Navigating Federal Policy Now

Navigating the Two DEI Executive Orders: Merit-Based Practices and Belonging in the Evolving Policy Landscape
Source: SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management)
This SHRM webinar recording and slides from January 29, 2025, provide detail about President Trump’s Executive Orders on DEI programs. Workplace leaders are now facing new challenges in maintaining inclusive and effective organizational cultures. To navigate this evolving landscape, it's crucial to understand how to uphold merit-based practices while fostering a sense of belonging among all employees. You may need to register briefly with SHRM to watch the video. The slides can be found in two parts, here and here.
[posted to this page 02/05/25]

Immigration & ICE Rights, Responsibilities, & Support for VT Businesses and Non-Profits
Source: State of Vermont – Office of the State Treasurer
On February 6, 2025, an expert panel of Vermont and national leaders convened to get your questions answered regarding what the new federal immigration actions mean for your business. This webinar was offered as a partnership of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, VBSR and State Treasurer Mike Pieciak’s Task Force on the Federal Transition.
[posted to this page 02/06/25]

Report ICE Raid or Activity to VAAP
Source: Vermont Asylum Assistance Project (VAAP)
VAAP is a new legal services organization that exists to (among other areas of focus) provide VT immigrants and community members with access to legal knowledge and direct services. In addition to offering a variety of free resources, they have set up a reporting system for ICE activity.
[posted to this page 02/06/25]

Know Your Rights with ICE Border Patrol For Employers, Motorists, and Farmers
Source: National Lawyers Guild, Vermont Chapter
If ICE, Border Patrol or any other Law Enforcement wants to search your house, barns, or other buildings do you know your rights? Do you know what to say and do to defend your property from unwarranted search? Learn the answers to these questions and more in this document from the Vermont Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild.
[posted to this page 02/05/25]

Employer Rights and Responsibilities During HSI Worksite Enforcement Actions
Source: American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
AILA provides a checklist to help you understand an employer’s rights and responsibilities during a Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) worksite enforcement action. There is a generic PDF version and a customizable Word version. These flyers outline recent changes in immigration law, provide explanations for frequently asked questions, and tackle typical immigration concerns.
[posted to this page 02/05/25]

Doing Business in Uncertain Times
Source: State Treasurer's Task Force on the Federal Transition
New Federal actions are overturning longstanding practices, increasing costs through tariffs, cancelling government contracts, creating new risks and opportunities, and impacting our economy in rapid fashion. On Tuesday, March 11  an expert panel discussed how Vermont employers can navigate this era of economic uncertainty. This webinar was offered as a partnership of the Vermont Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility, Common Good Vermont, and the State Treasurer's Task Force on the Federal Transition. Watch that video here. 
[posted to this page 03/27/25]

Vermont Tariff Resources
Source: State of Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development
The Agency of Commerce and Community Development has created a tariff resource page for Vermonters to learn more about evolving tariff circumstances. This resource will continue to be updated if more information becomes available. Additionally, the Vermont Tariff Taskforce created by Governor Phil Scott continues to meet regularly to analyze possible scenarios created by new tariffs and evaluate their potential impact on Vermonters and Vermont businesses.
[posted to this page 03/17/25]

Roundtable with Sen. Peter Welch: Impact of Tariffs on the Vermont Economy
Source: The Office of Sen. Peter Welch
Senator Welch held a virtual roundtable to discuss the impact of current and prospective tariffs on your business or organization. The roundtable was held Wednesday, February 5th, 2025 and was recorded. Watch that video here. 
[posted to this page 02/05/25]

Supportive Resources From Pride Center of Vermont
Source: Pride Center of Vermont
Pride Center of Vermont has made a statement about navigating this moment on social media that includes resources for support. Find that information here. They also have an extensive resources page on their site here. 
[posted to this page 02/19/25]

Information for LGBTQ+ People Under the Trump Administration 
Source: GLAD Law
GLAD Law, the "GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders", has an "Information for LGBTQ+ People Under the Trump Administration" page that can be found here. They also have an Employment & Discrimination page that is specific to Vermont; that page can be found here. 
[posted to this page 02/19/25]

B Corp Resources Library: Government Affairs and Collective Action
Source: BLab
B Lab U.S. & Canada believes that policy and regulatory change is necessary to build a more inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy, and that B Corps and the B Corp community have a critical role to play in creating that change. These resources include an Advocacy Toolkit is designed to help you step into that role with confidence, Case Studies in responsible lobbying, and practical resources for BCorps in collective action.
[posted to this page 05/08/26]

BUILD: Businesses United in Leading Democracy
Source: American Sustainable Business Network (ASBN)
The first action for any business is to understand and articulate its own story in a way that resonates with candidates and elected officials. ASBN provides the framework, but your story is what gives this campaign life. It is what makes the issues real, local, and specific to your community and industry. Stories ground shared values in lived experience, turning abstract principles into something candidates, elected officials, and other business leaders can understand and respond to. Share your story and get connected to the campaign.
[posted to this page 05/08/26]

Corporate Civic Playbook
Source: Civic Alliance
How a company empowers people to participate in shaping the affairs of their community and nation through the democratic process. These company policies, practices, and communications—whether for employees or external audiences, and whether to encourage education or action—are conducted without regard to political party, platform, candidate, or outcome.
[posted to this page 05/8/26]

Groundwater Institute
The work that we do together is not conceptual or abstract. We identify concrete goals collaboratively and we achieve those goals through proven methodologies. Because our services respond to rather than react to the moment, we are able to strategically tackle real world challenges in ways that engage — not prescribe. Our team has the ability to work with enterprise organizations as effectively as grassroots community organizations. Regardless of the size of a company or organization, it is possible to put sustainable, systemic change into place. For the Groundwater Institute this includes three key offerings, Catalytic Experiences, Coaching and Advisory, and Community Building.
[posted to this page 05/08/26]

PolicyLink
Narratives are the powerful stories about the world that influence how we process information and make decisions — guiding everything from laws and policies to social norms. We generate and harness research that seeds new narratives, ensuring all people in America can imagine, believe in, and make real a nation that works for all. These publications on topics ranging from democracy to civil rights to an investor blueprint on creating a more equitable economy are available for free online.
[posted to this page 05/08/26]