(MONTPELIER)—Carrying the message that Vermonters share a common set of values far larger than the divisive day-to-day issues make it appear, the Council on the Future of Vermont (CFV) released its final findings today at the State House. A key element of Imagining Vermont: Values and Vision for the Future is the vision put forth for how our communities, economy, environment, and civic life look and feel for the next generation. CFV is a major initiative of the Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD), a non profit, nonpartisan organization whose mission is to coordinate state and federal policy around rural community issues in Vermont.

The report summarizes an unprecedented 18 month project and interprets input from thousands of residents, as well as special research by the University of Vermont and St. Michael’s College.  Throughout the process Vermonters were asked to consider big picture trends, voice the opportunities and challenges they see ahead, and articulate their priorities.

“Vermonters expressed a deep sense of responsibility to act, not just be acted upon, and to do so in the spirit of Vermont’s tradition of public participation and mutual civic leadership,” CFV Chair Tom Debevoise told the joint gathering of House and Senate members.  “With this foundation, Vermonters are united beyond their differences.”

Governor Douglas, Speaker of the House Smith, and Senate President Pro Tem Shumlin all shared the podium with CFV members to mark this official unveiling of the findings to Vermonters. As part of today’s release ceremony, the Council highlighted its creative partners: the Young Writer’s Project and the Vermont Arts Council’s Art of Action project.

Imagining Vermont includes in-depth chapters on topics of most concern to Vermonters such as the economy, energy, health, education, land use, cultural heritage, and public safety. Its 100 pages synthesize the values, concerns, challenges, and opportunities voiced by a wide variety of residents who care deeply about our state.

“Certain themes and words were repeated in conversations from Island Pond to Bennington,” recalled CFV Project Director Sarah Waring.  “Community, environment, small scale, hard work, independence and privacy are things we all value and help define what makes us unique as a people.”

“VCRD’s Board, including leaders from state, business, non-profit and federal agencies spent years envisioning this project,” said Paul Costello, Executive Director of VCRD. “In telling us their worries and their dreams, Vermonters have revealed a shared vision.  Next come the hard choices needed to turn this into reality.”

Now the Council shifts its attention to the statewide Summit on the Future of Vermont on May 11 at the University of Vermont’s Dudley Davis Center.  The Summit includes a summary of the CFV Findings, reflections from CFV members and political leaders and a keynote address from former Prime Minister of Ireland, Dr. Garrett FitzGerald. There will also be group work sessions on key topics including transportation, diversity, civic life, the digital age, and others highlighted in the findings.  Vermonters will be asked to interpret CFV’s report and outline the action steps and policies needed to move us towards a common vision of Vermont.

Imagining Vermont and complete Summit information is available on line at www.futureofvermont.org or by calling 802-223-6091.