The “Sharon Connects” process brings community members together to actively participate in examining issues, decide top priorities and develop action plans for the future of the town. The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) provided the overall structure and neutral facilitation for the first two gatherings. On June 8th, 80 community members came together to…
Here at the Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD), we’re committed to listening to community members from around the state about the opportunities and challenges they see in their towns and supporting those who step forward to build an even stronger future. It is a critical time to be focused on our small cities and…
The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) is inviting community leaders, volunteers, and partners committed to Vermont to join the inaugural “Community Social” June 13 at the Lake Bomoseen Lodge & Taproom. The event will include a short speaking program with updates on VCRD initiatives and issues vital to towns across Vermont, as well as…
The strength of our democracy, the vitality of our economy, and the emotional and physical wellbeing of our population start with our youth and a shared belief in a positive future. In order to build strong communities and realize our vision for a thriving economy, we must work together – youth and adults – to…
Building a flourishing democracy requires many things of the citizens and residents of the United States. One of the most important things democracy requires is our attention – not only on the issue of the day at the national level, but also on the challenges we can impact closer to home in our communities. Our…
It’s around this time of year when people start counting the things they are thankful for: family, friends, and health, so today at VCRD we’d like to share the top five reasons that we find ourselves thankful for rural Vermont. Communities Vermont is made up of 252 towns and cities – each with a unique…
At the Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD), we are passionate about the importance of local leadership and supporting individuals and their communities to build a positive future for Vermont. Democracy requires that each of us step forward in service to each other. Most of the time, especially in rural communities, local leadership involves a…
Read VCRD’s 2021 Annual Report for an overview of our programming, updates from 2021, and what we’re looking forward to in 2022.
Read VCRD’s 2020 Annual Report for an overview of our programming, updates from 2020, and what we’re looking forward to in 2021.
After 21 years, the head of a group that’s helped organize hundreds of communities across the state is stepping down. Paul Costello, executive director of the Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) is moving on come September.