It’s been six months since the LWVVT was asked to lead the effort celebrating ratification and passage of the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendmentin August 1920.

We held our first meeting in September 2018 and have continued to meet each month, the group growing in size as more individuals and organiza-tions learn about us through word of mouth or referral. 

Among our partners, we are proud to count the Vermont Commission on Women, Vermont Historical Society, American Association of University Women, Vermont Department of Libraries, Rutland NAACP, Business & Professional Women, Montpelier Alive!, Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom and other educational and social justice organizations.

Although we are in the early stages of planning, each meeting has seen progress and we have moved forward with purpose and passion, successful in our steps towardscelebrating women’s suffrage. Our accomplishments include establishing the following:

1) Name.Vermont Suffrage Centennial Alliance (VSCA)

2) Mission. To commemorate and celebrate the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage and to acknowledge its incomplete legacy

3) Goals. i) Educate Vermonters about the history and outcomes of women’s suffrage, and ii) Engage Vermonters in the ongoing quest for equal

 rights and citizenship

4) Website, www.vtsuffrage2020.org, Logo and Facebook page in progress.

5) Fundraising. Our efforts to secure funds are moving along and we have submitted two proposals for travelling exhibits to the Champlain Valley National Heritage Program.

With the basic groundwork in place, we are now rolling up our sleeves and beginning to focus on the events we will host. Plans include a statewide event, providing educational opportunities on the  inspiring and dramatic history of women’s suffrage, and showcasing events celebrating the centennial in Vermont.

We welcome your participation in this celebration. If you would know of organizations or individuals we should contact, please call Sue Racanelli, or email lwvofvt [at] gmail.com. We will continue to keep you informed of our progress.