BIPOC Stipends Available for Soil Health Policy Work

Rural Vermont is partnering with the Vermont Releaf Collective, NOFA-VT, the Vermont Healthy Soils Coalition to distribute stipends of $150-$200 to BIPOC working to advance soil health policy in Vermont. How can these stipends be used?

*Attend an upcoming Small Farm Action Day event (virtual advocacy trainings for farmers and meet and greets with legislators February through April) and raise your voice to policy makers!

*Offer testimony to the legislature regarding proposed soil health, climate change, and/or relevant agricultural bills (no experience testifying needed and lots of support available!)

*Teach a workshop in your community about soil health, and encourage attendees to contact their legislators or otherwise share information by writing a Front Porch Forum post, Letter to the Editor, or using another public platform

*Provide input to the Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) Working Team and advocate for equitable and effective PES or other soil health programs 

*Are you working to advance soil health policy in other ways? Let’s talk! We want to support your work. 

If you are interested, please send a brief application with your name, anything you want to share about your experience or interest in soil health, and which opportunity you’d like to learn more about to mollie@ruralvermont.org. You can also apply via phone (802-223-7222) or by sharing a short video. This application is not intended to be onerous. Please reach out if you’re interested or have questions. 

Opportunities available for all experience levels. Stipend amounts vary depending on the activity.