What do health care, child care, paid family and medical leave, mental health and retirement have in common? According to preliminary results from Vermont Commission on Women’s statewide Listening Project survey, these are the top areas of concern for women in our state. The Commission will focus on these and other topics at two upcoming events in St. Albans and in Brattleboro.
Brattleboro area residents will share their story at the Commission’s event, “The Hidden Side of Women’s Lives in Our Community,” hosted by area Commissioners at Brooks Memorial Library, Wednesday, September 26th from 6:00 - 7:30 pm. This guided community conversation will offer participants an opportunity for reflection and for sharing.
On Thursday evening, September 27th from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at St. Albans City Hall, the Commission hosts “Economic Challenges in Franklin County: Listening Project Forum.” Kicking off the conversation, local experts from Let’s Grow Kids, Main Street Alliance Vermont, Community College of Vermont, Northwestern Counseling & Support Services, and RiseVT address conditions for women and girls in Franklin County. The focus then switches to audience participation and discussion, where area residents share their experience, learn from others, and help shape the work of the Commission.
These events are part of the Commission’s Listening Project, a statewide survey asking what needs aren’t being met for Vermont women, what most affects their ability to provide for themselves or their families, and how the Commission can support efforts to improve the economic well-being of women in our state. Both events are free, and refreshments will be served. Find event information and take the survey at women.vermont.gov.
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The Vermont Commission on Women (VCW) is a non-partisan state agency working to advance rights and opportunities for women and girls. Sixteen volunteer commissioners and representatives from organizations concerned with women's issues guide VCW's public education, coalition building, and advocacy efforts.