Non-Government Organizations in Vermont

Queer Connect emerged from a powerful grassroots movement in Bennington, Vermont, when LGBTQ+ youth voiced a simple but profound need: to see adults like themselves visible and active in their community. Founded by Lisa Carton in April 2019, this nonprofit organization transformed that call to action into meaningful community work, hosting Bennington's inaugural Pride Weekend just months after its inception. What started as a response to youth voices has grown into a comprehensive support network dedicated to serving LGBTQ+ individuals and families throughout the Bennington area. At its core, Queer Connect is driven by a commitment to visibility, resources, and human rights advocacy. The organization prioritizes support for queer youth and their families while embracing an intersectional approach that recognizes the compounded challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ people experiencing multiple forms of marginalization. Rather than operating from a top-down model, Queer Connect values the wisdom and leadership of its community members, particularly young people whose voices sparked the organization's founding. The organization's Racial Equity and Inclusion Statement reflects their dedication to doing the difficult work of community building with intention and accountability. Operating as an all-volunteer organization, Queer Connect actively invites community members to participate in their growth and evolution. For those seeking authentic connection, resources, and solidarity within the LGBTQ+ community in Bennington, Vermont, Queer Connect represents a grassroots movement built on listening, inclusion, and collective liberation.

The Alliance Française of the Lake Champlain Region stands as a vital cultural institution in Burlington, Vermont, dedicated to preserving and celebrating French and Francophone heritage in a region with four centuries of French history. As a nonprofit volunteer-led organization, the AFLCR builds Vermont's Francophone and Francophile community by offering far more than language instruction—it creates meaningful connections between people who share a passion for French culture, intellectual exchange, and artistic expression. The organization welcomes everyone interested in experiencing French culture, regardless of language proficiency, through bimonthly conversational gatherings, cultural events, and social hours that foster genuine friendships and community bonds. Members receive a monthly newsletter keeping them informed about French-related cultural happenings throughout the region, along with periodic updates about opportunities to engage with the broader Francophone world, including nearby francophone Canada. Part of a prestigious global network founded in Paris in 1883 by Louis Pasteur, Ferdinand de Lesseps, and Jules Verne, the AFLCR carries forward a 140-year legacy of promoting French language and culture across 137 countries. Today, the Lake Champlain chapter continues this mission by hosting events, sister city exchanges, and community gatherings that strengthen cultural ties and create opportunities for meaningful engagement with French-speaking communities worldwide. The AFLCR invites you to become part of a vibrant community that values cultural connection, intellectual growth, and the enriching experience of engaging with the French-speaking world.