The Root Social Justice Center

The Root Social Justice Center The Root SJC is a BIPOC led organization centering Blackness through community building in Vermont. Visit www.therootsjc.org for more information. Donate online!

The Root Social Justice Center provides a physically and financially accessible space in Southern VT for social justice groups to meet AND is a hub for racial justice organizing. The Root prioritizes Black Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) leadership and shifting resources to BIPOC-led racial justice work. We operate collectively to sustain a space that strives to be free of oppression, harm,

and injustice. In 2017, The Root Collective transitioned to focus on BIPOC-led racial justice organizing. The organizing collective is supported by an all-BIPOC advisory board that works to support The Root’s Vision and provide more leadership opportunities for people of color in our community. ROOT PROGRAMS
The Root hosts a variety of programming that is all volunteer-run. To find out more about our programs or to get involved, contact us! Soul Food Sundays
Open to: All self-identified BIPOC
Hours: 2nd Sunday of every month, from 1-4pm
Youth 4 Change
​ Open to: Youth of all identities between the ages of 12-22. Hours: 1st and 3rd Monday of every month from 5:30-7:30
(some holidays excluded)
To get involved contact: [email protected]

I Am VT, Too
​ Open to: All self-identified BIPOC in Vermont
To get involved or to share your story, please contact
[email protected]
Social Justice Forums
​ Open to: All. Hours: Several times a year. DONATE TO THE ROOT! Interested in tax-deductible donations to The Root?** Check out three easy ways to donate: http://www.therootsjc.org/donate.html.
1. Mail us a check!
2. Drop of a check or cash at The Root!
3.

09/04/2026

Come through and see us at Gallery Walk right now! And don't forget our 13th Anniversary party is next week on Saturday 9/12 from 1:30p-4:30p at the Root!

📸 The I Am Vermont Too Photo Booth will be at the 20th Annual Margaret Burgess Women’s Prayer Breakfast in Burlington Se...
09/03/2026

📸 The I Am Vermont Too Photo Booth will be at the 20th Annual Margaret Burgess Women’s Prayer Breakfast in Burlington September 26!

Stop by the I Am Vermont Too Photo Booth at the event and share your story as a BIPOC person living, working, or going to school in Vermont. Your voice helps celebrate the richness of our communities while challenging stereotypes and expanding what it means to belong in Vermont.

20th Annual Margaret Burgess Women’s Prayer Breakfast tickets available at:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-nambc-20th-annual-margaret-burgess-womens-prayer-breakfast

📅 Saturday, September 26
🕛 Starting at 9am
📍 Delta Hotels Burlington, 1117 Williston Road, Burlington, VT 05401

Thank you Shelburne Farms for partnering with us on this I Am Vermont Too exhibit!
09/02/2026

Thank you Shelburne Farms for partnering with us on this I Am Vermont Too exhibit!

Join the conversation: Racial Disparities in the Criminal and Juvenile Systems Panel (RDAP)🗓 Tuesday, September 8th (and...
09/01/2026

Join the conversation: Racial Disparities in the Criminal and Juvenile Systems Panel (RDAP)

🗓 Tuesday, September 8th (and every 2nd Tuesday of the month)
⏰ 5:30PM–7:30PM
🔗 Zoom: tinyurl.com/RDAP26

The Racial Disparities in the Criminal and Juvenile Systems Panel (RDAP) is an open public meeting where everyone is welcome to join the conversation. This panel works to address and eliminate racial disparities within Vermont’s juvenile/DCF and criminal justice systems.

Shela Linton, Executive Director of The Root Social Justice Center, has served on this panel since its inception in 2017. Appointed by the Attorney General, Shela represents Black and BIPOC community voices, ensuring that the most impacted perspectives are central to the discussion.

Community participation is encouraged—whether you’d like to speak, share insights, or simply listen. To add an agenda item reach out to Todd Daloz at [email protected] or Anne Walker at [email protected].

Zoom Meeting Details:
🔗 tinyurl.com/RDAP26
Meeting ID: 895 5327 7639
Passcode: 135000

📖 Learn More:
For additional information about RDAP, visit the panel’s webpage at tinyurl.com/RDAPinfo

Let’s work together to create a more equitable justice system!!

🎲 Two Adventures, One Evening: Youth & Adult Dungeons & Dragons Sessions!📅 Sundays, September 6, 20 & 27📍The Root, 28 Wi...
09/01/2026

🎲 Two Adventures, One Evening: Youth & Adult Dungeons & Dragons Sessions!

📅 Sundays, September 6, 20 & 27
📍The Root, 28 Williams Street in Brattleboro!
⏱️ Both groups meet concurrently from 4:00–5:30 PM

The Root Social Justice Center invites both youth and adult adventurers to join our bi-monthly Dungeons & Dragons (DnD) Game Nights, part of our HIP – Healing In Practice program. 💜 These spaces center multiracial healing, creativity, and connection through storytelling and play.

🧙 Youth DnD (Ages 12–17)
No experience needed! We provide character sheets, dice 🎲, and guidance from experienced Dungeon Masters. Register in advance with a parent or guardian at tinyurl.com/RootYouthDnD or contact [email protected].

⚔️ Adult DnD (18+)
The adult group meets at the same time, offering a relaxed, community-focused space for shared stories, games, and connection.

