Connecting and supporting local leaders – with our without an official position – as they build local projects, organizations, and systems that serve their communities and Vermont’s urgent and long-term needs.

VCRD is hiring!

The application deadline for these 2 positions has passed, so we are no longer accepting applications. Community Programs Associate VCRD is seeking a dedicated, energetic and hardworking Community Programs Associate to support VCRD’s community programs. Must be a team player with excellent communications skills, an eagerness to learn, and a strong sense of mission in…

VCRD in the News

Koloski Commentary: Helping Communities

The Vermont Council on Rural Development is committed to supporting locally defined progress in rural communities throughout Vermont. This month with the severe flooding, many communities have experienced a devastating setback impacting individuals, families, businesses, downtowns and villages across the state. VCRD is not an emergency response organization, but in times like this, we need…

VCRD Announces 2023 Vermont Community Leadership Award Recipient

The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) today announced the recipients of the Vermont Community Leadership Award, which will be presented at VCRD’s 2023 Vermont Community Leadership Summit on August 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…

VCRD in the News

Lowe Commentary: Leadership Summit

For the fourth time, the Vermont Council on Rural Development is gearing up for our statewide Vermont Community Leadership Summit on Aug. 15 at Vermont State University Randolph. The Summit brings together over 500 attendees to celebrate and explore new ways to support local leadership and democracy in Vermont. It is one of the most…

Upcoming Workshops

Leadership Network Upcoming Workshops Workshop Library Vermont Leadership Programs The Network supports members with online workshops on community development initiatives, skills training, and the sharing of best practices and inspiring success stories. See below for upcoming opportunities for connection, peer networking, and workshops on critical topics. If there are other topics or convening opportunities you…

Workshop Library

Leadership Network Upcoming Workshops Workshop Library Vermont Leadership Programs Below are materials from past skills training and community development initiative workshops within the Leadership Network. Workshops, held in Zoom, included presentations followed by either breakout or open forum discussions. Many participants also offer helpful tips and links via the “chat” throughout which are available below.…

Working Communities Challenge

Working Communities Challenge Vermont Teams Policy Work The Vermont Working Communities Challenge advances local collaborative efforts that build strong, healthy economies and communities in Vermont’s rural towns, regions, and smaller cities. Launched in 2019 by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston (FRBB), the initiative supports diverse, local teams of leaders as they tackle complex challenges…

Working Communities Challenge

Leadership Network Upcoming Workshops Workshop Library Vermont Leadership Programs Vermont is a place where motivated individuals have real power to make positive change in their communities. Throughout our history, the work of these leaders has shaped our towns and the state as a whole. Today, active and engaged local leaders, with or without an official…