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Welcome to the D&D issue containing the programs for the January 25th Standing Committees meetings and Ontario Council updates.
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January 25, 2014
Standing Committees
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Joint Morning Session
Topic: Preparing Ontario Teachers for a Changing World: The Promise and Possibilities of Extending Teacher Education to Two Years
Speakers: Dr. Julian Kitchen and Dr. Diana Petrarca
Ontario Council Advocacy Education Chairs, Myrtle Greve and Arleen Midriak are very excited to present two leading edge professors, Dr. Julian Kitchen and Dr. Diana Petrarca to our Ontario Council Standing Committee meeting on January 25, 2014.
Dr. Kitchen has been an Associate Professor of Education in the Faculty of Education, Brock University since 2006. Dr. Kitchen teaches courses in professionalism and law and in diversity, equity and inclusion. He is the author of Professionalism, Law and the Ontario Educator and Relational Teacher Development. He is also the editor of several teacher education books and the Brock Journal. Dr. Kitchen's research centres on teacher development, teacher education, Aboriginal education, sexual minority issues and school climate. He is currently the project lead in the development of a two-year B.ED program at Brock to be implemented in 2015.
Dr. Petrarca is a founding member of the Faculty of Education at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology which opened its doors to students in 2003. Dr. Petrarca held the dual role of practicum coordinator and instructor for three years. She developed and taught a variety of courses within the B.Ed program as well as directing the practicum component of the program. Dr.Petrarca is currently Assistant Professor at UOIT where she teaches courses in curriculum methods, assessment, web-based learning tools and leadership. Her research centres on pre-service teacher education and how faculties of education can enhance partnerships with associate teachers, by providing them with web-based learning supports. Recently, Dr. Petrarca began using documentary film making as a teaching tool and as a means to gather data and mobilize knowledge. Her first short documentary film Coffee Cup was one of three films highlighted in the American Educational Research Association's2013 Virtual Amateur Film Festival.
The morning session is titled Preparing Ontario Teachers for a Changing World: The Promise and Possibilities of Extending Teacher Education to Two Years. The preparation of teachers in Ontario is set to change dramatically in 2015.
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Status of Women &
Human Rights Committee
Topic: Our Words, Our Health
Speaker: Barbara Kilbourn
When we decided to look more closely at Women's Health, we had to make a choice. We could look at the disparity between the use of male versus female subjects for health research, i.e. the inclusion of women (and minorities) in clinical trials and its impact on our knowledge of women's health issues (goodness knows, I love a good scientific talk). Or we could look at our health care system and whether health information, services, education and research are accessible and meaningful to women in Ontario. I chose the latter, however in doing so I believe that we will also be able to address the former.
In 2011, the Ontario Womens Health Network, with Tekla Hendrickson and Barbara Kilbourn, published "Our Words, Our Health." Through focus groups and an online survey, this project identified health issues of greatest interest to women in Ontario. The report voices the concerns of diverse women across the province who want health professionals, policy and decision-makers to listen to what they have said and work together to ensure Ontario's health research, information, education and services meet women's needs.
We welcome Barbara Kilbourn, who recently retired from part-time work with the Ontario Women's Health Network. Barbara brings experience from careers in the private and public sectors. She has extensive experience in the public sector with several non-profit charitable organizations, as a volunteer board member, executive member or president. [Elizabeth Fry Society of Toronto, Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies, Sistering, SisterShare Living, Seniors Health Knowledge Network-Stewardship Council] She has also been a senior administrator for several small non-profit organizations. Her most recent experience is as a board member with Care Watch and with Canadian Pensioners Concerned, Ontario Division, where she is currently serving as President, Board of Directors.
The Ontario Women's Health Network works with women, health and social service providers, community organizations and others to support equitable, accessible and effective health services for all women in Ontario. The Network's mission is
- to link women to health information and resources; and
- to address the health and healthcare barriers faced by women in Ontario, particularly women who are marginalized through its research and advocacy work. Its vision is of a society in which every woman is provided with the opportunity to achieve, sustain and maintain health as defined by the woman herself, to her full potential.
