Rutland County leaders of the Vt Declaration of Inclusion initiative honored with Community Leadership Award

The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) announced the recipients of the Vermont Community Leadership Award last Wednesday, July 26. The awards will be presented at VCRD’s 2023 Vermont Community Leadership Summit on Aug. 15 at the Vermont State University Randolph Campus.

The Vermont Community Leadership Award is presented each year to celebrate Vermonters who exemplify “dedication, integrity and honorable service to community and to rural Vermont,” and who have had a “transformational” effect on their communities. The award highlights the work of community heroes who epitomize the best spirit of local community service, who volunteer their time, and who have made their community better.

This year, the four members of the Vermont Declaration of Inclusion initiative have been selected to receive the Vermont Community Leadership Award.

The members — and “driving force” — behind the Vermont Declaration of Inclusion include Norm Cohen, Bob Harnish, Barbara Noyes Pulling, and Al Wakefield – all community members and residents of Rutland County. All have deep roots around the state and bring humor, dedication, purpose, and integrity to those they interact with.

In 2020, Harnish and Wakefield decided to start asking every town in Vermont to adopt and implement a “Declaration of Inclusion.” The Declaration raises awareness about systemic racism, the importance of diversity in contributing to the state’s economy, and the need to be proactive in signaling that Vermont is a welcoming place. As of July 25, 116 towns across the state have adopted the Declaration. Over 70% of Vermont residents live in those towns.

“It is an honor to recognize this tremendous group of community leaders who are using their skill and talent to build a stronger future for all of us here in Vermont,” said Brian Lowe, executive director at VCRD. “This is a group of people working selflessly and with great humor in communities across our state.”

Approximately 500 attendees are set to gather for the 2023 Vermont Community Leadership Summit on Tuesday, Aug. 15 at Vermont State University Randolph Campus. The award presentations will be presented in the morning between 9-9:35 a.m. followed by breakout sessions for summit participants to connect with fellow community builders from across Vermont to build leadership skills, seek resources to help advance projects, and to think together on significant issues looking toward the future.

Registration is $50 per person, with options available for partial or no payment to register, if needed, by using promo code “PARTIAL” (for $25) or “FRIEND” (for no cost) at checkout. The event is meant to be accessible to all without financial barriers. The day includes lunch and a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream party to close. 

Online registration will be open until midnight on Aug. 6. Anyone interested in registering after can do so on-site the morning of the event. 

For more information visit: vtrural.org/summit.