The League of Women Voters of Vermont Education Fund was established in July 1998 with seed money from the generous bequest of longstanding member, Elizabeth (Niki) Keyes of Montpelier. Founding Board of Directors were Marge Gaskins, Sonja Schuyler and Mary von Ziegesar.
The Education Fund is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to engaging and strengthening Vermonters’ knowledge of and participation in government. The Fund conducts voter service, citizen education, and programs that increase understanding of key community policy issues. Educational materials include brochures Voting In Vermont, an overview of the voting process in Vermont, available in five languages (English, Chinese, Nepali, Somali and Swahili), and Non-US Citizen Voting in Vermont. Email league@lwvofvt.org for your free copy. Former publications, Vermont Citizens’ Guide to Government in Vermont and A Walk Through the Legislative Process are in the process of being updated and will be available in pdf format on our website for self-printing.
In addition to sponsoring candidate forums and publishing educational materials related to political process, the Education Fund presents scholarships to Vermont high school seniors in recognition of achievement and community involvement.
MISSION
Encouraging citizen engagement. Recognizing student achievement.
PRIORITIES
- Voter Education
- Inmate Voter Registration
- Citizen Participation
- Civil Engagement
- Student Scholarships
Education Fund Board of Directors
The Winona Smith Scholarship
When longtime League leader Winona Elizabeth Smith passed away in February 1998, many contributions were received to honor her memory. The Board of Directors resolved to remember Winona’s life and legacy by using these funds to establish the Winona Smith Scholarship.
Winona Smith was a member of the League of Women Voters for 50 years. Beginning in 1948, she served the League in many capacities – as director, vice president, treasurer, and for at least fourteen years, an inspiring President of the Montpelier (later Central Vermont) League. Winona kept an eye on legislation at the State House, wrote letters to the editor, attended state and regional meetings, organized candidate forums, and upheld the League’s high ideals. Her dedication to the goals and principles of the League, accounts in large measure, for the League’s presence in Vermont today.
Winona Smith was an exemplar of the qualities we want to instill and cultivate in our leaders of the future.