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This year, the Vermont Secretary of State’s office launched a new program encouraging nonprofits and businesses across the state to recognize the vital role we play in improving civic engagement and education. The office identified a statewide need for individuals to access nonpartisan, trustworthy voting information and opportunities to engage with their communities. MCL enthusiastically responded to the call.

The Civic Connect program offers tiers of commitment to interested organizations. Manchester Community Library has pledged to be a Civic Champion, providing flextime on Election Days and flextime for employees to volunteer in the community each year. We also commit to recognizing and celebrating civic participation in the workplace. This was a natural step for the Library. In the past, we have hosted voter registration drives, selectboard candidate forums, and Town visioning meetings. The Library has a long history of partnering with GNAT-TV to bring important local content to a wider audience, including the upcoming Senate and Representative candidate forums moderated by Andrew McKeever. We have hosted VT Digger for three consecutive years, giving them the opportunity to engage more directly with Southern Vermonters. We are the community space where people can gather to talk about school choice, the impact of AI on society, the importance of bike trails to Vermont’s economy, local history, and the environment, and learn from Fish & Wildlife and forestry experts. 

MCL creates opportunities that can empower individuals and strengthen our community. This dedication demands that we make a meaningful difference by strengthening connection, learning, and participation. Our commitment to the Civic Connect program reinforces our promise to the community to connect and provide opportunities for engagement. To fulfill this value, when Common Good Vermont reached out to ask the library to join a conversation about the important role nonprofits play in strengthening democracy and increasing civic participation, “yes!” was the only possible answer. Our Assistant Director Paige Vignola will participate in a webinar introducing the Nonprofit Voter Engagement Guide, a resource developed through a collaboration between Common Good Vermont, Nonprofit VOTE, and the National Council of Nonprofits. The session will open with remarks from Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas and include an overview of the Civic Connect program. Paige will join a panel of nonprofits to discuss voter engagement and lessons learned from doing this work in Vermont communities.

Join the Webinar!

Nonprofits, Voting, and Civic Engagement: A Conversation with Vermont’s Secretary of State

Tuesday, September 15, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

REGISTER HERE>>