Projects and activities

In recent months, the City of Burlington has been shaken by tragedies that resulted in several New American youth losing their lives due to violence. These tragedies negatively impacted the families of victims and the Burlington community at large. We recognise that this is a systemic issue that requires systemic solutions thus time and capacity to achieve them.

Gun violence and youth gang mentality among New American youth are complex and culturally sensitive issues. To address them, it requires a different approach regarding the engagement and participation of New American communities. The Vermont New American Advisory Council's (VNAAC) leadership team, composed of several New American group leaders, has a collective impact approach that can successfully bring New American communities and city organizations together to achieve the following goals:

• Come to a common understanding of the root causes of the problem,

• Create a safe place to start the healing and rebuilding of trust, and 

• Shape a fairer and more inclusive public safety and protection system in the City of Burlington.

  This project is funded by the City of Burlington And the Pomerleau Foundation. The end of project report will be posted shortly.