VT-JBGC

 

Who Are We?

VT-JBGC is a working-class, LGBTQ-led, proletarian feminist community defense and mutual aid group. We provide firearm education, first aid training, de-escalation support, and community organizing to help marginalized people protect and care for each other.

We are part of the John Brown Gun Club (JBGC), a decentralized network of autonomous chapters committed to anti-fascism, direct action, and lawful self-defense. Each chapter operates independently based on local needs, but all share the same values.

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We are not a militia.
We are not law enforcement.
We are not a licensed security force.

We do not advertise our numbers or disclose member identities. 

Privacy and security are respected.

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What Do We Stand For?

• Anarchist Founded – Autonomy, direct action, and mutual aid

• Communist Welcome – Working-class solidarity over capitalism

• Proletarian Feminist – Fighting gender and class oppression

• Anti-Imperialist – Opposing colonialism, militarism, and corporate exploitation

• LGBTQ-Led – Prioritizing the protection of queer and marginalized people

• Anti-Ableist – Inclusive and accessible training and organizing

 

We believe community safety is something we build together. The state won’t save us—so we show up for each other.

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Membership & Participation

Who can join?
Anyone aligned with our values. You must be a legal adult with no history of bigotry, abuse, or violent behavior.

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Do I need to own a gun?
No. Firearms are one tool among many. We also focus on mutual aid, first aid, organizing, harm reduction, and de-escalation.

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How do I get involved?
Reach out through email or social media. If you’re aligned with our values, someone already involved may become your sponsor—someone who helps you get oriented and walks with you through the onboarding and vetting process. We move at the speed of trust.

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Are you looking for instructors?
Yes. We welcome instructors willing to volunteer time and share knowledge in firearm safety, first aid, de-escalation, harm reduction, and survival skills. We're also open to collaborating on occasional group workshops with aligned individuals or organizations.

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If you're not in a position to volunteer, we may be able to arrange group class payments or support cost-sharing for one-time trainings. Let us know what you’re open to, and we’ll figure it out together.

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Training & Community Defense

What training do you offer?

• Firearm safety – Legal ownership, safe handling, and maintenance

• First aid – Emergency trauma care and basic medical skills

• De-escalation – Protest safety, situational awareness, and conflict response
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Do you do tactical or combat training?
No. We comply with Vermont’s 2023 anti-paramilitary law (H.230). We do not conduct tactical drills, military-style formations, or combat training.​​​

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Is it just about guns?
No. Mutual aid, medical training, and organizing are just as important as firearms. Community defense includes a wide range of skills.​​

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Protests & Carrying

Why do you show up to protests armed?
When appropriate, an armed presence demonstrates that our communities will not passively accept violence or intimidation. We reject efforts to pacify or silence radical movements. Our presence is a show of solidarity, not escalation.

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Do your members carry firearms?

Some members open or conceal carry depending on personal safety, situational awareness, and Vermont law. Carrying is always a personal choice and is never used for intimidation.

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Members attend public events and protests to observe for threats, assist in de-escalation, and help protect vulnerable individuals when needed.

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*We do not offer private security services and are not a licensed security force. Some members may be guards in their personal lives, but VT-JBGC does not operate in any paid or contracted role. We may provide non-paramilitary defensive formations or escorts for high-risk individuals—strictly as an act of solidarity, not employment.

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Events & Community Engagement

Do you host public events?

Not yet, but we will. We are actively building infrastructure and bringing on instructors. When ready, we plan to host:
 

• Firearm safety trainings

• First aid workshops

• Mutual aid pop-ups

• Cookouts

• Fundraisers

• Trainings
   

We also plan to table at public events to distribute Narcan, water, snacks, and literature.

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We are an aboveground group. All of our activity is legal, public-facing, and community-centered.

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Can we collaborate with you?

Possibly. If your group aligns with our values—anti-fascism, mutual aid, and community defense—feel free to reach out. We collaborate based on trust, safety, and shared purpose.

Email us to start the conversation.

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Legal & Safety Questions

Is VT-JBGC legal?
Yes. We operate fully within Vermont and federal law, including the 2023 anti-paramilitary statute (H.230). We do not engage in unlawful or threatening activity.

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Do you open carry at events?

Sometimes. We assess each situation carefully. Any armed presence is legal, intentional, and done with community safety in mind—not for show or intimidation.

Members attend public events and protests to observe for threats, assist in de-escalation, and help protect vulnerable individuals when needed.

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How do you handle threats or infiltration?
We have internal protocols to deal with harassment, doxxing, and infiltration. We take security culture seriously. If something concerns you, reach out.

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Do you work with the police?
No. We do not collaborate with, coordinate with, or report to law enforcement in any capacity. Our safety is built through community—not policing.

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Is propaganda illegal?
No. Sharing literature, ideas, or political education is protected under the First Amendment. Propaganda is not illegal.

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Can I donate?
Yes. Donations help us fund mutual aid, first aid kits, training supplies, and outreach materials. Contact us for details.

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Are you affiliated with "Antifa"?

No. We’re not part of any group called “Antifa,” nor do we operate under that label.

We describe ourselves as antifascist because we oppose fascism, white supremacy, and authoritarianism. 

 

That’s a political stance, not a membership. A lot of people—past and present—have held antifascist views without being tied to any one group.

 

“Antifa” is often used in media or politics as a catch-all term, usually without much accuracy. It’s been turned into a buzzword, and we don’t use it to describe ourselves. 

 

We’re a local, independent effort focused on lawful community defense, mutual aid, and protecting marginalized people—especially in moments when institutions fall short.

 

Everything we do is rooted in de-escalation, Vermont law, and community care. We’re not here to act like a militia or pick fights. We’re here to keep each other safe.

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Internal Collectives & Roles

The Artemis Watch - Community Defense Team 

Members attend protests and public events to monitor for threats, support de-escalation, and provide protection for vulnerable individuals. This work is always voluntary and legally compliant.

Black Shield Council – Legal Defense & Compliance

• Legal Observer – Document police behavior and gather evidence at protests

• Case Researcher – Review laws and legislation

• Know-Your-Rights Educator – Help others understand self-defense laws, protest rights, and local statutes
   

Ghost Key Collective – Cybersecurity & OPSEC

• OSINT Specialist – Track fascist, far-right, and law enforcement activity using public sources

• Tech Security Advisor – Assist with encrypted communications and secure workflows

• Radio Operator – Maintain secure comms at events using radios or encrypted tools
   

Red Harvest Network – Mutual Aid & Resource Building

• Mutual Aid Organizer – Coordinate distribution of food, supplies, and resources

• Charity & Outreach Liaison – Connect with local orgs, unions, and support networks

• Street Medic – Provide basic medical support at events and in the community
   

The People’s Anvil – Education, Training, & Revolutionary Knowledge

• Firearms Instructor – Teach safe, legal firearm handling

• Self-Defense Instructor – Share skills in de-escalation and physical defense

• Political Educator – Facilitate study sessions and share radical history and theory​

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