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We came to life from the ground up in 2004, as members of the community became increasingly concerned about the consequences of absent corporate ownership of the daily newspaper in town and the need for local people to have access to the skills to create their own grassroots media.

VIM came to life lovingly and carefully thanks to indefatigable volunteers. The first public programs of the Media Mentoring Project began in 2005, and the first issue of The Commons was published in 2006. The newspaper was published monthly until 2010, when we began a weekly schedule. We are published on Wednesdays 51 times a year.

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Recognizing that a vigorous exchange of ideas and information allows democracy to function and is the lifeblood of a community, Vermont Independent Media:

• creates a forum for community participation,

• promotes local independent journalism,

• fosters civic engagement by building media skills

through publication of The Commons and commonsnews.org, and through the Media Mentoring Project.

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The Arts

Essay contest encourages students to engage with political divisions

For full information and resources, visit coolidgefoundation.org/blog/2016-calvin-prize-for-vermont-youth, or contact education@calvin-coolidge.org or 802-672-3389.

During his time in office, President Calvin Coolidge was known for his civility and his ability to work across the aisle. Now, the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation is seeking entries for its 2017 Calvin Essay Contest.

Students are asked to prepare an article, essay, or poem of 800 words or fewer that addresses these questions: Do you think Coolidge could win the presidency today? What lessons from President Coolidge might help heal our political divisions? What can you do in your own life to encourage civility in America’s political dialogue while still advocating for the things in which you believe?

The contest is open to all Vermont students (or students who go to school in Vermont) age 13 through 18. A first place prize of $1,500 and second place prize of $500 will be awarded. The contest deadline is May 19, 2017.

The Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation is the official foundation dedicated to preserving the legacy and promoting the values of America’s 30th president. It was formed in 1960 by John Coolidge, the president’s son, along with a group of fellow Coolidge enthusiasts.

The foundation is headquartered at the president’s birthplace in Plymouth Notch and offers a variety of programs, including history exploration programs at the President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site, as well as outreach and debate programs.

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Editor’s note: Our terms of service require you to use your real names. We will remove anonymous or pseudonymous comments that come to our attention. We rely on our readers’ personal integrity to stand behind what they say; please do not write anything to someone that you wouldn’t say to his or her face without your needing to wear a ski mask while saying it. Thanks for doing your part to make your responses forceful, thoughtful, provocative, and civil. We also consider your comments for the letters column in the print newspaper.

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We are currently reconfiguring our comments software. Please check back if you’d like to read or leave comments on this story. —The editors

Originally published in The Commons issue #391 (Wednesday, January 18, 2017). This story appeared on page B4.

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The Arts

Essay contest encourages students to engage with political divisions

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