By Paul Bean
The Vermont Truth & Reconciliation Commission, a taxpayer-funded group dedicated to “uncovering historical truths, fostering healing, and promoting reconciliation,” has put out requests for proposal (RFP) for two new Communications and Marketing Consultants.
In the last legislative session, lawmakers approved a $1.1 million budget for the Commission to cover the cost of the Commissioners, its executive director, legal counsel, researcher, and administrative assistant.
Their official government website says their main objective is to represent Vermonters that are considered “impacted community members.”
The RFP emails do not specify how much public money has been budgeted for this work. VDC has reached out to VTRC for information, but have not received a response yet. The 2024 line-by-line budget shows salaries and benefits costing $617,699 of the $796,806.58 spent.
Zoom recordings of Vermont Truth and Reconciliation Commission meetings are not publicly available online but instead are summarized on their website.
At the VTRC’s November 7 public meeting, Commissioner Melody Mackin offered an opening prompt,
“Consider things that help you to be your best self, physically, mentally emotionally, and spiritually. What are those things? Commissioner Mackin shared a calming method for her is painting walls, watching Lord of the Rings, or jumping in mud puddles with her daughters. Sister Sankofa, singing, and removing herself from Social Media at times.”
The two new roles the VTRC is seeking to fill are:
- RFP Care Coordinator Contractor: who will “co-create the ‘before, during, and aftercare process…The selected contractor will be responsible for ensuring that all volunteers, committee members, and staff are thoroughly trained in trauma-informed practices with cultural humility, specifically tailored to support impacted community members. 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.”
- RFP-Communications and Marketing Consultant: who will “will develop and implement effective messaging strategies and outreach to diverse organizations, communities, and individuals.”
The Vermont Truth and Reconciliation Commission was created in 2022 through Act 128, “An act relating to creating the [VTRC],” the goal of the commission to “examine and begin the process of dismantling institutional, structural, and systemic discrimination in Vermont, both past and present, that has been caused or permitted by State laws and policies.”
Impacted community members as defined on their website as “someone that has often been excluded from telling their truths.” This would include:
- 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 commission
The VTRC has three appointed commissioners. All three are full-time state employees, paid approximately $90,000 per year. The commissioners, along with their staff, must assess the damage done to “individuals who identify as Native American or Indigenous, and those with a physical, psychiatric or mental condition or disability.”
Two of the three commissioner roles are currently filled, the third member resigned and the Commission is waiting for the approval of a new member.
Below is some information about the two remaining commissioners, as well as the executive director. Their staff is appears to be entirely comprised of women. The information about the staff was pulled from the VTRC official Government Website.
“Melody Mackin, MA, Commissioner of the VTRC (she/her)is a mother and educator. She grew up along the Missisquoi River in Highgate, VT. She is currently one of three Truth and Reconciliation Commissioners for the State of Vermont and previously worked with the Atowi Project. She is a citizen of the Elnu Abenaki Band and has previously served as the vice chair, secretary, and chair of the Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs. She received her master’s degree in history and is a member of the VT Abenaki Artists Association. “
“Mia Schultz, Commissioner of the VTRC (she/her) As a mixed-race Black woman, Mia brings a wealth of personal experience and unwavering commitment to her role, advocating for truth, healing, and reconciliation within Vermont’s diverse communities. Originally hailing from the southwestern deserts of Arizona, Mia embarked on a transformative journey from Southern California, eventually finding her home in the town of Bennington, Vermont, in 2016. Her dedication to advancing civil rights and education has earned her prestigious accolades, including being recognized as a human rights champion by both the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Education Association”
“Dr. Faith Yacubian, (she/her/they/them). Executive Director of the State of Vermont’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission; Faith has a noteworthy career spanning 17 years at Champlain College. Faith has a wealth of experience and a passionate drive for change. As an Associate Professor in Interdisciplinary Studies, Faith’s work has centered on empowering students through innovative teaching methods informed by Social Justice Education, Queer Theory, and Black Feminist Epistemology. Guided by a profound belief in humanitarianism and community empowerment, Faith’s commitment is further exemplified by her involvement in the Shelburne Equity and Diversity Committee and dedicated volunteer services at the Winooski Food Shelf since 2020.”