About Vermont Earth Works

Vermont Earth Works is an educational non-profit serving the communities of Southern Vermont. The mission of Vermont Earth Works is to increase public access to educational, cultural, and environmental opportunities. To achieve this goal, we work in partnership with supporters and volunteers promoting tolerance, sustainability, and understanding within our community. WVEW, our community radio station, will provide us with even greater opportunities to achieve these goals.

Our Board of Directors

Debra Forrett: Native Vermonter and Co-founder of Vermont Earth Works. Deb is an educator with a background in social work. She was a primary writer of the leadership curriculum and has been using it for the last 5 years in her work with local youth. She is a lover of nature and lives in Dummerston, Vermont with her family and pets.

Ken Brace: Ken has been working with developmentally delayed children and adults since 1995 and he is currently employed by Health Care and Rehabilitation Services. Ken studied education at Vermont College, where he earned an undergraduate degree in history and literature. Ken is also a freelance book indexer, writing back of the book indexes for authors and publishers.

Pete Schor: Hailing from the Washington, D.C. area, Pete returned to the place of his childhood summer home because of his deep appreciation for the natural beauty of the area. He is the head teacher for the leadership activities and recreational experiences for minority youth. Pete is also a musician and animal lover.

Elissa Bhanti: A local merchant of tribal handicraft from India, Elissa brings a deep understanding of the importance of multi-cultural understanding and celebration. She holds an undergraduate degree in Environmental Education and is involved in Environmental Learning is Fun at a local elementary school. As a Vermonter and business woman, Elissa is strongly committed to sustainable economy and the preservation of natural resources.

Other VEW Projects

Vermont Earth Works has been involved in a number of activities since it was founded in 1997. These are just a few of the projects we are proud to have worked on.

In 1999 VEW hosted a community forum to educate the public on the proposed changes in organic standards and food labeling. We worked in partnership with the several local organizations including The Brattleboro and Putney Food Cooperatives, Organic Cow of Vermont, and The University of Vermont Extension Service. This community education program was open to the public and it was also broadcast on our local television channel-BCTV.

In 2000 VEW created a leadership development curriculum which specifically addresses environmental racism and youth. With start-up funding from the Haymarket People’s Fund the curriculum included: Cooperative Outdoor/Environmental Experiences for minority youth. Gardening, Nature Study, and Natural Sciences Art and Design Music and Storytelling Multi-generational, multi-cultural events This curriculum served The ALANA Multi cultural Can-Do Youth Empowerment Program, The State of Vermont Department of Corrections-Restart Program, The Southern Vermont Home-schoolers Association, and The Windham Southeast Supervisory Union. VEW continues to use its leadership curriculum in both the local school district and alternative educational settings in Southern Vermont. Our focus remains on promoting social and environmental justice among minority groups and at-risk youth as well as encouraging tolerance of diverse cultural experiences within our community.

In 2001 VEW applied for a non- profit low power FM radio license through the Federal Communications Commission.

In March of 2005 we received an LPFM construction permit from the FCC and we are currently in the process of building an all access, non-commercial, community radio station. Programming will include diverse issues and perspectives in an effort to promote tolerance, sustainability and understanding within our community.

In 2006 Vermont Earth Works teamed up with Morningside Shelter of Brattleboro to create a beautiful vegetable garden for the shelter residents. Vermont Earth Works Board members tilled the garden space and sought donations for the garden. With wonderfully started plants from both Walker’s Organic Farm and the Horticultural Class at the Southern Vermont Career Education Center, the residents of Morningside Shelter have created a beautifully functional asset in their own backyard. The residents have support through the Health and Wellness Program at the shelter and have already expressed their happiness with the garden project and have been able supplement their weekly community dinners with "fresh from the garden" produce!