The Waterbury Area Anti-Racist Coalition (WAARC) grew out of a multi-racial, multi-generational group of community members who gathered to organize a Rally Against Racism on June 14, 2020 in Waterbury, Vermont. This rally was in response to a rally in Montpelier a week prior where local 8th grade student Damien Garcia spoke powerfully of the racism he has experienced in our community.
WAARC seeks to build on the energy and insights of that first rally by working to create a community where every person can fully experience freedom, belonging, and love on a daily basis. We are committed to challenging racism at all levels, including interpersonal racism (both conscious and unconscious acts) and systemic racism (our local institutions and policies). We will work toward a better future through education, advocacy, and activism.