The Vermont Commission on Women (VCW) is an independent non-partisan state commission dedicated to advancing rights and opportunities for women in Vermont. We have a staff of 3 and are governed by 16 Commissioners and an Advisory Council. VCW: -Acts as advisor and information source for legislative and executive branches and other policy makers on issues affecting women -Serves as an educational resource by conducting research, producing publications, and coordinating conferences and workshops -Brings together diverse groups and engages in partnerships to consider issues of interest to women and take action -Provides the most local and most appropriate information and referrals to the public on matters related to women and families BACKGROUND: In 1962, President Kennedy challenged every state to create a “Governor’s Commission on the Status of Women.” These commissions would be charged with two tasks: “To encourage women to use their abilities, and to reduce discrimination against women.” In response, on November 23, 1964, Vermont Governor Philip Hoff established the Governor’s Commission on the Status of Women by executive order. The order directed the Commission to conduct research about “how discrimination was occurring, how women’s roles were changing, documenting the needs of working women and their children, and supporting a more active role of women in the political life of the state.”