Upcoming events.
SYNC Monthly Peer Support Group
📣Introducing SYNC: Supporting Young Neurodiverse Children and Caregivers
Join our community-driven initiative designed especially for families and caregivers of young children (ages 0–5) on the Autism Spectrum or suspected of.
OITO Pride Family Potluck (+Soul Food Sunday!)
Soul Food Sunday is excited to join Out in the Open at their Annual Pride Family Potluck in June!
Date: Saturday June 14th
Time: 12-3pm
Where: SUSU Community Farm 94 River Rd, Newfane VT
In place of our regularly scheduled SFS gatherings on the 2nd Sunday of the month, we're going to meet a week later on SATURDAY June 14th from 1-3pm in support of our amazing community partners, OITO and SUSU. Join with other LGBTQ+ people, families, parents, and kids, and allies (of all ages!) and celebrate our rural LGBTQ+ community together!
Visit: https://www.weareoutintheopen.org/our-programs
for more information and volunteer!
PRIDE FAMILY POTLUCK, hosted by Out in the Open, in collaboration with The Root Social Justice Center & SUSU CommUNITY Farm is back again!
Join with other LGBTQ+ people, families, parents, and kids (of all ages!) and celebrate our rural LGBTQ+ community together!
We'll be at our friends Susu CommUNITY Farm in Newfane this year!
OITO will provide fruit, soft drinks, hot dogs (meat, turkey, and tofu), buns, chips, plates, napkins, cutlery, and condiments.
The Root will provide limited catering by Vegan A.F
Please bring a dish to share, if you can, or just bring yourself!
This gathering will be outside with family friendly games!
Folks are welcome to wear masks (we'll also have some on-hand) anywhere and everywhere. If you have COVID or are not feeling well, please stay home.
Youth Dungeons and Dragons Game Night!
🐉 DnD Game Night Update — Youth & Adult Sessions at The Root!
Dear Adventurers,
We’re excited to share some updates about Dungeons & Dragons Game Night at The Root!
Starting this summer, we will be offering two back-to-back sessions every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month as part of our Healing in Practice (HIP) programming:
🧒🏽👦🏼👧🏾 Youth Session starting Sunday June 15th (Then meeting July 20th, August 3rd and every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month after that)
4:00 – 5:30 PM (For ages 12–17)
The Youth DnD session will continue as usual, focused on centering the creativity and community-building needs of younger players.
👩🏻👨🏾🧑🏽 Adult Session starting Sunday August 3rd (and every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month after that)
5:30 – 7:00 PM (For ages 18+)
The Adult DnD session invites older and more experienced players to dive into deeper roleplay, complex character development, and collaborative world-building.
*WE ARE LOOKING FOR A DUNGEON MASTER (DM) FOR THE ADULT SESSIONS! Please reach out to us if you are interested!
For more information contact HIP@therootsjc.org
#TheRootSocialJusticeCenter #DungeonsAndDragons #HealingInPractice
Families United Peer Support Group
Families United Peer Support Group
Families United hosts a monthly virtual session to hold space for those of us impacted by DCF. Whether you are a parent that has had DCF involvement, a person who has had loved ones involved with DCF, or a person who had involvement as a child or youth, this group is for you. Come join us to participate in collective healing where you share your experience and feelings with people who get it.
Meets virtually on Sunday May 18th 6:30p–8p
(and every 3rd Sunday of every month)
To register email familiesunited@therootsjc.org call (802) 451-0468
BIPOC Maker's Night: Build a Corner Shelf
We’re shaking things up for June! BIPOC Makers Night is still going strong, but this month we’re introducing hands-on, taught sessions led by BE! Each week features a new beginner-friendly project—come learn, create, and build community. 🤲🏾🛠️
In Person: Black Men of Southern Vermont
A new space for Black Men at The Root!
Brothers, let's come together!
This sanctuary is dedicated to Black men (18+) looking for a space to heal, connect, learn, and grow. Engage in conversations about the Black male experience, share in the strength and solidarity of an all-Black space, and engage in movement building. 🧘🏾♂️🗣️ Through mentorship and peer support, this group fosters personal development and collective empowerment in a supportive environment. ✊🏾
MEETS VIRTUALLY
Saturday June 7th 3:30p–5:30P (and every 1st Saturday of the month)
Virtual Link: tinyurl.com/BlackMenSoVT (link in bio!)
