The Vermont NRCS Civil Rights Program is in place to assure that all employees and customers are treated with respect and dignity. The Civil Rights Program in Vermont is made up of a number of components that support our efforts to assure fair and equitable treatment of all employees and customers.
Civil Rights
Contents:
- Components of the Civil Rights Program
- Special Emphasis Programs
- Vermont Civil Rights Committee Members
- Links
- Resources
- USDA Non-discrimination Statement
Components of the Civil Rights Program
- All employees are responsible to assure civil rights compliance.
- The Vermont NRCS & FSA Civil Rights Advisory Committee advises the NRCS State Conservationist and FSA State Executive Director of issues and concerns related to employment and program delivery.
- The Vermont Special Emphasis Programs help to ensure equal opportunity for all individuals in employment and program delivery.
- The Vermont Outreach Program assures that all potential customers are informed of programs and technical assistance.
- USDA Civil Rights Directives guide our actions.
- Ongoing training opportunities for employees maintain awareness of civil right legislation and policies.
- Civil Rights reviews assist us in continuing to learn and improve our delivery of services.
- Alternative Dispute Resolution assists employees, our partners and our clients negotiate differences.
Special Emphasis Programs
- Vermont American Indian/Alaska Native Special Emphasis Program Page
- Vermont Asian American/Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Program Page
- Vermont Black Special Emphasis Program
- Vermont Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Program Page
- Vermont Veterans Special Emphasis Program Page
- Vermont Federal Women's Program Page
- Vermont Disability Emphasis Program Page
- Vermont Hispanic Special Emphasis Program page
Vermont Civil Rights Committee Members
Civil Rights Committee Members
| Name | Position | Phone Number | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
David Blodgett
(
Appointment Date:
February 14, 2023
)
|
Acting Co-Chair
|
||
|
Heather Thomas
|
County Executive Director
|
| Name | Position | Phone Number | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Eileen Powers
|
Ag Program Specialist
|
||
|
Hannah Wigginton
|
Soil Conservationist
|
| Name | Position | Phone Number | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
David Blodgett
|
American Indian/Alaska Native Program
|
||
|
Jimmy Young
|
Asian American/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Program Manager
|
||
|
Vacant
|
Black Emphasis Program
|
||
|
Sarah Larose
|
Disability Emphasis Program
|
||
|
Phylicxia Moore
|
Federal Women's Program
|
||
|
Felix Jimenez
|
Hispanic Emphasis Program
|
||
|
Chris Evans
|
Veterans Emphasis Program
|
| Name | Position | Phone Number | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Trevor Saylor
|
Acting Outreach Coordinator
|
| Name | Position | Phone Number | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
John Roberts
|
State Executive Director
|
||
|
Travis Thomason
|
State Conservationist
|
Links
- USDA Office of Civil Rights
- NRCS National Civil Rights Home Page
- FSA National Civil Rights Home Page
Resources
- USDA - How to file a discrimination complaint
- How do I contact an EEO Counselor
- USDA Guide For Employees: Dealing With Workplace Conflicts and Concerns (PDF)
- Vermont Agricultural Mediation Program (VTAMP) - provides free mediation services to the agricultural community to help resolve disputes.
USDA Non-discrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.