In a year when we are focusing on violence against women, we must acknowledge important role that front-line caregivers play in recognizing signs of abuse. If our healthcare system is not accessible, the cycle of abuse will continue.
Cheryl Ambrose
Chair, Status of Women and Human Rights
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| Legislation Committee
Topic: Women in the Boardroom: Room for Improvement!
Speaker: To be Announced
Join us for a presentation and discussion on Ontario's strategies for increasing gender diversity in the corporate world.
The corporate culture in Canada continues to be male dominated. The percentage of women serving as directors on the boards of the Financial Post 500 Companies is 14.5%, less than a 5% increase since 2001. In fact 40% of these companies have no women on their boards. We have slipped in our international ranking. Teresa Piruzza, Minister of Child and Youth Services who has responsibility for women's issues through the Ontario Women's Directorate (OWD,) has continued the work of Laurel Broten to look at strategies for promoting gender diversity on boards. The Ontario Government asked the Ontario Securities Commission to undertake a review and public consultation and the results are forthcoming.
A representative from the Ministry or the Ontario Women's Directorate will attend our meeting to present strategies underway.
Sheila Lacroix
Chair, Legislation
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Education Committee
Topic:
Preparing Ontario Teachers for a Changing World: Digital Technologies for Teaching and Learning.
Digital technologies within education are advancing at a rapid pace.
We hope you will join us on January 25th 2014 to hear Dr. Kitchen and Dr. Petrarca speak to us about these important topics.
Myrtle Graeve and Arleen Midriak
Education Co-Chairs
2013 - 2014
Standing Committees Meetings
September 28, 2013
January 25, 2014
March 22, 2014
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 President's Message
January 2014
The new year is always full of promise and hope. We look forward to anniversaries, special occasions and events, work on projects coming to fruition, and time to explore new interests. This year is no exception for Ontario Council CFUW.
May will bring us altogether in Barrie for the OC AGM with theme," Times They Are a-Changin". The OC Business will include information on insurance, and discussion of the submitted resolution from CFUW Barrie and District on Educational Supports for Ontario's Children and Youth in Care. Ontario clubs are supported in attending this AGM through a Special Grant for clubs with members of fifty or less. I urge you to make every effort to attend and participate in your Ontario Council AGM with members from the 54 Ontario clubs.
In June, Ontario will be hosting the 2014 CFUW national AGM in Kitchener-Waterloo with their theme, "Our Emerging Mosaic". This opportunity opens the door to meeting CFUW members from across Canada, participating in leadership workshops, sharing ideas and meeting new friends. Two years ago in Victoria, a challenge went out to the British Columbia clubs to have 100% representation from their clubs at this 2012 AGM. Ontario has more than twice this number of CFUW clubs, but the challenge is sent out to each of you, to make this an AGM to remember on many levels. But, especially in attendance from the Ontario clubs. We can do this, whether for the whole AGM or for the theme or business days. Let's give this our very best effort to have all 54 Ontario clubs represented.
In the fall, Ontario Council sent out a number of letters/briefs on issues from poverty, youth in care to environmental concerns. Bill 88-access for youth in care to child welfare services has come through the committee hearings and is ready for third reading. I ask you to contact your Members of the Provincial Parliament to urge them to support this Bill. The more voices that are heard on this issue, the more success is within reach.
Letter of Interest
As the Biennium for Ontario Council CFUW concludes in May, I invite you to submit a letter of interest in the Ontario Council Board positions of Secretary, Treasurer, and Communications. These three positions are appointed by the Ontario Council President. To let you know, I have been nominated for the position of VP Ontario for another term of two years. Please forward your letter of interest to president @cfuwontcouncil.ca.
As the new year unfolds, and we count our blessings, I would like to sincerely thank the Ontario Council Regional Directors and Board members for all the work they do on behalf of Ontario Council. They are on call to provide support, answer inquiries, share ideas and be mentors. I am proud of this council and their efforts to promote CFUW. As volunteers, they give generously of their time and creativity, their knowledge and skills.
