Members of the Sunderland community came together Wednesday, July 18th for the second step of the Sunderland Shines Community Visit process and set two concrete and actionable priorities for the future of the town. All area residents are encouraged to sign up for these task forces online at bit.ly/SunderlandShines.

At the meeting, community members discussed and prioritized a list of 16 Ideas and opportunities for action that were brainstormed in the first phase of the process on June 16th. Through a two-round voting process, Sunderland residents identified two top priorities for action and are forming task forces that will work to:

  • Create and improve community spaces and increase food access
  • Expand outdoor recreation trails and access

Community members are welcome and encouraged to join a task force, regardless of whether or not they have participated in the process so far. Alyssa Johnson, VCRD Community Visit Program Manager says, “At the next meeting, community members will shape the direction of each Task Force by building a plan for first steps and resources. Now is a great time to join your neighbors and work on these action areas!” Community members can sign up online at bit.ly/SunderlandShines or come to the next meeting to learn more.

The third and final phase of the Community Visit process will take place on Wednesday, August 13 from 6:00-8:30 pm at the Sunderland Elementary School. Dinner and drinks will be served, and childcare will be provided. All members of Sunderland’s extended community are encouraged to attend.

The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD), a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to the advancement of Vermont communities was invited to the community by the Sunderland Selectboard. In the past 30 years, VCRD has worked with over 90 Vermont communities to bring residents together through its facilitated and structured process to share ideas and move toward common solutions.

The Sunderland Shines Community Visit is funded with support from the Northern Border Regional Commission, Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development, Vermont Community Foundation, National Life Foundation, Lintilhac Foundation, Wisdom Connection, and VCRD supporters and donors.

For more information, visit bit.ly/SunderlandShines, or contact Alyssa Johnson at VCRD at 802-222-6896 or [email protected].