Day of Empathy: Criminal Legal Reform
Formerly incarcerated people, their loved ones, and supporters are invited to attend Vermont's Day of Empathy to shine a light on issues faced by people involved with the criminal legal system.
Day of Empathy is the nation’s largest day of action for criminal justice reform, bringing together directly impacted leaders, community advocates, and legislative allies to move smart, humane policy forward.
The key policy initiative this coalition is focused on is The Second Look Act (S.140). This legislation would ensure people who have demonstrated rehabilitation after serving significant time—at least 10 years, or 50 percent of their sentence—have an opportunity to have their sentence reviewed. You can learn more and sign onto a community letter of support here.
When: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Press Event: 10:15 AM in the Cedar Creek Room, Vermont State House
Who: Sponsored by Dream.org in partnership with Drop LWOP New England, VT CURE, ACLU of Vermont, and FAMM.
Note: Links to a third-party website
Disability Advocacy Day
Disability Advocacy Day is an in-person event at the Vermont State House hosted by the Vermont Coalition for Disability Rights that brings together people with disabilities, family members, advocates, service providers, and allies to raise awareness and advocate for disability rights in Vermont.
Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Schedule of Events:
- 8:00–10:00 AM – Coffee Bar, State House Cafeteria
- 10:00 AM–12:00 PM – Room 11
- 11:00 AM – Press Conference, Cedar Creek Room
- 5:30–7:30 PM – DRVT Film screening and panel discussion: “Forgotten Promises”
Note: Links to a third-party website
Civil Rights Lobby Day
Join ACLU-VT for a Lobby Day at the Capitol! You'll have the opportunity to connect with legislators on ACLU's priority issues, our Firewall for Freedom work, and learn more about a day in the life of a legislator at the Vermont State Capitol. We will provide training before our day begins and debrief the day when we're finished—be sure to register to receive our updates.
Date: Friday, February 20, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Full details and agenda will be shared closer to the day, but all activities will take place in the Vermont State House