✨ Bring your dice, your imagination, and your whole self. Come build worlds 🌍, forge new friendships 🤝, and embark on an epic adventure together! 🐉

SYNC Updates! ** Parent and Caregiver Meet Up Thursday, September 10 ** Educational Workshop (Hybrid) Thursday, Septembe...
09/01/2026

SYNC Updates! ** Parent and Caregiver Meet Up Thursday, September 10 ** Educational Workshop (Hybrid) Thursday, September 24

Our SYNC Picnic was a beautiful success! We are so grateful to all the families who participated and helped make the day so special. Celebrating our neurodivergent children and the many ways they are beautifully wired made the picnic especially meaningful. Your kiddos’ smiles, laughter, unique personalities, and joyful energy created a sweet and memorable time for everyone. Thank you for helping us create such a warm, welcoming, and affirming community gathering!

👉🏾Please note that Playgroup is canceled for the month of September.

All other programs will continue as usual, and we look forward to seeing you at our upcoming gatherings.

Explore SYNC programs this month:

** SYNC Virtual Parent and Caregiver Meet Up Thursday, September 10 **
Meets Virtually Every 2nd Thursday of the month 6p–7:30p
Join virtually at: tinyurl.com/SYNCvirtual

To RSVP or for more info contact [email protected]

** SYNC Educational Workshop (Hybrid) Thursday, September 24 **
Provided on the 4th Thursday of the month from 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Workshops are offered in person and virtual.
To join us virtually: tinyurl.com/SYNCvirtual
To join us in person: Early Education Services, 130 Birge Street in Brattleboro

We try to provide childcare during these events but cannot guarantee it. Please reach out to [email protected] for more information.

To RSVP or for more info contact [email protected]

Join the Ready Response Team (RRT) and help us support, protect, and defend the most vulnerable members of our community...
09/01/2026

Join the Ready Response Team (RRT) and help us support, protect, and defend the most vulnerable members of our community.

RRT brings community members together to respond during moments of need while building stronger networks of care, solidarity, and collective action.

Our next gathering will take place on Wednesday, September 9 at The Root!

For more info contact [email protected]

Families United Movement Building & Peer Support Updates and meeting info!Families United is building community, strengt...
09/01/2026

Families United Movement Building & Peer Support Updates and meeting info!

Families United is building community, strengthening support for families involved with DCF, and working toward systems change.

✊🏾 Through our Movement Building Group, Families United is participating in Vermont’s Children’s Justice Act Task Force to help inform and support implementation of Act 108 and its mandatory reporting provisions. In addition, Families United is building a relationship with the Brattleboro DCF office to explore ways to assist with the recruitment and retention of foster families while also strengthening support for families involved with DCF.

🤝🏾 Our Peer Support Group continues to show the practical power of parents supporting parents. In a recent peer support group meeting, parents involved with DCF were able to share resources that led to one parent being connected with much-needed support to help navigate the court process. This demonstrates the powerful, practical impact of peer support. Peer groups can help parents build confidence, identify resources, learn from others who have navigated similar systems, and develop connections that can lead to meaningful solutions and support beyond the meeting itself.

📅 Join us virtually this month!

Movement Building Group
September 13 • 6:30–8pm
Every 2nd Sunday of the month

Peer Support Group
September 20 • 6:30–8pm
Every 3rd Sunday of the month

Interested in joining a Families United group? Contact Britaney at [email protected] or text (802) 451-0468

We'll be ON PAUSE in September to create more space to celebrate The Roots 13th Year Anniversary! Don't worry we'll be b...
09/01/2026

We'll be ON PAUSE in September to create more space to celebrate The Roots 13th Year Anniversary! Don't worry we'll be back to host Soul Food Sunday, our beloved BIPOC affinity gathering, on Sunday October 11th from 1-4pm, at The Root!

🪮 The monthly BIPOC Hair Shop continues at The Root! 📅 Saturday, September 26th from 9am–8p📍 The Root: 28 Williams Stree...
09/01/2026

🪮 The monthly BIPOC Hair Shop continues at The Root!

📅 Saturday, September 26th from 9am–8p
📍 The Root: 28 Williams Street, Brattleboro

👉🏾 Folks looking to book a stylist:
Stylists are taking clients — at The Root or wherever works best for you and the stylist!

To find contact info and schedule directly:
📲 go to tinyurl.com/roothairstylists

‼️ Please note: This is not a free service — prices are set by each individual stylist.

DISCLAIMER: The Root Social Justice Center is not involved in transactions between clients and stylists. We do not set prices, schedule appointments, or guarantee the timeliness, quality, or outcomes of the services provided. All pricing, scheduling, and service agreements are arranged directly between the client and stylist. While we encourage positive relationships and are happy to provide general support, The Root is not responsible for any issues related to services, appointments, or payments.

✂️ Stylists + Barbers:
We’re always looking for hairstylists and barbers specialized in styling and caring for textured hair to join our network! You’re also welcome to use The Root’s space on Hair Shop days — a professional, welcoming spot with some supplies and tools available on-site for your use.

Come be part of this growing community of BIPOC-centered care and connection.

📩 Questions or want to join us? Email [email protected]

Address

28 Williams Street
Brattleboro, VT
05301

Telephone

+18024510509

Website

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