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5 Reasons Why Cities Should Create an Office of Urban Agriculture

FAST COMPANY 07/14/23 By Michael Shank and Kate Lee There’s a new movement cropping up in city governments across America. It’s apolitical enough that it can avoid the polarization that comes with other climate initiatives. And it’s easy to incorporate because it spans many aspects of city governance and life, […]

My Life by Lois Shank Gerber

My Life By Lois Shank Gerber June 2011 My life has come nearly full circle. I grew up on a farm near Spring City in Chester County, and now in this period of my life I am back in PA, living in a house located several houses from my immigrant […]

Political Disenfranchisement is Fueling Environmental Injustice

THE HILL 04/09/21 By Michael Shank Everyone in America deserves the right to clean air, clean water and clean environments in which to live. Achieving these basic human rights for all of us would be a major milestone in building an environmentally just and equitable society — and unfortunately, we’re […]

It’s Time to Reshape the Food Pyramid to Save the Climate

FAST COMPANY 03/09/21 By Michael Shank Now that Tom Vilsack is back at the helm at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for his second stint as secretary, receiving Senate confirmation last month, he’s been promoting conservation and a new bank to convince farmers to support climate action by paying […]

USDA Upgrade Opportunity

RUTLAND HERALD 02/27/21 TIMES ARGUS 02/27/21 By Michael Shank Since receiving President Joe Biden’s nomination for secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack has indicated he’s newly committed to a USDA that prioritizes sustainable, regenerative and climate-resilient agriculture. It’s a welcomed shift from previous stints as USDA secretary under […]

The Herald Candidate Questionnaires: Vt. Senate, Rutland District

THE HERALD 10/01/20 Rutland County District (Three Seats) The Rutland Senate District covers the White River Valley town of Pittsfield. The Herald sent out questionnaires to area candidates running for state representative and state senator. Each was given space to respond to the following questions: As a result of the […]

Speaker Series Offers Career Advice

RUTLAND HERALD 09/15/20 By Jim Sabataso CASTLETON — A new speaker series aims to share professional career advice for navigating the coronavirus pandemic. The Rutland Rising Job Talk series is being organized by Brandon resident Michael Shank in partnership with Castleton University. The free series, which launches at noon Friday, […]

Rutland Rising: Professional Job Talks & Advice

On Fridays this fall, at 12 noon ET, Dr. Michael Shank, in partnership with Castleton University, will host a professional development series featuring successful leaders in the business community, in city, state and national government, and in the nonprofit sector. Speakers will discuss how to successfully market yourself in today’s […]

Rutland Roundtables: Your Story, Your Vision

Sign up below to share your story and your vision for Rutland’s future! Hosted by Dr. Michael Shank, the Rutland Roundtables take place virtually over Zoom/phone every Wednesday evening in September at 6 p.m. ET. After filling out the form below, you’ll be emailed the zoom/phone call-in information for the […]