diversity

Uncommon Alliance's primary goal is to dismantle racial and ethnic profiling in our criminal justice system.  This objective is realized by building positive relationships between members of affected communities and criminal justice professionals, and by providing continuing opportunities for dialogue and study around issues of race. The objective of this data collection effort is to promote accountablity and transparency of law enforcement officers, especially when dealing with members of minority communities. Moderated by Wanda Hines with participation by Burlington, Winooski and South Burlington Police Chiefs Schirling, McQueen and Whipple, Christine Longmore, Cofounder of Uncommon Alliance, Robert Appel of the Vermont Human Rights Commission, Jeanine Bunzigiye and Haskell Garrett, community members. The event is sponsored by Uncommon Alliance and Local Law Enforcement.

Conversation on Race Now (C.O.R.N.) brings community leaders including Arthur Brooks, former Middlebury and Bennington College Professor, Jeanne Collins, Burlington Schools Superintendent, Ali Dieng, a recent Vermont resident, Dr. Fayneese Miller, UVM Dean and Chair of the Vermont State School Board, Mike Schirling, Burlington Chief of Police, into a community conversation moderated by Robert Walsh. For more information: Vivian Mason: vhm84@hotmail.com, Susan Linskey hhskl47@myfairpoint.net

The Road to Citizenship is a new collaboration between various agencies who share a common goal to assist legal permanent residents (LPRs) to become citizens and increase their civic engagement in the communities in which they live. The Road to Citizenship collaboration connects a group of agencies to provide a seamless pathway of services to assist legal residents to become citizens.  Built into the Road to Citizenship program is education and encouragement to increase civic engagement, starting with the message that becoming a citizen is not the last step, but a first step to participate in this democracy.  We envision in a few years immigrants and former refugees sitting on school boards, city councils, commissions and boards. Agencies participating in this collaboration and their roles include: VT Multicultural Alliance for Democracy (VT MADE) – organizer, capacity-building (fundraising), voter education and registration, and civic engagement support; VT Immigration and Asylum Advocates (VIAA ) – fee waiver and naturalization case management, and legal services; VT Adult Learning (VAL) – English and civics classes; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) – federal guidance and updates; State Refugee Office – support and information dissemination to other agencies; Human Rights Commission – legal rights education; the League of Women Voters – voter registration. Panelists include: Jeanine Bunzigiye - Congolese Community Leader, Americorps State Team Leader, Michelle Jenness- Legal Services Coordinator at VT Immigration & Asylum Advocates, Sara Martinez de Osaba - Director, VT Multicultural Alliance for Democracy, and Mohamed Abdi, President of Somali Bantu Community Association of Vermont..

Burlington Livable Community Project is engaging residents, community organizations and the City to make changes so people of all ages can live in the setting of their choice, get around the city in a variety of ways, and engage fully in the life of our community.  For more information visit the AARP Site. Host Jennifer Wallace-Brodeur speaks with the Champlain Senior Center's Executive Director Holly Sullivan on 'multicultural participation'.