January Membership Meeting
Tuesday, January 6 | 5:30-7:30 PM
Queen City Brewery | 703 Pine Street
January 6 is the first day of the new legislative session in Montpelier. This is our chance to build up the legal defenses against fascism right here in Vermont. We'll get a brief refresher on how to influence the state legislature and then we'll lobby our representatives right from the meeting. Bring a phone or laptop if you have them.
Also: Five years on, what do you remember about January 6, 2020? We'll talk about how the riots at the Capitol changed us all.
In the meantime, write the Speaker of the Vermont House of Representatives
There are a lot of things Vermont can do to protect us from the fascists. The state can ban immigration agents from picking up anybody they please from a court date, a hearing, a church, or a doctor's office without a warrant. The state can require law enforcement officers to identify themselves so that we know whether we are being arrested by real police or kidnapped by criminals. The state can expand access to legal advice for detainees in Vermont prisons. The state can codify that the Vermont National Guard may only be used for humanitarian purposes within our borders. But, these require consideration by the Vermont House of Representatives and that requires the approval of the speaker, Jill Krowinski, of Burlington. She decides which of the many issues that could come before the House actually get a floor vote. So, please reach out to Speaker Krowinski and let her know what your priorities are for the coming session. Maybe something like this:
Dear Speaker Krowinski,
I am very concerned about the erosion of civil liberties and the increasing dangers from the federal government to all Vermonters, including law abiding non-citizens. Our humanity and our economic interests demand that we do everything we can to protect law-abiding immigrants from abuse at the hands of ICE or other federal agents. What can the state legislature do to protect our neighbors from this growing peril?
Many thanks for the good work you do.
##Your Name##
##Your Town##
Change the text to reflect your personal concerns as you see fit. She gets email at jkrowinski@leg.state.vt.us
Heightened Scrutiny screening
Thursday, January 15 | 4:00-6:00 PM
Vermont State Capitol, Statehouse Cafeteria | 115 State Street, Montpelier
Please join Planned Parenthood and ACLU-VT for a screening of Heightened Scrutiny, a 2025 documentary about trans rights and gender affirming health care on the national stage. There will be a panel discussion after the film. Please sign up using this form if you’d like to attend.
Save the date for Charity Clark
Tuesday, January 20 | 6:00 - 7:30 PM (doors open at 5:30 PM)
Phoenix Books | 89 Church Street
Join us as we hear from Vermont's Attorney General, Charity Clark. Clark has filed multiple lawsuits to block the federal destruction of constitutional rights with some notable successes. We'll hear what she has planned next and how to support her work. Reserve your seat (and suggest some questions for the AG) here.
What happens in ICE detention?
People detained by ICE have described unsanitary and unsafe conditions in some detention centers — including rotten food, a lack of access to showers and toilets, and the use of solitary confinement. At least 32 people have died in ICE custody since Trump took office. Source: New York Times
"The strength and power of despotism consists wholly in the fear of resistance." - Thomas Paine
