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Greetings!
I want to introduce a new word to you, apologies to wordsmiths and Merriam Webster aficionados alike. It’s been in my mind ever since I started working at the Vermont Women’s Fund. It describes the confluence of mission-driven intention and financial clout. I’m calling it "philanthropower."
As many of you know, the Vermont Women’s Fund was started as a means to effect change – specifically, positive change for women in Vermont. The founders knew it was going to take more than sweat equity and good intentions, it was going to take something women traditionally rarely controlled: money.
Encouraged by women’s efforts across the country, they organized a philanthropic fund under the umbrella of the Vermont Community Foundation and raised money. Every donor was considered of equal importance, regardless of the amount. Thousands of donations from around the state poured in, from $5 to $50,000 and higher. Fueled by the passionate belief that they should have a say about their own future, women chose philanthropic giving as the lever to drive change.
So flash forward to today, the Women’s Fund has distributed over $2 million to nonprofits since its inception. But the needs are both changing and increasing, and in today’s world, it’s never been more important to have the power to drive change.
Philanthropy is a means to that power, let's start calling it
PHILANTHROPOWER!
I truly believe that the Women’s Fund embodies that word. And we can all practice philanthropower, whether it is by giving to the Vermont Women’s Fund or any organization doing good work that you support. We all have the power to exert positive change so start practicing philanthropower and see what happens!
Best,
Meg
Meg Smith, Director
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Celebrate Mother’s Day in the Spirit of the Women’s March
Join the Persist 5K Run/Walk in Burlington
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When Jean Andersson-Swayze of Charlotte, came back from the Women’s March in Washington, D.C. this past January, she was stoked. “I marched in D.C. with my 11-year-old daughter and when we got home, I had so much energy and fire in my belly, I wanted to keep that feeling going but I wasn’t sure how. I just knew I had to do something.”
Andersson-Swayze approached the women in her 6 a.m. boot camp class that meets in the Charlotte elementary school gym. “When I proposed the idea of organizing a 5K race that captured the spirit of the Women’s March, they were all in. The icing on the cake was when we realized the best available day was the Sunday of Mother’s Day - that absolutely sealed it!”
The Persist 5k Run/Walk takes place on Sunday, May 14 at 9 a.m., beginning at Battery Park in Burlington and following the bike path. The race is non-competitive and will not be timed. A one-mile walking route is also available. “This is about carrying on the spirit of the Women’s March,” says Andersson-Swayze, “and is open to all. It’s a chance to wear our pink hats again and carry our posters and signs. Most of all, this is not for women only. We want everyone who loves and respects women to participate!”
Registration is $35 per person (12 and under is $10) until May 1st when the cost will increase to $40. Registration is also open at the day of the race but the cost will increase to $45. Skida, the Vermont-based, women-owned hat company, is creating a special pink headband with the Persist5K logo that will be given to the first 500 registrants.
You can also help us spread the word about the event. Click on the Persist image above or here to download a poster to hang in your local shops, libraries, and workplaces.
We are most grateful to the PerSisters for choosing the
Vermont Women’s Fund to be the beneficiary of the event.
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Dream about starting your own business? Come watch Dream, Girl in White River Junction!
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Dream, Girl is a documentary with a mission: tell the stories of amazing entrepreneurs to inspire the next generation of leaders. The Vermont Women's Fund, the Vermont Community Foundation, and Mascoma Savings Bank are the proud co-sponsors of a special screening of Dream, Girl which shows what it takes to turn a dream into a bonafide livelihood. Following the film, there will be a Q&A panel of local women business owners to discuss how they made it happen for themselves with specifics on financing and resources.
Dream, Girl will be shown on Tuesday, May 23rd at the Briggs Opera House. The doors will open at 5:00 pm and the film will start at 5:30. Following the screening, there will be a panel discussion with three local women entrepreneurs who will give invaluable insights about what it took for them to succeed. A reception with food and beverage will take place after the panel discussion.
To register for tickets, please go to the Women's Fund website. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $5 for students. The ticket price is intentionally low so everyone can attend. If you know a budding entrepreneur yourself, please invite her along!
May 23, 2017
5:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Briggs Opera House, White River Junction
More details are available on our website.
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This special event is proudly sponsored by:
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