MEETS IN PERSON
Saturday June 21st 3:30p–5:30P (and every 3rd Saturday of the month)
At The Root: 28 Williams Street in Brattleboro, VT 📍
For more information contact BTN@therootsjc.org
Help us spread the word! Let’s build a strong community of Black men in Southern Vermont—strengthen our bonds, uplift each other, and build a powerful community together. Join us! 🤝🏾🔥
Angela Berkfield Birthday Party and Black Youth Scholarship FUNdraiser Kickoff
🎉 Celebrate Root Co-Founder Angela Berkfield’s Birthday and Legacy with us! A FUNdraiser supporting The Black Youth Scholarship Fund!
All are welcome to mingle, dance 💃🏾 and celebrate our dear Angela with us!
Come share a meal 🍽️ (bring a dish if you can!), enjoy the grill, dance to good music 🎶, and connect with community 🤝🏾. Learn about The Black Youth Scholarship and how you can contribute to its continued impact.
When: Saturday June 21st, 5pm–8pm
Where: Kiwanis Shelter at Living Memorial Park (Memorial Park Upper Loop Trail, West Brattleboro)
Learn more about The Black Youth Scholarship Fund at therootsjc.org/black-youth-scholarship
About the event
The Angela Berkfield Birthday Party and Black Youth Scholarship FUNdraiser Kickoff is to bring awareness and support for The Black Youth Scholarship Fund, (which will begin in 2026) while celebrating the birthday of our late Angela Berkfield. Angela’s Birthday is June 27, she would have been 48 years old.
The plans are to have an annual event to raise funds for the next year’s round of scholarships. Any money collected will go to the scholarship fund and planning of next year’s event. Since this is a kick off this year’s event will look different.
Next year the plans are to have the scholarships given out at this event. We plan to have live music, and possibly catered food with a ticketed event, with no one turned away.
What to expect this year
Event will happen rain or shine
There will be a car to bring folks up the hill if needed
This is a potluck event
The Root will provide grillable foods, drinks and dessert
We will have the large speaker and be playing some of Angela’s favorite tunes
Folks will eat, mingle and dance
The Youth will present about The Scholarship
Folks will be asked to get involved and sign up for committees if desired
Folks will be asked to donate what they can
Memorial Park and its pool will be open from 1-6:30pm that day. Come swim and then join us for the celebration.
BIPOC Maker's Night: Make a Cajon (Wooden Drum)
We’re shaking things up for June! BIPOC Makers Night is still going strong, but this month we’re introducing hands-on, taught sessions led by BE! Each week features a new beginner-friendly project—come learn, create, and build community. 🤲🏾🛠️
BIPOC Adoptees Group Meeting In Person at The Root!
✨🌎Calling BIPOC Adoptees🌎✨
Join us IN PERSON at The Root (28 Williams Street in Brattelboro) every 4th Wednesday of the month from 5:30 to 7:30 PM for our BIPOC Adoptees Group!
For more information, contact Gillian: bipocadoptees@therootsjc.org
SYNC Autism 101 Workshop with Dr. Teri Bullis
📣Introducing SYNC: Supporting Young Neurodiverse Children and Caregivers
Join our community-driven initiative designed especially for families and caregivers of young children (ages 0–5) on the Autism Spectrum or suspected of.
BIPOC Hair Shop
The BIPOC Hair Shop (launched as the Mini BIPOC Hair Clinic) is about creating local access to culturally competent and skilled stylists who specialize in textured, natural, and other BIPOC hair types. This initiative is designed to connect BIPOC clients with trusted stylists while supporting local small business entrepreneurs.
BIPOC Maker's Night: Carve a Wooden Spoon
We’re shaking things up for June! BIPOC Makers Night is still going strong, but this month we’re introducing hands-on, taught sessions led by BE! Each week features a new beginner-friendly project—come learn, create, and build community. 🤲🏾🛠️
BIPOC Maker's Night: Make a Set of Coasters
We’re shaking things up for June! BIPOC Makers Night is still going strong, but this month we’re introducing hands-on, taught sessions led by BE! Each week features a new beginner-friendly project—come learn, create, and build community. 🤲🏾🛠️
Families United Movement Building Group
Families United Movement Building Group
Families United hosts a monthly virtual session to help change the DCF foster care system. Many who are familiar, know that the DCF system is broken. If you want to be a part of making the system better for children, youth and families, come join us.
