VT still in the fight with Monsanto

From VT Right to Know GMOs – April 17, 2014

Bill Passes Senate, 28-2!

Following Tuesday’s initial approval, the Senate officially passed Vermont’s GMO labeling bill (H.112) 28 to 2 on Wednesday!

This historic vote moves Vermont ever closer to becoming the first state to require labels on the GMO foods. The bill will now head to the House of Representatives where they will decide whether to concur with the Senate’s version of the bill, or create a conference committee to iron out the differences.

To visibly demonstrate the broad support for this bill we are calling for “honk and wave” events next Tuesday, April 22 (Earth Day) during morning “drive time” not just in Vermont but all across the country. Our national partners and supporters are helping to organize this.

Use this online tool to set up and share your local honk and wave!

In case you don’t know, a “honk and wave” is when you and your friends get some signs together, set up shop on a street corner (or highway overpass) and rally in front of motorists in support of GMO labeling. Please plan to snap a picture of your event and post it to the VT Right to Know Facebook page.

Keep checking our website for the latest on where people will be gathering, and make sure to share your pictures with us on Facebook, Twitter or via email – vtrighttoknowgmos(at)gmail.com. Thank you so much for everything you have done to get us this far!

Read the VT Digger article – http://vtdigger.org/2014/04/17/senate-passes-gmo-labeling-bill/

This is obviously another states right issue – “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.” – US Constitution

Check out the tenth amendment centers website to learn more – http://tenthamendmentcenter.com

Leadership Training 2014

“The Metta Earth Leadership training has been a beautiful whirlwind of learning and laughter. It has been one of the greatest experiences of my life that has taught me far more than I can comprehend. My month here has been beyond amazing with Gillian and Russell’s immense warmth and groundedness.”
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2011 participant

Living at Metta Earth

Enjoy being at a retreat center with the magnificence and quietude of the mountains surrounding us, the stunning headwaters of the New Haven river with abundant waterfalls and pools for swimming, wilderness trails to walk or bike, and 158 acres of Metta Earth land to explore.

Description of Program:

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Although distinctive, these three trainings are strenthened by the additional core practices of yoga and meditation, farmstead living skills, leadership processes, and the arts. Within each of these, we highlight a variety of themes and practices relevant to the specific, individual trainings. The rich medley of these realms is offered intentionally to provide an enhanced vibrancy to our daily living and to stimulate possibilities for social and cultural renewal.

After the training, Metta Earth faculty will support you in catalyzing change backin your community with three mentoring calls to help clarify and activate the next steps in your leadership journey.

For more information go to – http://www.mettaearth.org/leadership-training.html

GMO Labeling Bill (H.112) up for Senate Floor Vote

Rural VT Action Update – April 13, 2014

GMO Labeling Bill  (H.112) up for Senate Floor Vote

CALLS TO SENATORS NEEDED!!!

If you are on the VT Right to Know GMOs contact list you have already heard that the GMO Labeling bill was passed last week by the Senate Appropriations Committee with a unanimous vote of 7-0. Now the bill is scheduled for a vote by the full Senate. ACCORDING TO THE INFORMATION WE HAVE AT THE MOMENT – the Floor Vote is likely to happen on Tuesday morning 4/15. The exact timing is difficult to predict as everything in the State House at this time of year is subject to change at the last minute. Right now the Senate is scheduled to convene at 9:30 and H.112 is the third bill on their agenda.

So here’s what we need you to do: Starting Monday morning and any time through about 10AM on Tuesday, PLEASE CALL YOUR SENATORS at the State House at 828-2228 or 800-322-5616. Be prepared to leave a brief message with the following information: Your Senator’s name – You can find that out here – Your name, town, and phone number, and the message: Please vote YES on H.112.

Everyone who has worked so hard on this bill is cautiously optimistic that, although there is likely to be some vigorous debate on the floor of the Senate, the support is there for it to pass. Vermont is poised to become the first state in the U.S. to require labels on GMO food with clear effective date for the law.

You are welcome to come to the State House to witness this historic vote. However, it is important to know that the Senate Chamber is very small with limited public seating and also, the rules are very strict including absolutely no use of electronic devices, including cameras, inside the Senate Chamber. You can however listen to the Senate proceedings on VPR through their live stream.

Rural Vermont and all the partners in the VT Right to Know Coalition will be providing updates via social media throughout the morning.

If you have questions or need assistance with contacting your Senator please contact Robb Kidd or Andrea Stander or call the Rural Vermont office at 223-7222.