Seeking community partners for fall 2026 events

Vets Town Hall is inviting community partners to help host storytelling events with area veterans this fall.

Vets Town Halls are nonpolitical community gatherings where veterans are invited to share personal stories of their time in military service and how those experiences have affected them. Non-veterans are encouraged to attend and listen, with the goal of increasing understanding between veterans and civilians. Family Vets Town Halls are a variation on the event where family members of veterans are invited to speak.

Vets Town Halls are simple and low-cost to run. Local organizers receive extensive support from the nonprofit, including guidance on event planning, outreach strategies, and access to templates and materials. Vermont events are also included in a coordinated statewide publicity effort each fall. Potential partners include individuals, community organizations, veterans service organizations, libraries, municipalities, and other groups with strong local ties.

“There’s a lot of discussion about loneliness, isolation, and lack of community. This is a way to do something about it, to show up for our friends, neighbors, colleagues, and family members who are veterans, and to learn about some of the many different experiences that can be part of military service,” says Kristen Eaton, deputy director of Vets Town Hall.

In 2025, Vets Town Hall partnered with nearly fifty community partners to host eight events across the state. Over fifty veterans shared stories on topics ranging from reasons for joining, wartime experiences, camaraderie, post-traumatic stress, resilience, skills and values gained through military service, and how military service impacted a veteran’s family. Hundreds of Vermonters attended to listen and learn.

Anyone interested in bringing a Vets Town Hall to their community in 2026 is encouraged to fill out this short form or reach out to Kristen Eaton directly.