Meets virtually Sunday May 11th 6:30p–8p
(and every 2nd Sunday of every month)
To register email familiesunited@therootsjc.org call (802) 451-0468
Virtual: Black Men of Southern Vermont
Black Men of Southern Vermont meets VIRTUALLY THIS SATURDAYJUNE 7TH! 🖤💻
🔗 Virtual Link: tinyurl.com/BlackMenSoVT
This sanctuary is dedicated to Black men (18+) looking for a space to heal, connect, learn, and grow. Engage in conversations about the Black male experience, share in the strength and solidarity of an all-Black space, and engage in movement building. 🧘🏾♂️🗣️ Through mentorship and peer support, this group fosters personal development and collective empowerment in a supportive environment. ✊🏾
MEETS VIRTUALLY
Saturday June 7th 3:30p–5:30P (and every 1st Saturday of the month)
Virtual Link: tinyurl.com/BlackMenSoVT
For more information contact BTN@therootsjc.org
Help us spread the word! Let’s build a strong community of Black men in Southern Vermont—strengthen our bonds, uplift each other, and build a powerful community together. Join us! 🤝🏾🔥
Black Men of Southern Vermont also meets in person this month:
Saturday June 21st 3:30p–5:30P (and every 3rd Saturday of the month) At The Root: 28 Williams Street in Brattleboro, VT 📍
BIPOC Writers Group Meeting In Person!
Can’t wait to see all your smiling faces and read your wonderful writing! Let’s make it a night of inspiration and community.
BIPOC Adoptees Group Meeting Virtually!
✨🌎Calling BIPOC Adoptees🌎✨
Join us every 4th Wednesday of the month from 5:30 to 7:30 PM for our BIPOC Adoptees Group!
This space is for adoptees of ALL ages who identify as Black Indigenous, and People of Color.
Many adoptees are expected to be grateful to have been adopted, without consideration of the hardships and trauma childhood separation can bring. For transnational and/or transracial adoptees the forced loss and erasure of cultural identity and heritage is often a part of our experiences as well. When adoptees try to speak on our experiences, challenges, or needs we are often faced with disbelief, dismissiveness or a complete lack of awareness.
Yet, when we get to connect with a community of our peers, we're more likely to be heard, understood, believed, and affirmed.
Adoptees deserve a space to share our whole selves, the painful truths, the unmet needs, our journeys with trauma, healing and more.
The Root aims to provide exactly that and more in our new BIPOC Adoptee Affinity group. Together, we'll center our narratives, experiences and needs, while affirming all the complexities of our identities as BIPOC Adoptees!
Come to build connections, share ideas for future experiences and projects, and simply to be seen, affirmed and loved! 💜
🗓 When: Every 4th Wednesday of the month, 5:30 - 7:30 PM
📍 Location: The Root (28 Williams Street, Brattleboro, VT)
♿️ Wheelchair Accessible
Bonus: Free food!
For more information, contact Gillian at bipocadoptees@therootsjc.org
Let’s uplift each other through the power of our stories!
#bipocadoptees #bipocvermont #bipocaffinity
#Affirmed #healing #freefood
BIPOC Affinity Woodworking at HatchSpace
🪚The Root and Hatchspace woodworking affinity spaces continues!
🗓️ Every Monday except Holidays
⏰ 5:30PM–8:30PM
📍@ Hatch Space: 22 High Street, Third Floor in Brattleboro
We've partnered with HatchSpace to bring our community a FREE BIPOC affinity woodworking space!!
Whether you're a woodworking newbie or pro this space is for you! Come explore something fun or new to you within a safer BIPOC centered space.
Bring your own project or build something new! Materials Provided!
I Am Vermont Too Photo Booth coming to the VTPoC NEK Meet & Greet!
We’re excited to announce that the I Am Vermont Too photo-story project will be hosting our photo booth at the upcoming Vermont Professionals of Color Network's NEK Meet & Greet! The I Am Vermont Too photo-story project uplifts the voices and lived experiences of BIPOC folks living, working and going to school in Vermont— highlighting the impact of racial microaggressions and offering a platform to be seen and heard.
Join us at the photo booth to share your story, add your voice, and be part of this growing visual storytelling archive.
For more information about the photo booth contact:
Dungeons and Dragons at The Root!
Dungeons and Dragons Game Night at The Root Social Justice Center
RSVP or learn more: BTN@therootsjc.org
Y4C Teen Dance
Save the date!
Y4C is a hosting another teen dance!!!. There will be uncensored music, free pizza snacks and beverages, etc.
This dance is for youth of all identities ages 14-18. We want to especially invite BIPOC, disabled, queer and trans youth.
Mark your calendars and more details will come soon!!
Saturday, May 16
7:00-10:00pm
28 Williams St 05301
BIPOC Affinity Woodworking at HatchSpace
🪚The Root and Hatchspace woodworking affinity spaces continues!
