Building the Bigger We Conference

Join us at Building the Bigger We, The Vermont Network’s 2025 Conference, happening on June 4th in Burlington, VT.
Registration is Now Open!

If connection is the antidote to violence, our strength lies in making those connections bigger and bolder. Like the mycelium networks beneath the forest floor—nourishing and sustaining life—our community is rooted in cultivating ecosystems where every person can thrive.

Join us as we explore what it means to grow our movement—in people and in perspective—and work together to build the bigger we.

What You Need to Know

WHAT: Building the Bigger We Conference, hosted by the Vermont Network
 
WHEN: All day Wednesday, June 4

WHERE: Hotel Champlain, Burlington, VT

Register Now

American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be available and the space is wheelchair accessible. Other accommodations available upon request.

Agenda

8:00am-9:00am: Coffee Hour and Registration
 
9:00am-10:15am: Welcome and Opening from Keynote Speaker

Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson

Ash-Lee is a leader, born and raised in Southeast Tennessee, who has spent decades bringing people together across differences, balancing short-term strategies with long-term vision, and working alongside communities to co-create solutions.

10:15am-10:30am: Break

10:30am-12:00pm: Morning Workshops

12:00pm-1:00pm: Lunch

1:00pm-2:30pm: Afternoon Workshops

2:30pm-2:45pm: Break

2:45-4:00pm: Closing Session with Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson

4:00pm-6:00pm: Reception, attendees will be entered into a raffle to win mocktail and mushroom themed prizes!

Featured Workshops
  • It Starts in the Schools: Building and Sustaining a Culture of Consent with Joey Carroll, Lucy Schmid and students Chi-Chi MacVicar-Ceckler, Bianca Stumpff, Everett Walke, and Rye Joyner from Montpelier High School

  • Growing Capacity to be with Conflict: Resourcing Ourselves Through the Body with Amanda Franz

  • The Lullaby Project: Connection and Healing One Song at a Time with Healing Together Project Partners

  • Tapping New Perspectives: How to Establish Diverse Advisory Groups with Andrea Van Liew

  • Liberation by Painting Words with Jessica Robles

  • Ethical Storytelling with Steps to End Domestic Violence

  • An Invitation to Building Trust: Reflective Practice & Listening with Susan Ahl

  • Partnering for Change: Our Work in Public Safety with the Department of Public Safety

Any many more! Check back here for updates.

Looking for Information About Our Summit?

On Thursday, June 5th we will be hosting a one-day summit for Vermont Network member organizations only. If you’d like more information, please reach out to Chani Waterhouse at [email protected].