Public PolicyPublic Policy
VCW's Guiding Statements
ECONOMIC EQUITY & SECURITY
VCW believes that women of all ages must have equal access to the benefits and privileges of economic security and prosperity.
VCW monitors legislation and public policies, provides research and information, and collaborates on measures that support the following outcomes:
- Women and men earn equal pay for equal work.
- Women earn a livable wage.
- Vermont workplaces are free of gender bias and harassment.
- Women entrepreneurs have support in starting or expanding businesses.
- Vermonters have support to balance work and family life.
- Vermonters will have adequate public assistance - social benefits.
LEADERSHIP & PUBLIC LIFE
VCW believes women of all ages must have access to the benefits and privileges of community leadership and participation in civic life.
VCW monitors legislation and public policies, provides research and information, and collaborates on measures that support the following outcomes:
- Women are equally represented in Vermont’s legislature and elected office.
- Women are active participants, voters, and influential leaders in their communities and in the state.
- Policymakers understand the impact of laws and policy on women and girls.
- Women and men are equally represented in appointed office and in the private sector.
HEALTH & SAFETY
VCW believes that health care coverage should be affordable and accessible to all Vermonters; that every woman has a right to privacy and access to comprehensive educational, medical, and counseling services; and that everyone has the indisputable right to live free of domestic and sexual violence.
VCW monitors legislation and public policies, provides research and information, and promotes measures that support the following outcomes:
- Women and children live free of all forms of violence.
- Women have access to quality affordable health care.
- Women and girls have access to information about health and safety.
CIVIL & LEGAL RIGHTS
VCW supports legislation, policies, programs, and initiatives that facilitate full civil rights for all Vermonters, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, place of birth, age, physical or mental disability.
VCW monitors legislation and public policies, provides research and information, and collaborates on measures that support the following outcomes:
- Women will understand their rights under Vermont law.
- Women will have equal access to justice.
EDUCATION & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
VCW believes that women, girls and their families must have equal access to life-long educational opportunities, so that choices and success are determined not by gender, but by interest, aspiration, and ability.
VCW monitors legislation and public policies, provides research and information, and collaborates on measures that support the following outcomes:
- Schools are free of gender bias, harassment and bullying.
- Women and girls have equal access and encouragement to pursue education and careers in science, technology, engineering and math.
- Women have equal access to workforce training and development throughout their lives.
VCW's Consideration of Public Policy and Legislative Positions
The following criteria will be considered when the Commission reviews public policy and legislative positions:
* the issue must be closely related to the Commission's mission, strategic plan, or existing public policy and legislative positions
* the issue in question must have a direct and broad impact on women in Vermont
* at least one Commissioner must be willing to take the public lead and collaborate with staff and others on the issue
* the Commission must have the resources to effectively make an impact
VCW's Monthly Meetings
VCW meetings are open to the public and are usually held September through June on the second Wednesday of each month from 9:30-12:30, in the 4th floor conference room of the Pavilion building at 109 State Street in Montpelier. Please contact us to confirm date, time, and location.
Approved meeting minutes appear below:
Meeting Minutes - Sept 12 2012
Meeting Minutes - June 13 2012
Meeting Minutes - Sept 14 2011
