Conversation with chief's son
Masai Village, Kenya
 Shortly after 9/11, I changed my profession from real estate management to building and serving my community. I became active in non-profit organizations working towards creating positive change in the world, primarily the work of Vermont Peace Academy. I have found the Peace Academy's work focuses on what is right in the world more than on what is wrong. I organized a youth trip to United Nations for the celebration of International Day of Peace. In 2004, I traveled around the world with my 15-year-old daughter and husband. Since that time, my publications and presentations have included topics such as: World Citizenship, Qualities of World Citizens, and Traveling as if Communities Mattered. My Bachelors of Social Science from Woodbury College has prepared me for this community work.

Friends at Xochimilco
("Floating Gardens") Mexico

Here is some information about an award I won in 2005 for an essay I wrote:

"Sally Black of East Calais, Vermont, was chosen the winner of the Community as a Classroom Scholarship Essay Competition sponsored by the Rutland Herald and Times Argus newspapers and ClearChannel Vermont. For writing the winning essay, Sally received a $5000 Scholarship to Woodbury College and a year’s supply of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.  According to Woodbury College President Larry Mandell, “We wanted to create a competition to identify and reward adults with the vision, energy, and commitment to create positive changes in the world around them. Because community involvement is such an integral part of Woodbury’s mission, we thought it appropriate to have participants write about that topic.”

 Entrants were required to write and submit an original essay of up to 750 words on this topic: “What is the most valuable lesson you have learned through involvement in your community?”  Entries were judged initially by members of the Vermont Retired Teachers Association. A group of ten finalists were selected and submitted to a distinguished panel of final adjudicators including:

 

  • Madeleine Kunin, former governor of Vermont and Distinguished Visiting Professor at St. Michael's College and the University of Vermont
  • David Moats, Pulitzer Prize-winning Editorial Page Editor for the Rutland Herald
  • Tom Slayton, Editor of Vermont Life Magazine.