To each of the clubs and their members, thank you for opening welcoming doors to new and current members, for taking a role on your executive, for chairing a committee, for writing advocacy letters and for being involved in your club activities. The club highlights I read, along with the club newsletters, tells about the initiative, enthusiasm and success clubs are experiencing. Let us share these good news stories.
To each of you
May you have the wealth of family and friends
May you have the courage to try something new
May you have the zest to live life to the fullest
(and the energy to go with it)
May 2014 bring good things in all you do.
Sincerely
Brenda
Ontario Council Advocacy
The following letters were sent to Provincial Government, Premier Wynne or Committee Hearings
- Bill 88 Committee Hearings--access to child welfare services for all children
- Bill 6 Great Lakes Protection Act to Standing committee on Regulations and Private Bills
- Signed on with Great Lakes Protection Act Alliance endorsement for amendments to Bill 6
- Endangered Species Habitat Act exceptions--letter to Premier Wynne
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Advocacy, Articles and Club News
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You Can't Get There From Here!
by Sheila Clarke
CFUW Stratford has a new look at gettingthere.ca !
On track for Integrated Public Transportation, pages have been reorganized for easier access, and a new action page provides a direct route to connect with MPs and MPPs in SW Ontario. Updates are provided that highlight transportation action, and new research sources and reports have been added and categorized.
Elizabeth Dolan, Advocacy Chair, is in touch with transportation research sources in Toronto through York University and the University of Toronto. Liz monitors and updates the Resources page. We're grateful to have the assistance of Anne Carbert who maintains the webpage, while Sheila Clarke, Louise McColl, Pat Reavy and Margaret Reid are going out to community groups and organizations with the PowerPoint presentation developed by the group. Recently Sheila spoke to the Kiwanis Club in Stratford, and was a panel member for a community presentation of the film "Derailed." She will also be addressing the Stratford Rotary Club this month.
Good things are happening. There are local groups forming across the region who have begun to connect and who are discussing joint advocacy. There is growing recognition that increasing road congestion needs to be addressed through alternative means of travel, and that there must be Integrated Public Transportation available to all members of our society, from students to commuters to seniors. Join the discussion!
The Club presentation, You Can't Get There From Here, takes approximately 15 minutes, with opportunities for discussion afterwards if desired. We dearly hope that other Ontario Clubs, and especially SW Ontario Clubs, will book us for a visit. We have the strength of our voice as CFUW members to bring to the table, as groups begin to work together on solutions for Integrated Public Transportation. Join the discussion! (Contact us through gettingthere.ca or through info@cfuwstratford.org )
Public Transportation
1992, Scarborough (Ontario)
RESOLVED, That the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) urge the Government of Canada and provincial, territorial and municipal governments to:
1. Invest in public transportation to ensure frequent, reliable, convenient, affordable and universally accessible service;
2. Create incentives to encourage greater use of mass transit and discourage the use of private vehicles;
3. Mandate better co-ordination between land use planning and transportation planning to create more compact communities
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2013 CFUW Toronto Caucus Memorial Luncheon
The Toronto Caucus held their 14th Annual Memorial Luncheon at the Faculty Club of the University of Toronto
This year's speaker was Farah Mohamed who shared her journey to activism. She also described the work of the Girls 20 Summit organization which mentors girls as they shadow the G-8 Summit with an emphasis on the economical value of the participation of girls and women.
She outlined the rigorous application process for participation in this program and encouraged CFUW members to consider prompting an activist-minded girl they know or might learn about to apply.
The proceeds of this year's luncheon will add approximately $1000.00 to the previous total of $20,528 donated to the CFUW Charitable Trust in support of the Ecole Polytechnique Award.
