Vermont Women's Fund

Stories we missed this year to feature on Fridays. This week is grantee Jenna's Promise and the founder Dawn Tatro who was honored for her leadership by CNN in August. While her daughter Jenna was in and out of addiction, they dreamed with her mother of creating a place. As Dawn recalls in the story, “She said, ‘Mom, when I am ready to leave this sober home, you and I are going to go around and raise funds to help people that aren’t as fortunate as I was,’” Tatro said. “And I said, ‘That’s awesome, because you and I, Jenna, we can do anything.’” Learn more about Jenna's Promise on their website - link in the first comment. Read the CNN story here: https://lnkd.in/eMNcndQ6 photo credit: Jenna's Promise

Sharing the love for Vermont women-owned businesses and Vermont schools: Vermont for Little Vermonters. Little Patakha's goal is to enroll 120 public elementary schools in this new program. The resources support literacy while introducing kids in our rural communities to different cultures and start their journey as global citizens. They are only 11 schools away from meeting this goal. It only takes $500 to sponsor a school. Could your office holiday party pool gifts or your business sponsor a school?

It's time to #ShopWomenWednesday. We're through the Black Friday and Cyber Monday escapades and now let's focus on our women-owned businesses. 40% of Vermont's businesses are owned by womxn. We encourage you to dig a little deeper this month and in the coming year to seek out #womenowned businesses. This goes beyond shopping to the services you and your friends and colleagues need throughout the year. We're talking about accountants, mechanics, contractors, designers, landscapers, wellness professionals, and all of the people who keep our lives, homes, and organizations functioning. #VTWomen

This Giving Tuesday, let’s celebrate local impact within the global movement by empowering the women who power Vermont! The Vermont Women's Fund has been championing women and girls in Vermont for 30 years. By supporting our work, you're not just making a donation; you're investing in real, lasting change. Why invest in Vermont women and girls? Because they're educators, entrepreneurs, family-care heroes, and community builders. When they rise, Vermont thrives. Your gift can help: > Elevate women leaders who shape our communities > Promote economic security for families across Vermont > Foster access to education and healthcare Join us in creating a brighter future for Vermont's women and girls. Donate today and be part of a movement that's making a real difference here, at home. Together, we can create a Vermont where every woman and girl has the chance to rise. Make a donation here: https://lnkd.in/epQJCQgs

Me Too Movement founder Tarana Burke spoke at the United Nations General Assembly convening, commemorating 25 years since the declaration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. from Me Too: "In her speech, Tarana honored the resilience of survivors, and charged UN members to deepen their commitment to eliminating gender-based violence by centering survivors, dismantling systems of oppression, and fostering spaces where justice and healing are possible for all." #EndViolenceAgainstWomen #16DaysOfActivism https://lnkd.in/eB3R-ZZ9

Every 10 minutes partners and family members killed a woman or a girl intentionally in 2023. UN Women's 16 days of activism is an opportunity to “revitalize commitments, call for accountability and action from decision-makers, as the world approaches the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 2025.” Don’t know what that is? We will share it over the next 16 days and you read it now at: https://lnkd.in/dNmkEg7x #16DaysOfActivism #NoExcuse #EndViolenceAgainstWomen https://lnkd.in/e46Fxbxq

On #NativeWomensEqualPayDay, we shine a light on the appalling wage gap faced by Native American women. In 2023, Native women earned just 53¢ for every $1 paid to white, non-Hispanic men. That equates to 20+ months of labor for a year's earnings - losing $2,505 monthly, $30K yearly. Without change, they could lose $1.2M over a career. #EquityForNativeWomen means dismantling this pay gap through education, advocacy, and economic justice reforms like fair pay, pay transparency, and paid leave. Sources & good folks to follow: Equal Pay Today Return to the Heart Foundation Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women Native Women Lead Not Our Native Daughters Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center #NativeWomensEqualPay #EquityForNativeWomen #EqualPay #PayEquity

While we thank veterans, we thought we would also share resources for the many, MANY veterans, active duty, and military families and spouses who are entrepreneurs. The SBA's Veterans Business Outreach Center of New England offers FREE resources and business counseling and mentors. Find the folks at VBOC New England at: https://lnkd.in/empWmF6C

Celebrate STEM/STEAM Day! That's Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math day. The top 10 growing careers are related to STEM which is why year in and year out we support programs that introduce opportunities and sustain interest and persistence with STEM ed among young women, girls, and gender expansive youth. From supporting Vermont Works for Women's Rosie's Girls and LIFT and the Women Can Do event to GEMS to the The Governor's Institutes of Vermont and so many more in our 30 year history. Check out our 2022 conversation with Governor's Institutes of VT's Executive Director Elizabeth Frascoia about how the heart of GIV is lighting a fire within students. She explained, “We want students to know that they can do anything. They have that potential. It makes a difference to get together, to find your people, and to ignite those sparks so that you have the conviction to follow your passion.” Video: https://lnkd.in/enpXZ7Fp

We are here. Our allies are here. 30 years of creating change continues. Vermont's women & girls depend on our community. Onward. #VTWomen