Connections

“Sharing Our Past — Shaping Our Future” Since 1974

VHC initiated the Connections program in 1986 to provide a humanities-based reading and discussion experience for Vermonters whose reading skills are developing. Connections programs serve adult education and literacy students, men and women in Vermont’s correctional facilities, teen parents, English Language Learners, and other special audiences. VHC provides the discussion leader as well as sets of free books for all participants.

 

The goal of Connections programs is that of all humanities programs: to open minds, to excite thought, to spark a desire to learn more.  The core of the program is reading and responding to literature through conversation, and sometimes through writing. Connections programs help develop the skills and motivation to read and to enjoy reading, as well as the confidence to talk about books and ideas.  The program can deepen participants’ engagement with the material, encourage thinking and reflection, and strengthen their ability to express themselves thoughtfully and meaningfully — to have a “voice”.  Connections programs help those who may believe that “books have nothing to do with me” to feel a connection to literature as well as to other people, their community, and their world. 

 

Poetry is a popular and effective program theme, in which participants read and then write in the spirit of various poets.  The result is lives changed by words.  Connections programs have culminated in poetry readings or student anthologies.  Words, Stories, Lives is one such collection, including poems by men and women from programs in three facilities.  This remarkably compelling compilation of poems offers a glimpse into life inside and outside prison walls. This booklet is available from VHC.  Call 802.262.2626 or e-mail info@vermonthumanities.org

Some current themes:

 

Memoir

 

Poetry

 

Fathers and Families

 

Courage

 

Diversity

 

Life is Like That

 

Home  |  Calendar  |  VHC Programs  |  Support Our Work  |  About VHC  |  Grants  |  Reading and Discussion Catalogue  | Speakers Bureau Catalogue

Office in Montpelier

 

11 Loomis Street, Montpelier, Vermont 05602

802.262.2626

Fax: 802.262.2620

E-mail: info@vermonthumanities.org