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CFUW St. Catharines Advocacy for Homeless Youth
In the 2003-2004 CFUW year, Pat Waters, the Club President, had as one of her mandates, to invigorate the Social Action Committee. Along with Pat, eight members of the Club, Ann Dunbar, Helen Flanagan, Carla Kuchard, Donna Pree, Susan Pruyn, Elinor O'Neill, Lynne Silver and past member Judy Prior who now lives in Newfoundland struck a social action committee. The committee decided to concentrate on housing with each committee member researching an area. They found that youth between the ages of 18 to 24 years had no resources to assist them with shelter needs and decided to focus on helping them. The committee developed a resolution which was presented and passed unanimously at the 2006 CFUW National Annual meeting in Edmonton with Bobbie Filion, incoming president and Pat Waters in attendance.
Once the resolution was passed, committee members met with local politicians to inform them of the need and ask for support. Rick Dykstra was the one politician who stepped forward and provided them with space to meet with organizations who served the youth and housing needs in the community. In 2007 the group became a regional committee merging with Fort Erie and changing their name from St. Catharines Youth Transitional Housing and taking on the Fort Erie name of "Youth Without Secure Housing". Many organizations involved in meeting the needs of youth joined the group and they continue to meet and collaborate and cooperate rather than compete for resources as they work to serve the needs of disenfranchised youth. To quote Mike Lethby, the RAFT (Resource Association For Teens) executive director "the root of homelessness is family strife". The challenge is not just with finding adequate housing but in addressing the total needs of the individual. Over the years, many organizations have stayed committed to the group.
A recent highlight for the original group was for all but two of those CFUW members to be present at the award celebration on October 15th when RAFT received the prestigious EVA award which honours Canadian Groups showing leadership in fighting youth homelessness. "Raft's Youth Connect program which seeks to lift youth off the streets, re-connect them with school, teach them self-reliance and nip homelessness in the bud", was among four winners honoured with the $25,000 Eva's initiative award. Mike acknowledged the work of CFUW St. Catharines on achieving this award.
Bravo to those nine pioneering members of CFUW St. Catharines who took on a project, guided it through its initial growth and stayed with it through its establishment and beyond. It is amazing what a small group of women can achieve.
Jean Armitage
President CFUW St. Catharines
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Trafficking in Persons Update
by Cheryl Ambrose
On November 15, 2013, the Guelph Wellington Action Committee on Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence (GWAC) held a full day panel discussion on Human Trafficking. GWAC had recently added Human Trafficking to the organization's mandate. On November 27, I attended the Canadian Council for Refugee (CCR) National Forum on Trafficking, held at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo ON.
Both workshops brought together social service providers, law enforcement, educators, medical professionals, students and interested community members to discuss human trafficking and create a response that makes sense in our community. November 15th speakers included Sue Wilson, Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Canada; Varka Kalaydzhieva, Anti-Human Trafficking Project Coordinator, FCJ Refugee Centre; Detective Constable Graham Hawkins, Waterloo Regional Police; Michelle Smith, Women's Support Services of York Region. Both Sue Wilson and Varka Kalaydzhieva were moderators/presenters on the 27th, along with many other experts in this field. I have attached speakers' bios, as well as background information on Key Issues supplied by the CCR.
Participants learned how to recognize, respond to and support victims of HT. We learned about policies - immigration, police and public. And we heard about victim requirements - legal counsel, housing, settlement workers, PTSD, and the importance of having someone listen in a nonjudgmental way.
Human Trafficking is big business. It is estimated that internationally, the annual revenue generated by human trafficking exceeds $28 billion. Transnational trafficking falls into the jurisdiction of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, whose data shows that 58% of victims are trafficked for sexual exploitation and 36% for labour exploitation. According to Canadian data, 90% of reported victims trafficked for the purposes of sexual exploitation are domestic, and just 10% are transnational., however it is recognized that these data are skewed due to the barriers of identifying international victims. Largely, transnational victims are undetected because:
- They do not self identify as victims (often they blame themselves for their circumstance)
- There are cultural barriers
- They distrust authorities
- They fear criminal charges (often, traffickers force victims to take part in illegal activities and use the threat of reporting criminal activity to control them)
- Loyalty toward traffickers
- They are isolated and know no one
- They are unaware of their rights
- They fear for safety (own, or family members back home)
- Their ID and documentation has been taken away
My purpose in attending these workshops was to learn more about the types of advocacy work that CFUW should take on, informed by our extensive policy on Human Trafficking.