🗓️ Every Monday except Holidays
⏰ 5:30PM–8:30PM
📍@ Hatch Space: 22 High Street, Third Floor in Brattleboro
We've partnered with HatchSpace to bring our community a FREE BIPOC affinity woodworking space!!
Whether you're a woodworking newbie or pro this space is for you! Come explore something fun or new to you within a safer BIPOC centered space.
Bring your own project or build something new! Materials Provided!
BIPOC Affinity Woodworking at HatchSpace
🪚The Root and Hatchspace woodworking affinity spaces continues!
🗓️ Every Monday except Holidays
⏰ 5:30PM–8:30PM
📍@ Hatch Space: 22 High Street, Third Floor in Brattleboro
We've partnered with HatchSpace to bring our community a FREE BIPOC affinity woodworking space!!
Whether you're a woodworking newbie or pro this space is for you! Come explore something fun or new to you within a safer BIPOC centered space.
Bring your own project or build something new! Materials Provided!
Dungeons and Dragons at The Root!
Dungeons and Dragons Game Night at The Root Social Justice Center
RSVP or learn more: BTN@therootsjc.org
ARC Storytelling and Cultural Event!
📢 SAVE THE DATE! Join the Asylum Seeker, Refugee and Immigrant Community Program (ARC) for a Powerful Day of Storytelling & Cultural Celebration on Saturday April 26th!! 🌍🎶🍲
📩 For more details or to support, contact Bibimba at ARC@therootsjc.org
dreaming into being: a Black womanist listening session (virtual)
join us for the pilot session of dreaming into being: the Black womanist listening sessions, a transformative space for Black women, femmes, non-binary and gender expansive folks to engage in healing, reflection and collective dreaming, hosted in collaboration with SUSU commUNITY farm
BIPOC Affinity Woodworking at HatchSpace
🪚The Root and Hatchspace woodworking affinity spaces continues!
🗓️ Every Monday except Holidays
⏰ 5:30PM–8:30PM
📍@ Hatch Space: 22 High Street, Third Floor in Brattleboro
We've partnered with HatchSpace to bring our community a FREE BIPOC affinity woodworking space!!
Whether you're a woodworking newbie or pro this space is for you! Come explore something fun or new to you within a safer BIPOC centered space.
Bring your own project or build something new! Materials Provided!
Palestine Film Series: The Teacher
Palestine Film Series, Sunday, April 13, 4-6 p.m. Latchis Theater, Brattleboro: The Teacher is the story of a Palestinian teacher grieving the loss of his teenage son and struggling to reconcile his commitment to political resistance with his support for two students. By donation. sovt4palestine.org
Palestine Film Series: Walled Off: View from Banksy's Walled Off Hotel
Palestine Film Series, Sunday, April 6, Walled Off: View from Banksy's Walled Off Hotel, 4-6 p.m. Latchis Theater, Brattleboro: Banksy’s Walled Off Hotel, art gallery and history museum overlooking Israel’s apartheid wall serves as an anchor for this eclectic documentary, which spotlights the creative ways the Palestinian people and their supporters have been using the arts and other means of nonviolent protest to resist occupation. By donation. sovt4palestine.org
Rev Yolanda and The Circle of Love Band
Don't miss this incredible opportunity! Rev Yolanda and The Circle of Love Band will be performing a special concert on Saturday, April 5th at 7 PM at the Dummerston Church. A $20 suggested donation at the door or pay what you can. This benefit concert will raise funds for the annual AIDS Walk in Brattleboro,VT and The AIDS Project of Southern Vermont. Check out Yolanda's website below to learn more! For more information, please call The AIDS Project at 802-254-4444! Hope to see you there!
BIPOC Writers Group Changed to Meeting Virtually This Session!
Can’t wait to see all your smiling faces and hear your wonderful writing! Let’s make it a night of inspiration and community.
BIPOC Affinity Woodworking at HatchSpace
🪚The Root and Hatchspace woodworking affinity spaces continues!
In the photo: At last week’s space folks made wooden coasters from start to finish for the first time!
🗓️ Every Monday except Holidays
⏰ 5:30PM–8:30PM
📍@ Hatch Space: 22 High Street, Third Floor in Brattleboro
We've partnered with HatchSpace to bring our community a FREE BIPOC affinity woodworking space!!
Whether you're a woodworking newbie or pro this space is for you! Come explore something fun or new to you within a safer BIPOC centered space.
Bring your own project or build something new! Materials Provided!
