Wedding and Event Vendor Alliance Launches in Vermont

 
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We are pleased to announce…

 

Dear Wedding Vendor Community,

We are writing with exciting news to introduce the Wedding and Event Vendor Alliance--a Vermont non-profit organization for the positive growth and development of the wedding & event industry. We are a network of wedding and event professionals who are on a mission to create safe, inclusive, diverse, and welcoming events for all vendors, visitors and Vermonters.

In this year full of uncertainty--as the country is grappling with the pandemic, systemic racism and economic inequity simultaneously--Wedding and Event Vendor Alliance (WEVA) is committed to actively creating change. We must hold ourselves accountable to growth and progress. This requires a focus on increasing human equity and social justice, creating economic opportunities, and setting standards for health and safety. 

On a national level, the wedding and event industry is operating with a deficit in diversity and inclusion across all forms of media and marketing; the same is true in Vermont. Our members pledge to provide a safe environment to celebrate the beautiful spectrum of love for all people regardless of race, religion, identity, sexual orientation, age or ability. 

The Wedding and Event Vendor Alliance will advocate for the industry through honest and supportive conversations, workshops and networking. We will collaborate on initiatives to enhance the overall impact of our industry on Vermont’s economy and continue to help vendors and clients minimize their  health risks by providing the latest health data and safety protocols regarding COVID-19.

Advancing equity and inclusion can seem daunting and often leaves people wondering how and where to start. The desire to align your personal beliefs with your business strategy is a struggle that plays an important role in creating transformation. 

If you believe: 

  • we must embrace health & safety guidelines to protect guests, vendors & local communities 

  • BIPOC & LGBTQIA+ communities should be celebrated and represented

  • people everywhere have a responsibility to end racism and drive social change 

  • the wedding and events industry is stronger when we are unified 

We are inviting you to join us on this mission. WEVA members are here to support one another as we carry out this internal and external work that’s essential to becoming intentionally inclusive. Membership is *FREE* to all who join before Feb. 1, 2021. You can fill out a brief member application here.

We are grateful for the continuous support from the respected and valued wedding and event vendor community, in creating unforgettable experiences in our favorite state. To learn more about becoming a member or supporting our mission with a tax deductible donation, please check out our policies and reach out with any questions you may have. 

Watch a replay of our Apres-work Zoom Meet-up on Monday, Dec. 21 at 5pm ET below!

Truly yours,

Alison Ellis 

Maricela Ehmann

Michelle Boleski

P.S. Please help us spread the word on this grassroots campaign. If you know fellow friends/vendors who would be interested in joining our mission, please forward this post to 3 (or more) of your friends/vendors.


Alison Ellis