IFUW policy includes:
- Working Against Trafficking (2013) which reaffirms Trafficking and Exploitation of Women and Children (1998) and Human Trafficking Violates Human Rights (2010)
- Early and Forced Marriage (child marriage) as a Form of Human and Children's Rights Violations (2013, No. 1)
- Commercial Exploitation of Children (2004)
- Exploitation of the Girl Child (1995)
CFUW policy relating to Human Trafficking includes:
- The Need for a Federal Commissioner for Canada's Children (2013)
- Protection of Victims of Human Trafficking (2006)
- Trafficking in Human Beings (2001)
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Canadian Federation of University Women
2014 Annual General Meeting and Conference
We CFUW K-W would like to share some of the excitement that we are feeling about the upcoming June 19-22, 2014 AGM that we are hosting here in Kitchener-Waterloo.
The Kitchener-Waterloo area has something for every visitor from interesting geographic formations, to shopping and theatre. The Tour Committee that has planned visits to Stratford to see the costume department and enjoy plays that range from Shakespeare to a musical. There are other tours that feature walking around ice age treasures and visiting and learning about new and innovative technology. The committee has even scheduled a High Tea at a prestigious country estate for those who want to kick back and enjoy. Please visit the website at the bottom of this letter to see all of the amazing tours that are being offered.
The Social Committee has organized a wonderful Oktoberfest evening in keeping with the German history of this area. Uncle Hans, the official mascot of Oktoberfest, has been invited to join us to give that added touch of authenticity to the evening. Great entertainment been has planned for the Oktoberfest evening and everyone is sure to have a fun filled time.
The gift boutique and silent auction should prove to be highlights and there are many wonderful items on which to bid, most of them easily transportable.
There will be a pictorial exhibit on display which will feature Women in History and their roles in WWII. This exhibit also features influential women from the Kitchener Waterloo area and is fascinating.
The Program Committee has lined up some wonderful speakers and you can access this information on our website.
This is just an overview of all the exciting events that have been planned for your visit to our CFUW AGM June 19-22, 2014. Our theme for the AGM is "Our Emerging Mosaic - notre mosaďque émergente". Please use the link below to visit our website.
CFUW AGM JUNE 19-22, 2014
WATERLOO INN CONFERENCE HOTEL
CFUW K-W is hoping to make this AGM a huge success and we are asking for your help in spreading the word. We wish you all the best in 2014 and look forward to seeing you Waterloo.
Kathryn McGill & Susan Vecchiarelli,
CFUW 2014 AGM Co-Chairs.
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ONTARIO NORTH CLUB NEWS
NORTHERN (HIGH) LITES
CFUW Haliburton Highlands submitted by Mary Johnson, President
CFUW Haliburton Highlands is enthusiastically celebrating its Tenth Anniversary this year. Our Cookies-in-a Jar Fundraiser was well received at Haliburton Colourfest. All jars were sold putting us in a good funding situation for our special $1000 anniversary bursaries to Fleming College and Haliburton High School. We welcomed nine new members at our New Members's Tea and our interest groups are growing to include three bridge groups, three cuisine groups, three book clubs, a hike/walk, snowshoe group and a vagabond group. We have good support for our anti-bullying initiative and look forward to working with the high school on this important issue. Our speakers this fall have been excellent. Monica Melichar from the Woodland Wildlife Sanctuary, which is funded solely through public donations, spoke passionately about her awareness and responsibility for native wildlife. Marina Lloyd , a gifted storyteller shared wonderful Christmas stories. Our Christmas Luncheon at Bonnie View Inn on December 5th will not only provide a wonderful social time of carolling and dining but also give us an opportunity to reminisce with past members who have been invited to help celebrate our tenth year.
