Dear Winooski Neighbors,

Perhaps you are, like I am, distressed and concerned about neighbors who are at risk of losing our homes, safety, and even family members because of recent changes in our national leadership. I am speaking about those of us who are members of the immigrant community.

When Superintendent Chavarria posted to FPF recently, I replied and asked what ordinary folks can do to support the protection of vulnerable children in the Winooski School District. There are some things we can do.

- Learn from organizations that work on behalf of immigrants, including the VT Asylum Assistance Project and Migrant Justice.

- Support the School's administration, teachers, and students who cherish and want to protect our unique community and its members. They work with our children every day and care deeply about their wellbeing.

- Most importantly, we, ordinary Winooski residents and taxpayers, have a unique role to play. We can strengthen the WSD community's protection of our kids and their families by joining them in asking the Winooski School Board to approve the drafted Sanctuary Schools Policy. The Board will meet on Wednesday February 12 at 6:00pm in the school library and hold their second reading and discussion of the policy. Those within the school community are turning out in large numbers with support. We, members of the wider Winooski community, need to do the same.

We are strongest when we stick together. As Superintendent Chavarria stated in his FPF post of January 31, regardless of Executive Orders (and whatever is happening) "...we retain our local power to come together and ensure the safety and sense of belonging of those most vulnerable." Our own power lies in our ability to choose compassion. This cannot be taken from us.

We need each other. What you do matters. I hope each of us can find our way towards the actions that will create the future we want for ourselves and our children.

With all kind regards,
Your neighbor,
Kathie

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Feb 18, 2025, 11:15 AM to 12:45 PM

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Feb 19, 2025, 10 AM to 12 PM