Brave Noise
We are thrilled to be part of the Brave Noise collaboration by participating in brewing Brave Noise pale ale 4.5% ABV. This revolutionary beer unites breweries from all over the world to foster a safe and discrimination-free beer industry. Each participating brewery must pledge transparency and progress with a Code of Conduct for staff and customers to drive change internally and throughout the wider industry.
The collaboration is part of the service industry revolution sparked by the numerous stories of discrimination and sexism in the brewing and hospitality industry that came to light over the summer. The stories were shared by Brienne Allan through her Instagram handle @ratmagnet and began an industry-wide reckoning that has now become a movement toward a new standard of inclusion.
Our Action Plan was created by our employee-led Equity, Inclusion, Diversity (EID) Board. It looks at every facet of our business through an EID lens and sets goals we have been actively working toward since the Action Plan’s inception in June 2021. The Action Plan addresses our employees, our company, our events, our Taproom and our partners. It is a living document that we use to constantly evaluate our company and push for a more equitable, diverse and inclusive environment.
The goal of Brave Noise is to take one step in the direction of change within the beer industry. Each participating brewery must use the beer to support a nonprofit that aligns with the mission. We have chosen to donate 100% of all sales of this beer to Uplift Vermont.
Uplift Vermont
Uplift Vermont, a campaign of the Vermont Network, is changing the way we talk about domestic and sexual violence in Vermont. Through their Conversations Project, they are working to eliminate violence by providing resources to help allies address survivors in a way that advocates for victims and aids in their healing process.
“These issues are a lot closer to home for many folks and it’s something that is not often talked about and has typically been cloaked in silence,” said Deputy Director Sarah Robinson.
The Vermont Network and the Lawson’s Finest EID Team got to work on packaging day
1 in 7 Vermont women will be a victim of rape in their lifetime. Our family members, our coworkers, our friends and our neighbors are impacted by this statistic, yet discussion surrounding it remains muffled. Uplift Vermont is working to shift societal thinking and lead to more open conversations where survivors can feel heard and understood.
“This is a community culture issue, and we all need to come to the table and have these conversations,” said Jessica Barquist, the Uplift Vermont Campaign Director. “We genuinely believe that this is possible and that we can eradicate this violence. It doesn’t have to be a part of our society.”
You can support Uplift Vermont by picking up a Brave Noise Pale Ale in our Waitsfield Taproom and Retail Store. 100% of all sales will benefit The Vermont Network’s Uplift Vermont campaign. You can also learn more about this amazing nonprofit at their information table in our Taproom on Sunday afternoon November 28th.
“We are so pleased to partner with Lawson’s Finest, a premier brewery and Vermont company,” said Vermont Network Executive Director Karen Tronsgard-Scott. “We are inspired by Lawson’s commitment to addressing issues within their industry and their support for Vermonters who are experiencing violence.”
The Vermont Network offers many programs that advocate for survivors of domestic and sexual violence and social change. These programs include Survivors Uplift Vermont, a social action group of survivors uniting to drive progress in Vermont, and the Askable Adult Campaign, teaching adults to become a resource for youth in need of support.
If you are experiencing domestic or sexual violence, you are not alone and help is available. Please reach out to the statewide resources below or find a local program at www.vtnetwork.org/get-help.
Domestic Violence Hotline
800-228-7395
Sexual Violence Hotline
800-489-7273