CFUW Muskoka submitted byJoanne Bruce, President
On Thursday, November 28th, CFUW-Muskoka introduced the first of a four part Lecture Series for the 2013-2014 year partnering with Nipissing University - Muskoka Campus. To a full auditorium at Nipissing University, Paul Dinner, P. Eng. presented "Nuclear Power - Today and Tomorrow", a 'non-partisan' view of the major issues and opportunities associated with nuclear power today, moving from the global context to the Canadian scene. Potential topics for upcoming partnered lectures include: Global Economics, Development In and Of the North, Comparative Religions - Synergies and Social Organizations, and Protest and Politics.This CFUW-Muskoka - Nipissing University partnership offers the opportunity to promote the pursuit of knowledge and education within the community.
CFUW North Bay submitted by Anna Petruzella,President
The CFUW North Bay fall programme has been varied and interesting. Dawn Clarke editor of the local Community Voices publication addressed our theme "Women Making a Difference". She returned in Nov. to our "Twelve Days of Christmas and Silent Auction" fundraiser. She wrote a wonderful article in her column about the fun evening and our scholarship programme. In October John Humble from Habitat for Humanity gave an inspiring presentation on the relatively new local group and the international scope of Habitat for Humanity. The Charitable Trust Dinner Dec. 3rd is an annual event and raises funds for the Ecole Polytechnique Commemorative Award. Wendy Abdallah of the local Victims and Witness Assistance Programme outlined the how assault cases are handled in the justice system and supports available to women and their families.
We are pleased to welcome 6 new members to CFUW North Bay. Our fundraising has been very successful to date and in addition to our regular scholarship commitment we are able to add an award to a CAS crown ward currently a Canadore College student.
CFUW Orillia submitted by Karen Thorington, President
CFUW Orillia hosted a panel discussion on Homelessness on November 26, 2013. The panel consisted of representatives from the Housing Resource Centre, Simcoe County Alliance to End Homelessness, Orillia Youth Centre, Simcoe County, and Green Haven Shelter for Women. The panel was moderated by a Social Work College Student. The session was attended by about 60 people. Each of the panelists were able to give a different yet common perspective on what homelessness looks like, and the strategies used to tackle the issue. It is believed that it costs $30,000.00 to house a person while the cost of emergency response systems utilized by a homeless person is $130,000.00 per year. The economics alone should have our politicians listening. The lack of transitional housing and shelters for youth are lacking in Simcoe County. When 31% of people using such facilities are between the ages of 16 and 24, this is disturbing. How can a young person continue their education when they are worried about where they will sleep at night? The panelists ended the discussion on a hopeful note that the current Provincial strategy will be effective in giving our vulnerable members of society the stable housing situation needed to have a safe and productive existence. CFUW can add to this hope by maintaining contact with our local MPP on this issue.
CFUW Sudbury submitted by Christine Tworo President
We invited our new members to come 1˝ hours before the start of our November meeting to enjoy "Pizza with the Prez". Several executive members were also in attendance and we were able to have an informal chat with new members about interest groups and answer any questions they may still have. We have 16 paid new members and the event was well received. Sixty people attended the November meeting so we will definitely do this again next year!
CFUW Thunder Bay submitted by Liz Poulin President
At the November General Meeting CFUW Thunder Bay hosted Guest Speaker, Dr Connie Nelson, Social Work Department, Lakehead University. Members enjoyed excellent information sharing on the subject of "Food Security". Our guest provided a complete look at the availability of locally grown food, the storage facilities, distribution needs & future possibilities. Dr Nelson outlined the changing landscape in farming & introduced us to a number of young farmers who are undertaking new methods as well as new business models. It was a well attended meeting & the animated discussion took us overtime.
