By Michael Bielawski
Vermont’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the state’s Human Rights Commission are asking for additional taxpayer funds. The former wants money to hire a “Care Coordinator” and “Communications/Marketing Consultant” while the latter says they are overwhelmed and need several additional staff.
“truth-telling” about “genocidal trauma”
The Commission’s Care Coordinator position must oversee that all staff, volunteers, and their committee be trained in “trauma-informed practices with cultural humility, specifically tailored to support impacted community members,” states the job description in an email to VDC.
He or she will oversee a “truth-telling process” to take place next year.
“This role is integral to the VTRC’s mission of providing equitable and compassionate care during the truth-telling process, addressing the generational and genocidal trauma experienced by communities,” it says.
The new coordinator must “Attend and execute care protocol for 5 large-scale, in-person, all-day truth-telling events and 2 virtual truth-telling events.” These events will take place between June and October of 2025.
The candidate must also have, “Alignment with VTRC’s mission & understanding of generational & genocidal trauma.” The VTRC Strategic Plan includes to, “document institutional, structural, and systemic discrimination in Vermont and identify potential actions that can be taken by the state to repair the damage caused by this harm.”
Communications Consultant
The Commission’s other posting says this consultant will focus on public relations. They will “develop and implement effective messaging strategies and outreach to diverse organizations, communities, and individuals.
It continues, “They will also assist in creating positive media experiences, ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations involved in this work, and enhancing our social media, email outreach, and website presence.”
It is expected to cost $40,000 – $50,000 for each of these new positions.
Transparency controversy
The organization asked lawmakers during this past legislative session for no media access for some subcommittee meetings. Lawmakers rejected the proposal.
“A spokesperson for the Vermont press said full transparency is required because the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is involved in state policy work, including the possibility of requiring reparations payments to minorities,” said a VDC report.
Human Rights Commission wants money
The Vermont Human Rights Commission is claiming that they are being overwhelmed with cases and that they need more public support. Michele Olvera, a legal counsel with the Commission, told VTDigger that some cases are taking up to two years to resolve.
They are asking for about $900,000 in new funding, roughly doubling their existing annual budget. The new positions this money would be for include an intake specialist, three new investigators, a communications person, a paralegal, a part-time social worker, and a part-time mediator.
The Commission was set up in 1987 to advocate for various human rights protections such as providing representation for renters while in court for housing disputes.
Some public cry foul
On X, some of the public has been skeptical of new funds for the Human Rights Commission. @Charles_Root wrote on X, “More cases” Translation: More people seeking victimhood.”
@VTDeservesMore wrote, “Is there a value to a human rights commission in VT?”
When VDC wrote a story in December when the Commission was also asking for money, a commenter on X alleged that they are biased in selecting who to help.
@jonMatthei wrote, “why they dont do a damn thing for locals. Had a run in with them, but because the individual I brought to them for help wasnt of color (just mentally ill) nor a relative of Ginny Lyons, they make excuses to avoid helping. JOKERS just like VT aclu. Pathetic”
The author is a writer for the Vermont Daily Chronicle