Selection of Committee Members
APPLY NOW TO BE A COMMITTEE MEMBER
Objective: Select 30 committee members representing diverse identities, experiences, and regions across Vermont.
Criteria:
- Geographic diversity from all parts of the state.
- Representation:
- Individuals who identify as Native American or Indigenous;
- Individuals with physical, psychiatric, or mental conditions or disability, and the families of individuals with the physical, psychiatric or mental health condition or disability;
- Black individuals and other individuals of color;
- Individuals with French Canadian, French- Indian or other mixed ethnic or racial heritage;
- Other populations and communities at the discretion of the Commissioners.
- Individuals with a commitment to the principles of truth, reconciliation, and justice.
- Professionals or community members involved in areas such as restorative justice, education, research, and healing.
Nomination Process:
- Open call for nominations from community organizations, advocacy groups, and public entities.
- Nominees must submit a short biography, detailing their connection to the community and motivation to serve.
- Building and Planning from the VTRC will review applications and make final decisions, ensuring a balance of perspectives.
Role of Committee Members
Honorary Witnesses:
Committee members will act as honorary witnesses during key events hosted by the VTRC, ensuring that each truth-telling process is observed and respected. These events will include:
Private Office Hours: Intimate spaces where individuals can share their experiences with the commission.
Public Truth-Telling Statements: Events where community members openly share their stories.
Virtual Sessions: Online spaces for those who cannot attend in person to participate in the truth-telling process.
Scheduling and Participation
- Committee members will be given the freedom to choose the dates and locations they would like to attend as witnesses.
- Members should express their availability and preferences on a sign-up sheet
- If necessary, we may ask members to attend additional events (in-person, virtual, public, private) to ensure that all types of sessions are properly supported.
- A minimum attendance requirement for at least 3 events
- We will provide a gift card in the amount $25/events to offset any barriers or expenses to get to events.
Responsibilities After Witnessing
After attending an event as a witness, committee members are required to:
- Attend the next public committee meeting (scheduled at regular intervals, such as monthly).
- Present a synopsis of the statements or stories they witnessed. This synopsis should:
- Summarize the key themes or issues raised.
- Reflect on the emotional and societal impact of the statements.
- Provide insights on how the statements relate to the broader mission of the VTRC.
- Offer recommendations based on their observations. Recommendations can be made in the following categories:
- Research: Suggestions on areas of further investigation or study based on the stories heard.
- Education: Ideas for how to educate the public or specific communities on the historical or contemporary issues raised.
- Restorative Justice: Proposals for actions that can be taken to repair harm or foster healing in individuals or communities.
- Healing: Recommendations for programs or initiatives that can promote healing, both for individuals who gave statements and for the larger community.
Review and Incorporation of Feedback
- The VTRC will collect the synopses and recommendations from committee members'
- A follow-up process will be in place, ensuring that all suggestions are:
- Documented in official VTRC records.
- Considered when shaping future VTRC actions, research efforts, or outreach programs.
- Integrated into any public reports or recommendations the VTRC produces for state agencies or the public.
Ongoing Engagement
Committee members will remain actively engaged throughout the VTRC’s tenure. Beyond their role as witnesses, they will:
- Serve as ambassadors for the VTRC’s mission, helping to promote the importance of truth and reconciliation throughout their communities.
- Participate in training sessions to deepen their understanding of the issues surrounding truth-telling, reconciliation, and justice.
- Be invited to contribute to the final report and recommendations that the VTRC will produce, offering their unique perspectives on how Vermont can heal and move forward.
Accountability and Commitment
All committee members must commit to the process with integrity and sensitivity. They will:
- Respect the confidentiality of individuals who provide private statements.
- Approach their role with a spirit of compassion and empathy, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.
- Be held accountable to attend the sessions they commit to and provide thorough feedback.
- Be willing to recuse themselves if they have personal conflicts of interest with any statements or individuals involved.