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Ontario North Fall Gathering Oct. 26th 2013
submitted by Kaarina Tulisalo RD
CFUW Muskoka hosted a very successful Ontario North Fall Gathering at the Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre in Gravenhurst ON., Oct. 26th 2013. The Ontario North Fall Gatherings are held every two years with distance and weather determining factors. This year all six Ontario North Clubs had representation. Myra McCormick, CFUW Thunder Bay travelled over 2000 km to attend and Mary Johnston, CFUW Haliburton Highlands and others travelled through snow and sleet to represent their Clubs.
The Gathering began Friday evening with warm and welcoming reception hosted by the members of CFUW Muskoka.
The theme of the Gathering was "Pathways to the Future....Utilizing Opportunities In Our Communities". On Saturday, Brenda Robertson, Ontario Council President, gave an inspirational welcome address highlighting the goals and values of CFUW. The Gathering theme was the focus of the morning panel discussion. Four panelists with diverse backgrounds, ages and experiences shared their pathways through life to Muskoka and their involvement with the Community. They shared their insights into how to empower young women and how to promote CFUW to a wider demographic. Teri Shaw, National Advocacy Chair, presented a workshop on the topic " Do We Make A Difference?" and left no doubt that CFUW advocacy does make a difference.
The afternoon keynote speaker was Julie Reinhart, the new Chief Librarian of the Gravenhurst Public Library. Libraries have certainly changed over the years! Brenda Robertson presented a workshop on "The Importance of Being Part of the International Federation of University Women. Brenda was one of the CFUW voting delegates at the IFUW Triennial Conference in Istanbul in Aug. 2013. Her first- hand account of the Conference confirmed the importance of IFUW in the lives of women and children around the world and the significant role CFUW has in IFUW.
The Ontario north Fall Gathering Brochure listed why we host Fall Gatherings as follows:
- So we can get to know others in our region
- So we can learn from others experiences
- So we can identify and discuss concern
- So we can strengthen CFUW in our communities
- So we can have fun
The Ontario North Fall Gathering 2013 definitely met the criteria. Our sincerest thanks go to Joanne Bruce, her Lac Committee and the members of CFUW Muskoka for hosting such a successful and enjoyable Fall Gathering.
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ONTARIO HURON REGIONAL GATHERING
CELEBRATE WOMEN: WE CAN, WE WILL
The first  CFUW Ontario Huron Fall Gathering, hosted by CFUW Orangeville & District, was held at Monora Park in Orangeville on November 9th. The theme of the Gathering was "Celebrate Women: We Can, We Will!", but the Gathering also included celebrating Ontario Huron's first fall gathering, celebrating local resources and local speakers, and celebrating Orangeville and its sesquicentennial.
After welcoming remarks from Ontario Council President Brenda Robertson and loc al dignitaries including Orangeville Mayor Rob Adams, Gathering attendees were pleasantly surprised when 4 CFUW Orangeville members were awarded with Orangeville 150 Sesquicentennial Awards for their service and commitment to the Orangeville community.
Our dynamic keynote speaker, Nicole Moore, told us her remarkable story about what happened after she was attacked by a shark while vacationing in Cancun Mexico in January 2011. Nicole's story is one of perseverance, strength and courage and demonstrates the enormous obstacles that an individual can overcome if you "keep moving forward" whether in leaps and bounds or in tiny baby steps. After Nicole's presentation to the Gathering, we were left in no doubt that "we can, we will".
Following the keynote address, there were two workshop sessions-one session featured a panel discussion about Women in Business and the 2nd session guided us through Advocacy and Resolutions. The plenary session focused on two environmental issues that are generating a lot of debate and media coverage in Dufferin County and the entire Huron region-wind energy and quarries. We wrapped up with a round table discussion on five topics: Membership & Recruitment, Advocacy, Public Profile, Scholarship & Fundraising, Sustainability & Succession Planning.
There was good representation from all five clubs in the Huron Region-Kincardine, Orangeville, Owen Sound, Saugeen and Southport. All in all, an informative day and a successful event!
