More details...
We are thrilled to announce a new workshop series this January for anyone interested in learning how to legally, safely, and compassionately care for the dead here in Vermont. Whether you are a caregiver, a death doula, clergy, a community member, or simply someone who wants to understand what’s possible, this series offers a grounded, hands-on approach to after-death care.
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Caring for our dead is a deeply human act, one rooted in love, belonging, and community. And yet many people don’t know that Vermont law allows families and communities to do this final act for family, friends, and neighbors. This series is designed to help you understand your rights, build skills, ask questions, and reconnect with traditions that have supported grieving families for generations.
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Meet Your Instructors
Workshop Structure
Session 1 — Wednesday, January 7 (6:00–7:30 PM)
“What Is After-Death Care, and What Do You Need to Know?”
Zoom Session
A evening exploring the fundamentals of after-death care in Vermont.
We’ll cover:
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What after-death care includes
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Legal considerations for families and doulas
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Roles, responsibilities, and ways to build a support team
Includes a grounding meditation, photo slideshow, and ample Q&A.
Session 2 — Wednesday, January 21 (6:00–7:30 PM)
“Planning, Preparing, and Supporting Families”
Zoom Session
This session focuses on practical skills, communication tools, and ways to help families prepare ahead of time.
You’ll receive a link to a Guidebook (pay-what-you-please), a concise day-of tips list, body care item checklist and a conversation guide to help you plan, organize, and assemble an after-death care team.
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Session 3 — Saturday, January 31 (10:00 AM–2:30 PM)
Hands-On Body Care & Shrouding Workshop
St Mary’s Episcopal Church, 183 Main St. Northfield, Vermont
A spacious, experiential day devoted to:
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Body care, rolling, and shrouding
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When and how to involve a funeral director
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Carrying and settling someone in a casket
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Group discussion, shared stories, and BYO lunch
This session includes hands-on practice, community conversation, and optional social time.
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Who This Is For
This workshop series is designed for adults of all backgrounds—death doulas, caregivers, health workers, faith leaders, community volunteers, or anyone curious about reclaiming after-death care. No previous experience required.
While the hands-on learning, communication tools, and planning skills are widely applicable, all legal considerations discussed in this series will be specific to Vermont law. Participants from outside Vermont are warmly welcome, with the understanding that regulations vary by state.
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Why This Matters
There are so few resources in Vermont for learning this skill set in a legal, safe, and community-centered way. Our hope is that this series strengthens our local networks, builds confidence, and helps us care for each other more fully. Throughout the workshop, we’ll check in often, encourage questions, and let each group decide how they want to remain connected.
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Pricing & Accessibility
We use a sliding scale because we believe financial resources should never be the barrier to this knowledge or this work.
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Supporter Rate — $450
For those with access to savings, property, or regular vacations. Your registration helps subsidize others. -
Sustainer Rate — $300
For those who can meet basic needs and pay for services like this. -
Community Rate — $150
For those with limited income, caregiving burdens, or difficulty meeting basic needs.
If none of these price points are accessible to you, please Contact Us—we are committed to expanding access. If you have questions about accessibility, logistics, group size, or payment, we're here and happy to help.