DM us or email therootsjc@gmail.com for more information!
#BIPOC #AffinitySpaces #BrattleboroVT
#MakingTogether #WoodworkingForAll #DIYProjects #CommunityBuilding
Palestine Film Series: From Ground Zero
Palestine Film Series, Sunday, March 30, From Ground Zero, 4-6 p.m. Latchis Theater, Brattleboro: Oscar-shortlisted for best international feature film, this collection of 22 short films (3-7 minutes each) made by Palestinian filmmakers in Gaza portrays the steadfastness of the human spirit and the will to live in a time of peril and devastation. By donation. sovt4palestine.org
BIPOC Hair Shop
The BIPOC Hair Shop (launched as the Mini BIPOC Hair Clinic) is about creating local access to culturally competent and skilled stylists who specialize in textured, natural, and other BIPOC hair types. This initiative is designed to connect BIPOC clients with trusted stylists while supporting local small business entrepreneurs.
Palestine Film Series: No Other Land
Palestine Film Series, Sunday, March 23, No Other Land, 4-6 p.m. Latchis Theater, Brattleboro: Winner of the Academy Award for Best Documentary 2025, the film chronicles the resistance of villagers in the West Bank communities of Musafer Yatta to the ongoing violence perpetrated by Israeli settlers and soldiers – violence that continues today in Musafer Yatta and throughout the West Bank. By donation. sovt4palestine.org
Y4C Community Meeting on DCF "Rest Stop"
Call To Action!
Youth don’t want to live on policy property, they deserve better! Support our campaign to get DCF to defund their “Rest Stop” program and invest in alternative community care for our youth!
Youth and concerned members of our community, including Friends For Change, Families United and more are raising awareness on the harmful and traumatic effects of housing youth in DCF custody on police property. We are calling for DCF to defund the “Rest Stop” program and reallocate funds to better forms of alternative community care!
Come to our youth centered Community Meeting on the DCF “Rest Stop” program to learn more and support youth!
This will be a youth centered event where we prioritize youth voices, especially of those directly impacted by DCF. In an effort to create a safer space for youth we ask all Mandated Reporters to self identity at the meeting and for it to be a photo and recording free event.
Youth have spoken making it clear that they don’t want to be housed on police property. Help their cause, attend this event, invite impacted youth who’d like to speak and all people dedicated to building a better community for our youth!
If you are a youth who’d like to add your voice to this campaign or meeting we encourage you to contact our Youth 4 Change program coordinators at youth4change@therootsjc.org
BIPOC Affinity Woodworking at HatchSpace
🪚The Root and Hatchspace woodworking affinity spaces continues!
In the photo: At last week’s space folks made wooden coasters from start to finish for the first time!
🗓️ Every Monday except Holidays
⏰ 5:30PM–8:30PM
📍@ Hatch Space: 22 High Street, Third Floor in Brattleboro
We've partnered with HatchSpace to bring our community a FREE BIPOC affinity woodworking space!!
Whether you're a woodworking newbie or pro this space is for you! Come explore something fun or new to you within a safer BIPOC centered space.
Bring your own project or build something new! Materials Provided!
DM us or email therootsjc@gmail.com for more information!
#BIPOC #AffinitySpaces #BrattleboroVT
#MakingTogether #WoodworkingForAll #DIYProjects #CommunityBuilding
Ready Response Team Game Night!
In the midst of our dedicated efforts to combat the social and political challenges facing our communities, it's important to take a moment to breathe and reconnect. We’re excited to invite you to an evening of relaxation and camaraderie at our upcoming RRT Community Game Night. This is a wonderful opportunity to decompress from the constant bombardment of challenges we face while building stronger bonds within our team.
BIPOC Affinity Woodworking at HatchSpace
🪚The Root and Hatchspace woodworking affinity spaces continues!
In the photo: At last week’s space folks made wooden coasters from start to finish for the first time!
🗓️ Every Monday except Holidays
⏰ 5:30PM–8:30PM
📍@ Hatch Space: 22 High Street, Third Floor in Brattleboro
We've partnered with HatchSpace to bring our community a FREE BIPOC affinity woodworking space!!
Whether you're a woodworking newbie or pro this space is for you! Come explore something fun or new to you within a safer BIPOC centered space.
Bring your own project or build something new! Materials Provided!
DM us or email therootsjc@gmail.com for more information!
#BIPOC #AffinitySpaces #BrattleboroVT
#MakingTogether #WoodworkingForAll #DIYProjects #CommunityBuilding