Matt Levin, Alliance Executive Director, kicked off the Meeting with introductions of Steering Committee members and staff, and Kim Keiser joined to offer a touching tribute to Kelly Ault as she ended her 12-year tenure with the Alliance. Kelly was presented with a bouquet and gifts, and participants were asked to share their remembrances, thanks, and best wishes with her throughout the day. Charlie Gliserman, who is replacing Kelly as the Public Engagement Director, was introduced.

Sarah Kenney, with Let's Grow Kids and a member of the Alliance Steering Committee, introduced Representative Theresa Wood, who served as a strong champion for early childhood in the Legislature this year. Her comments reflected, in particular, on her work to support the child care bill after learning "how big an issue this is in Vermont – not only for young families, but employers, schools, child care workers." She led the effort that secured 70 co-sponsors on H. 531 from all parties. She said, "This was only possible because of your years of work to bring this issue to the forefront."

The business portion of the Meeting included electing Steering Committee members and approving the minutes from the 2018 Annual Membership Meeting. See the updated roster and download the Meeting minutes from the Alliance website.

This was followed by a panel discussion during which representatives from Lead Organizations were invited to reflect together with the audience on the effectiveness of our work as a coalition within a Collective Impact framework.

The final hour of the Meeting focused on how to bring the diversity, equity, and inclusion lenses into our work more effectively.  Dr. Maria Mercedes Avila, an adjunct professor at the University of Vermont and a leader on anti-racism, joined us to share her thoughts on diversity, equity, and inclusion in early childhood. (See a video of her talk on the Alliance’s Facebook page.)

Following Dr. Avila’s inspiring comments, Meeting participants formed small groups to answer a series of questions that focused on ways to make the Alliance’s Legislative Agenda-setting process more equitable and inclusive.

Steering Committee Chair Faye Mack closed the Meeting with a few final remarks, and participants were invited to join a networking and social hour. While enjoying food and beverages prepared by Zenbarn, participants chatted about their work, made new connections, and strengthened existing relationships with each other. It was an inspiring and energizing end to the day.

The Alliance staff and Steering Committee’s Equity Subcommittee will review notes from the small group discussions to continue our deepening work on diversity, equity, and inclusion. We look forward to working on these and other issues with our members over the summer and fall as we begin preparations for the 2020 Legislative session.

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