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Ontario East Regional Fall Gathering
A highly successful Regional Fall Gathering was hosted by CFUW-Ottawa on October 19, 2013 at Emmanuel United Church in Ottawa. There were 82 attendees and all nine Clubs in the re gion were represented. The theme of the day was "Healthy, Wealthy and Wise, Taking Care of Ourselves: Financially, Legally, and Physically". The rationale for
the chosen topics was that as CFUW members we are rather good at taking care of others but not always good at taking care of ourselves.
Program presenters included Louise Summers and Lauree Knight from RBC Royal Bank, who emphasized the importance of having financial plans and keeping them up to date as we age and our life circumstances change. Nutritionist Terri Gentes addressed the topic of healthy eating and food options to consider. Alicia Natividad, a CFUW-Ottawa member, scholarship winner, and current Ottawa lawyer, spoke about wills and powers of attorney, including many aspects of their importance.
Brenda Robertson, CFUW Ontario Council President, addressed participants about the many diverse and important aspects of Ontario Council. Participants enjoyed
 time to network
Kudos to the Local Arrangements Committee, chaired by Nancy Simmons-Wright. Their excellent work provided a stimulating learning opportunity that concluded in the joy of music.
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Ontario South Fall Gathering 2013
It was wonderful to see clubs from across the province represented at the Ontario South Fall Gathering on November 2, 2013. CFUW Brantford hosted this event at the Brantford Golf and Country Club situated on the bank of the Grand River, surrounded by brilliant fall colours and plush greens. Leading with the theme of "Making Change Happen: Women's Voices are Changing the World...or are they?" and building on this with 6 follow up workshops the club was successful in engaging club leaders and friends of CFUW.
The Fall Gathering broke records for the number of attendees at the event. 86 people in total shared in the gathering! Also impressive was the level of coverage the event received from the Press. Three articles were printed by the local newspaper the "Brantford Expositor". The first announced the event and the line-up of exceptional speakers. The second highlighted the address by the keynote speaker Denise Davy, journalist/activist who spoke about "Ending the Cycle of Violence against Women". The third focused on "How to Run a Campaign School for Women", offered by Marguerite Ceschi-Smith, a member of the Brantford City Counsel. Organizers demonstrated mastery in developing a positive relationship with the local Press. This relationship was instrumental in increasing press coverage and by extension, visibility of CFUW in the community!
These articles are posted on the CFUW Brantford and CFUW National Facebook pages for quick reference.
While participants had the opportunity to network throughout the day they were also challenged in the six workshops offered:
- The Sustainability Adventure (Ellen Horak)
- How to Run a Campaign School for Women (Marguerite Ceschi-Smith)
- Today's Girls and Young Women: Facing the Challenge and Embracing Opportunities ( Christine Bibby)
- Voices of Immigrant/Refugee Women...is anyone listening? (Karen Williamson, Moderator)
- Time to rework your Constitution ...why and how (Lin Fines and Lian Lawrence)
- Taking Charge of Your Financial Health: Retirement, Long Term Care & Estate Planning (Pat Kawamoto, Tanya Stephens and Body Ryerson)
In elegant style the day was wrapped up by June Ayrhart of CFUW Guelph who sent everyone off with the "Steps to Achieving Successful Change".
Congratulations to the LAC on the realization of an outstanding Fall Gathering. It was a day of reflection and renewed resolve for all who attended.
Respectfully submitted by
Cheryl Hayles, RD Ontario South
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| Find more information about Regional Gatherings at: cfuwontcouncil.ca |
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2013 - 2014
Standing Committees Meetings
September 28, 2013
January 25, 2014
March 22, 2014
Register for Standing Committee Meetings
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ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS
CFUW Ontario Council AGM 2014
The Times They Are A' Changin'
Hosted By CFUW Barrie & District
May 9-10, 2014
Monte Carlo Inn--Barrie Suites
Check out our flyer!
CFUW Annual General Meeting
Our Emerging Mosaic
Hosted By CFUW Kitchener-Waterloo
June 19-22, 2014
Waterloo Inn
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