Legislative Advocacy

CVRAN advocates for the rights of refugees, asylum seekers, and migrant farm workers and for policies that will create secure and positive living situations for them. CVRAN interacts with legislators and state and local agencies to promote these goals. It also helps to link new Vermonters to elected officials. Our work, along with that of other advocacy groups, has helped result in the release of detained migrant workers, Vermont’s Fair and Impartial Policing law, Montpelier’s Sanctuary City policy, and the Social Equity in Vermont’s Schools bill.

Introduction to Our State

In prior years, CVRAN has brought groups of new Vermonters from Chittenden and Rutland Counties to Central Vermont to visit the State House, the Vermont History Museum, and additional sites of interest. We also facilitated introductions with elected officials and hosted meals and other shared events with New Vermonters. We raised funds and distributed welcome gifts of a cutting board and kitchen knives to new families resettling in Vermont. In addition we distributed Oxford picture dictionaries and other language learning materials to help in the acquisition of English.

 

Bridges with Local Vermont Communities

CVRAN sponsors public forums with films, panels, speakers, social events and media outreach to create awareness of the cultures, history, and experiences of our New Vermonters. CVRAN speaks at local organizations about its work and about volunteer opportunities.

Hosting Mexican Consulate

CVRAN hosts an annual visit from the Mexican Consulate in Boston to provide Mexican migrant workers with identity documents, legal advice, and medical care.

Collaboration / Partnerships

CVRAN works in cooperation with other organizations such as the U.S. Committee on Refugees and Immigrants (Vermont Refugee Resettlement program), Migrant Justice, American Civil Liberties Union of Vermont, Association of Africans Living in Vermont, Green Mountain Bhutanese Organization, the Mexican Consulate in Boston, UVM Migrant Education, Bridges to Health, Central Vermont Adult Basic Education, Area Schools, Vermont Adult Learning, Community College of Vermont, Refugee and Immigrant Service Providers Network, the Islamic Center of Vermont, the Vermont New Hampshire Asylum Seeker Support Network, Angry Tias and Abuelas, Asylum Seekers Support Network, and others.