The Vernon Volunteers’ Collaborative is a group supporting the community organizations that make Vernon a special place to work and live.
The collaborative brings together existing independent, non governmental organizations to address common challenges. By sharing resources, experience and ideas we accomplish tasks difficult to do alone. Working together on joint ventures will reduce staffing needs, advertising expenses and increase exposure.
The thirteen current organizations, primarily staffed by volunteers, have one or more of the following missions:
- Preservation or beautification of Vernon’s open space, parks and environment.
- Preserving and sharing Vernon’s history and historic properties.
- Encouraging appreciation of and participation in the arts.
These organizations are Arts Center East, Friends of Rockville Public Library, Friends of the Vernon Arts Commission, Friends of Valley Falls, New England Civil War Museum, Northern Connecticut Land Trust, Strong Family Farm, The Vernon Chorale, Tolland County Agricultural Center, Vernon Education Foundation, Vernon Garden Club, Vernon Greenways Volunteers and the Vernon Historical Society. Learn more about each on our Organizations Page.
Our organizations share 9 common challenges. Working together each organization is better able to accomplish its own mission for the benefit of those living and working in town. The challenges we share are:
- Coordinating event schedules.
- Creating and maintaining websites.
- Working with the town.
- Increasing membership.
- Recruiting volunteers.
- Effective promotion and advertising.
- Fund raising.
- Developing effective boards.
- Property management.
What makes Vernon special and gives us our unique character are our abundant open spaces, well maintained hiking trails, gardens and parks; our heritage, including both our industrial and agricultural past; and developing and showcasing the arts through concerts, exhibits, encouraging artists and classes. Our participating volunteer organizations keep this spirit alive.
The Collaborative has been meeting since December 2013. The Steering Committee includes Nancy Strong, Ann Letendre, Jean Luddy, Karl Hasel and Jon Roe. You can contact us through the webmaster Jon Roe at jon.roe@comcast.net.