On May 16, 2023, at 11am, former United States Attorney General Eric Holder will discuss his book, Our Unfinished March, with students at the Flynn Center in Burlington, VT as part of the Student Matinee Series. UP for Learning's youth leaders will be facilitating the panel discussion for this event!

"America is a fragile democracy, Eric Holder argues, whose citizens have only had unfettered access to the ballot since the 1960s. He takes readers through three dramatic stories of how the vote was won: first by white men, through violence and insurrection; then by white women, through protests and mass imprisonments; and finally by African Americans, in the face of lynchings and terrorism. Next, he dives into how the vote has been stripped away since Shelby—a case in which Holder was one of the parties. He ends with visionary chapters on how we can reverse this tide of voter suppression and become a true democracy where every voice is heard and every vote is counted."



This opportunity highlights the importance of literacy within social studies, and connected literacies such as civic, media, ethical and equity literacy, and engages students with a contemporary text to build contextual knowledge. The AOE will provide supplemental learning materials aligned to the College, Career and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies State Standards to support this learning opportunity.

Share your ideas on Opportunities for Vermont Youth

Northwest Regional Forum

May 23 | 5:30 - 7 PM

Bellows Free Academy | St. Albans

Join us on May 23rd from 5:30-7:00pm at Bellows Free Academy in St. Albans for a conversation on youth opportunity and aspiration in Vermont! We want to hear from you about how we can improve opportunities for youth in our communities. 

Whether you’re a young person with a vision for the future, or an adult with ideas on how to make a difference, we want your input. 

These regional forums, taking place across the state, are a chance for people of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences to come together and share their ideas. We’ll be gathering feedback on a range of topics, including education, job training, community connection, youth voice, mentoring, and more. Your voice can help shape the future of programs and policy in Vermont, so don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference. 

Mark your calendars for an evening of meaningful conversation and community-building - and free pizza! Together, we can create a brighter future for Vermont’s youth.

The Youth Opportunity Initiative is an effort of the Future of Vermont Action Team within the Vermont Proposition. The process will be facilitated by the Vermont Council on Rural Development.