the CVRAN Board. Come meet them at the Annual Meeting on April 15th. Elaine Toohey, Randolph I am writing with interest in joining the Board of CVRAN. Dedication to meaningful, mission driven work has resulted in much of my personal and professional experience revolving around bringing people together …

Meet Your 2025 Board Candidates – 1

April 8, 2025 0 Comments

At the Annual Meeting on April 15th, you will be asked to vote on a slate of new Board members. Five people have stepped up to work with CVRAN and we are excited to introduce them to you over the next few days! Pelin Kohn, Montpelier – I am writing to express my sincere interest in …

It’s Annual Meeting Time!

April 6, 2025 0 Comments

Please join us for CVRAN’s Annual Meeting Tuesday, April 15 at 5 pm The Unitarian Church of Montpelier, 130 Main St. Enter by the School Street door. Help celebrate CVRAN’s 10th anniversary, vote for new board members, meet our new executive director Ali Zenie, and catch up on all that CVRAN New Vermonters, volunteers, committees, …