A new initiative called Vermont Welcome Wagon Project is on a mission:
"We, a group of concerned (and engaged!) Vermonters, are seeking to complement the efforts in the State to close the Talent Gap in Vermont by helping retain new, newly returning, and existing Vermonters in the state by assisting them to get connected (or more deeply connected) to community."
So far, the group has programs in the Northeast Kingdom and Chittendon County.
The Welcome Wagon matches new Vermonters with "hosts" who reach out to the newcomer and "meet at a local park, go on a hike, meet for coffee or dinner and share stories/ideas about how to find community." The idea is to give new prospects an idea of what they can expect from life in Vermont.
The Welcome Wagon team wants to "create a diverse, inclusive network of folks that understand the need for Vermont to grow and retain great people and talent in our state. Our hosts love Vermont and want to share all that this wonderful state has to offer residents."
The program is open to anyone who would like to participate:
"We believe diversity is fundamental to a strong and vibrant Vermont. By intention and design, our program welcomes all people to participate. We respect and affirm the dignity of each member of the community. Our only requirement is good intentions."
Are you a newcomer looking to explore life in the NEK? Or a current resident interested in hosting newcomers?
