Snelling Center for Government

Vermont Public Policy Initiatives

Since its inception, The Snelling Center for Government has undertaken a number of public policy initiatives, emphasizing asset-based collaborative processes and broad-based participation.

A non-partisan, not-for-profit organization, The Snelling Center for Government trains, encourages, and supports Vermonters who wish to become involved at the state and local level. Our continually evolving selection of intensive programs focuses on the processes and strategies of change and leadership. The result: an ongoing, rich, and diverse appraisal of opportunities for - and approaches to - citizen participation. Our programs reflect a fundamental belief that citizen participation is essential to the growth and preservation of democracy. Recognizing both the diversity and interdependence of our citizens, we also believe that this participation can build the best possible quality of life for all Vermonters.

As a facilitator of public policy dialog, The Snelling Center invites individuals and groups to discuss their values and beliefs, investigate current knowledge, define key issues, and explore possible solutions. In the Northeast Kingdom, for example, we convened business, education, social service, and rural development decision-makers to discuss and plan the region's economic future. We support such discussions with a wealth of original reference and analytical tools.

Our publications, Vermont State Government Since 1965 and Getting Started at the Statehouse, provide guidance to participation in government and governance. Over the past decade the Center has also published a series of reports and summaries of research and citizen engagement processes that can be found at the Policy Kiosk, where work of the Center, its associates and sister organizations is featured.