Upper Valley Welcome

Help Upper Valley newcomers connect to the community

Are you new to the Upper Valley and still finding your way around? Or are you an established resident who could help that newcomer? Upper Valley Welcome wants you!

The goal of this program is to welcome newcomers to our communities, helping them feel connected, and to provide resources and advice.

The program invites established residents (“Greeters”) to welcome new and returning residents (“Newcomers”) who share their interests and help them connect to the community. All adults are eligible to participate.

The Upper Valley Welcome program is coordinated by Vital Communities, and advised by the Green Mountain Economic Development Corporation, The Space on Main, and the Upper Valley Young Professionals.

As a Newcomer

Are you new to the Upper Valley? Do you want to know some good hiking spots, where to find farmstands or hidden local gems? By signing up for this program you will receive a biweekly email newsletter featuring local events, resources, and a list of new community members along with their town and interests.

As a Greeter

Are you an Upper Valley local? Do you want to meet new neighbors and share your Upper Valley knowledge with new and returning individuals? By volunteering as a greeter you will be sent an email newsletter every two weeks that lists the new community members that signed up for the Upper Valley Welcome along with their town and interests. You let us know if there is someone that you want to reach out to and we’ll make the email introduction.

Community Guidelines

Be Safe

All Greeters and Newcomers should take ownership over their personal safety and should never put themselves or others in danger. Decide on a mutually convenient and safe meeting place. Depending on your comfort level it could be in-person or virtual.

Be Kind

We trust that Greeters and Newcomers are participating in the program with the best of intentions. We ask that any bullying, harassment, exploitation, and acts of hate be reported to the Upper Valley Welcome Coordinator.

Be Respectful

Greeters and Newcomers should respect each other’s time, attention, personal choices, personal boundaries and personal privacy.

Be Real

Upper Valley Welcome participants should represent real people in a local area. We ask that the information included on your signup form be honest and authentic.

Signup for Upper Valley Welcome

Because Vital Communities does not supervise or control Upper Valley Welcome (UVW) interactions, you agree that you bear all risk and you agree to release us (and our officers, directors, employees, affiliates, subsidiaries, and third-party partners) from claims, demands, and damages (actual and consequential) of every kind and nature arising out of or in any way connected with your use of UVW. You further waive any and all rights and benefits otherwise conferred by any statutory or non-statutory law of any jurisdiction that would purport to limit the scope of a release or waiver.

Upper Valley Welcome Coordinator

Leona Bergman-Gaul

Events and Communications Coordinator (she/her)

Leona joined Vital Communities in January of 2022 as the Events and Communications Coordinator. Previously, Leona worked at Cedar Circle…