AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Vermont New American Advisory Council with Association of Africans Living in Vermont Inc. (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Civic Engagement
└ Bringing resident insight and volunteer power into local government
└ Bringing resident insight and volunteer power into local government
To equip recent immigrants with skills to become more civically active, this project held trainings on how to engage with government officials. The Vermont New American Advisory Council partnered with the Association of Africans Living in Vermont to host a town hall, which focused on how local and federal government works. Participants included newcomers to the U.S., including former refugees, who learned effective ways to contact lawmakers and ask for their assistance. The nonprofits recorded the virtual town hall -- as well as short testimonials from participants -- so they can publish videos online to reach a wider audience. Project organizers say the training expanded access to people who are otherwise left out of important conversations due to language and cultural barriers.
Photo Gallery
Image:
Click on a photo to learn more
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Burlington, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: Older adults and riders with mobility challenges often waited on uneven surfaces at Burlington-area bus stops lacking seating and ADA-compliant pads. GMT addressed this by installing five compact benches and four slip-resistant concrete pads at high-ridership stops near local communities. The project also featured a Ride Together event where older residents learned to navigate schedules, apps and fare payment. These upgrades improved safety, comfort and visibility, and Burlington officials are considering expanding the seating model citywide. Early feedback has been positive, with riders and community members praising the benches and noting increased use.
Burlington, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Engaging people in transportation options/safety
Description: Rising traffic in Burlington's Old East End made walking hazardous, especially for older adults, threatening safety and social connection. The coalition organized walk audits and produced a report that guided upgrades. Temporary fixes included repainting crosswalks and adding stop signs, while permanent improvements featured a radar speed sign and a community kiosk. These changes improved visibility and fostered neighborhood engagement. One resident said, "It's nice to see traffic abatement near the apartments... really appreciate the collective energy and focus on neighborhood quality issues."
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP Vermont State Office
199 Main Street
Suite 225
Burlington, VT 05401
United States