Letter for Signatures: VT Nonprofits Respond to January 6th

Call to Action from Vermont Nonprofits in Response to January 6th 

We share this message in response to recent violence and disruption to our democracy, both in our nation’s Capitol and across our country: 

Common Good Vermont unites nonprofits across Vermont to condemn actions of hate, violence, inciting of such actions, and disruptions to our lawful democratic processes. Vermont nonprofits stand united in opposition to the insurrection January 6th, on the U.S. Capitol, and its roots in white supremacy.  

We call upon policymakers to hold those responsible accountable for actions that both directly and indirectly led to the violence on January 6th. These forms of hatred and insurrection are unacceptable. Justice must be served to those responsible for inciting it to prevent future violence.  

We call upon nonprofits and sector leaders to take a stand in denouncing this violent insurrection and the rise of white supremacist crimes across our country. We cannot remain silent. This division and hate tears apart the fabric of our civil society, weakening our democratic processes, and hurting the people and communities we aim to serve. Our nonprofit sector is one of the most robust and vibrant in the country, playing a significant role in communities across our state. Our voice matters to those we serve and must not remain silent. Our action is essential to ensuring effective democracy as our roles as community leaders supports civic engagement and lends a voice to underrepresented communities. 

This form of advocacy is an essential part of our democratic process. We have a responsibility to build awareness and understanding of our rights and responsibilities to uphold our democracy. Only then can we prevent this insurrection from happening again.  

The long-term solution is neither simple nor quick, but we must take bold action. That includes committing to do the work of dismantling hate, racism, and white supremacism. As we seek to support our community members, our charitable community remains a vital beacon of action, support, and hope for each other and the communities we serve. Together, we commit to doubling our efforts to support democracy, oppose racism in all its forms, and advocate for equity and systems change, especially for vulnerable and BIPOC communities, at national and state levels. 

We, Vermont nonprofits, sign this letter to unite in solidarity with our state and federal policymakers and to condemn any actions of hate, violence, inciting of such actions, and disruptions to our lawful democratic processes.  

Sincerely, 

Common Good Vermont 

United Way of Northwest Vermont