Meet Charlie Gliserman!

The SPEAK Vermont Prison Debate Initiative is proud to announce that Charlie Gliserman has joined our team as Program Leader at the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility! Charlie is a SPEAK alumna and an experienced debate instructor. She recently returned to Vermont to advocate for children and families, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her leading our CRCF programs. Stay tuned for updates on our upcoming spring program at CRCF, which kicks off tonight!

As a student at the University of Vermont, I learned first-hand how debate, public speaking, and advocacy can change lives. My participation in the Lawrence Debate Union supported my professional development, increased my self-esteem, introduced me to new ideas, and showed me the power my voice can have. I joined SPEAK as a volunteer in 2015. Through SPEAK, I have gained a new understanding of what it means to interact with the criminal legal system, met an incredibly smart and strong group of people, and discovered my passion for community education programs. I look forward to supporting this learning, and continuing it myself, with our incredible group of SPEAK CRCF participants this February.

Charlie Gliserman is the Public Engagement Director at the VT Early Childhood Advocacy Alliance, where she supports Vermont’s diverse network of advocates in improving the lives of Vermont’s children and families through skill development, organizing, and lobbying support. Since 2014, Charlie has been deeply engaged in Vermont’s legislative advocacy and community organizing spheres, through coordinating local electoral and issue campaigns and supporting progressive lobbying groups in Montpelier. She was an internationally-competitive debater during college, and has been teaching debate and public speaking for five years.

To learn more about the SPEAK Vermont Prison Debate Initiative and our work at CRCF, visit our website: https://www.speaksolutions.org