Fun and functional additions aim to make civic participation accessible and welcoming to all in small town Vermont

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 29, 2024

Bethel, VT—Vermont’s Town Meeting Day tradition is centuries old, but Bethel leaders are working hard to bring local democracy into the 21st Century. This year’s Town Meeting and voting day will feature a host of improvements—both simple and surprising. From “local democracy cheerleading” to free pie, childcare and chairs with arms, they aim to help more people physically get to Town Meeting and the polls, participate, connect with neighbors and community groups, and celebrate civic traditions.

“Whether you've never been to Town Meeting before or you never miss it, this is the year to come,” said Lylee Rauch-Kacenski, a member of Bethel’s Community Engagement and Town Meeting Committee. “Come for free pie and coffee. Come for our first ever opening ceremony and listen to the elementary cheerleaders cheer just for you. Come to meet neighbors and learn about all the great things happening around town. And come to discuss and vote directly on our town budget, expenses, taxes, leaders, and other decisions—an opportunity that few people have anywhere in the world.”

Bethel’s Town Meeting officially starts at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, March 5, but there’s much more to the day. All events are at the White River Valley School, 273 Pleasant Street, Bethel.

Polls are open from 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM in the Bethel Elementary Lobby for ballot voting. Vote for Presidential Primary candidates, town Selectboard members and other officers, and White River Valley School Board members and officers.Free pie, coffee, and Community Fair starts at 9:00 AM. Drop in to eat treats and connect with neighbors. Explore tables and displays from community groups, learn about volunteer opportunities, watch a slideshow of the past year, and find out what’s happening in Bethel.The first Town Meeting Opening Ceremony launches at 9:45 AM, featuring a local democracy cheerleading performance by the Wildcat Cheerleaders of Bethel Youth Sports and live music by Spencer Lewis.The White River Unified District School Meeting and budget vote is the evening before, with a free community dinner at 5 PM and the meeting at 6 PM.

Getting to—and sitting through—a Town Meeting isn’t easy or comfortable for everyone amidst modern schedules and challenges. Bethel’s Community Engagement and Town Meeting Committee is leading the process of making Town Meeting Day as much about community and celebration as it is about road salt and budget votes, and making sure there are many reasons to come. Pie and childcare have proved popular for some years now, but the Committee continues to experiment with out-of-the-box ideas for encouraging more people to participate in local decision-making and to make them feel valued.

“Cheering is about supporting people who are doing great things,” said Robynn Martin, coach of the BYS Wildcat Cheerleaders. “We’re so excited to be the world’s first “local democracy” cheerleaders and bring the Wildcat spirit to people who are voting and making Bethel better.”

In addition to making participation more fun and appealing, the Bethel Community Engagement and Town Meeting Committee is also making improvements aimed at accessibility and inclusion. These efforts build on conversations about accessibility at last year’s Town Meeting and through the year and include recommendations from the recent Bethel for All Village Accessibility Plan.

• Free childcare is available for kids (preschool age and above), offered in partnership with the White River Valley Community + School program.
• Accessible parking and seating will be available, including chairs with arms. Volunteer runners with microphones will come to people in their seats, making participation easier for those with mobility challenges.
• Anyone who needs a ride or other accommodations can request. Fill out the quick form at bethelvtstrong.org/engageor contact the Bethel Strong Volunteer and Needs Coordinator Cindy Metcalf at [email protected], 802-793-7800.
• The Bethel Operator’s Manual has an introduction to how voting and Town Meeting work, Robert’s Rules of Order, and more information. Read or download at betheloperatorsmanualvt.org.

Community members, groups and committees can all get involved and support Town Meeting Day. Donate a pie, offer a ride, set up a table or display, and send photos for the community slideshow. Visit bethelvtstrong.org/engage to sign up and learn more, get meeting agendas and reports, and see the full schedule.

The Bethel Community Engagement and Town Meeting Committee is a town committee dedicated to “helping foster informed and engaged citizens, creating an environment in which individuals are welcomed, respected, supported, and valued.” For more information contact Rick Benson, Chair, [email protected].