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A program in Vermont hires fellows to tell community stories. Here’s how to sign up

A program in Vermont hires fellows to tell community stories. Here’s how to sign up

A new program launched by “Vermont Folklife” encourages Vermonters to share community stories through a year-long research project.

Vermont Folklife is a nonprofit organization that has been in existence for 40 years. It uses an archive of more than 7,000 interviews to create exhibitions, podcasts and educational opportunities to tell the stories of Vermonters. This year, with funding from Senator Bernie Sanders’ office, they want to bring in local researchers to help with their work.

“It’s an experience I wish more people could experience because it’s the best way I know to bridge divisions and develop greater understanding,” said Kate Haughey, executive director of Vermont Folklife.

To become a fellow, you must be at least 16 years old and willing to work for at least a year collecting interviews. Then, using what you learn from those interviews, you can identify problems within a community and present a plan to local leaders to create change. Students from UVM and Sint-Michielscollege will also support the fellows throughout the project.

At the end of the program, all projects will become part of a traveling exhibition in Vermont.

“This gives them time to really connect with their community in a way that life often doesn’t allow. It’s really an intentional engagement with your community, and it’s exciting to see them come together and figure out: What do we want? What do we need? And then make that happen,” says program partner Mary Simons.

That’s possible apply to the Vermont Community Fellows program beginning November 1.

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