VERMONT — Vets Town Hall, a Vermont-based nonprofit that works to increase understanding between veterans and civilians, is partnering with local organizations to host six events throughout the state this fall. The first one took place at Bristol’s Holley Hall on Oct. 24. Upcoming town halls will be in Brattleboro, Colchester, Rutland, Saint Johnsbury and South Royalton.

The Vets Town Halls veterans are invited to speak for up to 10 minutes each about what it was like to serve their country. Non-veterans are encouraged to attend and listen. Either snacks or a meal will be offered at each of these free events.

Vets Town Halls are explicitly non-political, and all perspectives are valued. Speakers are invited to share what their military service means to them, to speak about their “own experiences, whatever they may be, rather than speaking broadly about an issue or organization.”

This invitation means that veterans may address why they joined the military or what it was like to leave it, their hardest day or what they miss, camaraderie ,or what it was like being separated from their family, among many other topics.

“Vets Town Halls offer communities an opportunity to come together to support local veterans,” said the organization’s deputy director, Kristen Eaton. “These events are even more important in a polarizing election year, which can make many individuals — veterans and non-veterans alike — feel isolated and even alienated from our neighbors. Each year I’ve found it heartening to sit with community members and listen to veterans share thoughtful, often surprising stories. And each year, I realize again how little we often know about our friends and neighbors — and how important it is to listen and to learn more.”

RSVPs, at vtvetstownhall.org, are optional but encouraged for all Vets Town Hall attendees, and are required for the Rutland and South Royalton pre-event meals. Veterans who would like to speak can indicate that when registering. Time permitting, veterans are also welcome to sign up to speak during the events themselves. Questions may be directed to Kristen Eaton at [email protected]. These events are supported in part by Vermont Humanities.

UPCOMING VETS TOWN HALLS

• Friday, Nov. 8, 5:30 p.m. meal, 6 p.m. event

Godnick Adult Center, 1 Deer Street, Rutland

Hosted by Kyle Aines

Local partners: the Godnick Adult Center, Rutland Young Professionals, Vermont Adaptive’s Veteran Ventures program, and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1.

RSVP at vtvetstownhall.org (required by 10/30 for the pre-event dinner, optional but encouraged for the Vets Town Hall itself).

• Sunday, Nov. 10, at 1 p.m.

McCarthy Arts Center, Saint Michael’s College, Colchester

Hosted by Jon Turner

Local partners: Saint Michael’s College Military Community Services and Student Veterans Association.

Snacks will be available. RSVPs optional but encouraged at vtvetstownhall.org.

• Sunday, Nov. 10, at 1 p.m.

Catamount Arts Center, 115 Eastern Ave, Saint Johnsbury

Hosted by Marty McMahon

Local partners: Catamount Arts

Thursday, Nov. 14

At Vermont Law School’s Chase Community Center, South Royalton. 5 p.m. hors d’oeuvres and mingling, 5:30 p.m. meal, 6 p.m. event.

Local partners: Vermont Law & Graduate School

RSVP at vtvetstownhall.org (required for the pre-event dinner, optional but encouraged for the Vets Town Hall itself).

• Sunday, Nov. 17, at 1 p.m.

American Legion Post 5, 32 Linden St, Brattleboro

Potluck to follow.

Hosted by Norman VanCor.

Local partners: the attendees and organizers of the American Legion Post 5 Tuesday coffee hour.

RSVPS optional but encouraged at vtvetstownhall.org.