|
|
|
Dear CFUW Ontario Council Members
Welcome to the D&D issue containing the reports from the September 26th, 2015 Standing Committees meeting and Ontario Council updates.
|
|
Standing Committees Meeting
January 23, 2016
Mark your Calendar Today!
|
|
|
September 26, 2015
Standing Committees Reports
|
|
|
Joint Morning Session
Topic: Bridges Out of Poverty
Speaker: Elaine Weir, Public Health Nurse,
Certified Bridges Out of Poverty Facilitator and Circles GW Coordinator/Coach
With passion and humility, Elaine explained what it means to live in poverty and how people living a middle class or wealthy existence can't possible understand how much our lives, goals, motivation, and relationships differ. She spent both the morning and afternoon providing insight and inspiration of what individuals and communities can do to break the cycle of poverty for individuals and groups.
Elaine Weir is a Public Health Nurse with Wellington-Dufferin Guelph Public Health. She brings more than 30 years of experience and expertise to the Bridges initiative. Elaine has worked in a variety of organizations including hospitals, communities and educational settings. Elaine's work as a public health nurse on the front lines has given her firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by individuals living in poverty.
Bridges Out of Poverty is a program developed in the United States by Ruby Payne to educate the community about poverty and people who live in poverty. The intention is that through education, professionals and other people in all sectors of the community will open their minds to the culture of poverty and build relationships to create a sustainable community.
The initiative involves three interconnected programs: 1) Bridges is the first step where individuals of middle and upper income become aware of the hidden rules of poverty http://circlesgw.ca/bridges/. The purpose of the Bridges Out of Poverty program is to educate individuals with middle and upper incomes by looking at the four causes of poverty: * individual behaviour *community conditions *exploitation *political and economic structures
2) Getting Ahead is the program for individuals living in poverty to help these individuals become aware of resources that are available in the community, reflect on their own path and the factors that cause poverty. http://circlesgw.ca/getting-ahead/.
3) CirclesŪ is a community-based initiative that creates genuine relationships across economic boundaries. It matches people of low-income who have attended the Getting Ahead program with people of middle- and upper-income who have attended Bridges training. http://circlesgw.ca/circles/
Therefore, a "circle" consists of three types of people -
1. CirclesŪ Leader - An individual or family of low income who is interested in becoming self-sufficient.
2. Allies - two or three volunteers for each Leader who engage in an intentional, caring relationship with an individual or family working to become self-sufficient.
3. The Coach - The CirclesŪ Coach supports CirclesŪ Leaders and Allies in fine-tuning personalized action plans. The CirclesŪ coach is a paid position that has received specialized training to support and manage the CirclesŪ program.
CirclesŪ is a high-impact, 18-month-long voluntary strategy designed to:
- provide emotional and practical support
- assist with complex issues
- build the "social capital" of people living in low income situations
- show the community the very real barriers holding people in poverty
- walk with people in poverty and support positive changes in their lives
I would love to provide a copy of the excellent slides from Elaine's talk, but regrettably the slides are under copyright. For more information about the program in Guelph-Waterloo refer to the website http://circlesgw.ca or if you want to contact Elaine with questions or to discuss possibly speaking to your local club, email her at Elaine.Weir@wdgpublichealth.ca .
Anne Cordon, Chair
Status of Women & Human Rights Committee
|
September 26, 2015 Afternoon Sessions |
|
Status of Women and Human Rights Committee
The afternoon session allowed participants to delve into the discussion more deeply with simulations and questions and answers about the Guelph-Waterloo and the Sarnia experiences. We all participated in a graphic journey where we all started at the same point (actually standing on a line across the middle of the room) and then either moving ahead or backwards based on different scenarios capturing opportunities or disadvantages based on gender, race, age, etc. Guess what demographic had progressed ahead the farthest? We closed the session by brain storming ways to apply these principles to our CFUW clubs.
Anne Cordon
Chair, Status of Women and Human Rights Committee
|
Topic: Measuring What Matters:
A New Way of Thinking about Skills
Speaker:
Dr. David Cameron, Research Director,
People for Education
Dr. David Cameron presented a broad overview of school success and the measurements used to describe and define success in the Ontario school system. His background working within Ontario, US and UK school systems combined with his research within the Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat at the Ontario Ministry of Education gives him a broad perspective on our education system.
David began with a historical outline of People for Education, a non-profit organization that partners with parents, teachers, school boards and the government to hold conferences, conduct research and facilitate public dialogue around education in this province, with specific purpose to support public education. The questions: What are we measuring? What are the affects of that process? How is data reported and used? The Measuring What Matters research initiative is working with experts across Canada and beyond, to create a set of core domains and aligned measurement that is educationally useful and reflects a broad set of skills "students will need to live happy, healthy, economically secure and civicly engaged lives". The domains identified to move beyond the basic skills currently assessed (through EQAO) are Health, Social-Emotional Learning, Creativity, Citizenship and Quality Learning Environments.
A very lively discussion touched on many challenges in the current Ontario school system, including the protective nature of educational institutions and working conditions within schools. Measuring What Matters, along with their partners (including the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Atkinson Foundation) is now working with twelve school districts interested in starting action research projects. Schools will integrate the core domains and identified competencies into the life of the school and work toward developing different kinds of data to reflect student success in a broader way. For more information, please see their website: http://peopleforeducation.ca/measuring-what-matters/ or contact David directly at david@peopleforeducation.ca
Kathy Wosnick ,
Chair, Education Committee
|
|
Legislation Committee
Topic: Protecting the Quality and Quantity of Water in Ontario: Key Issues and Policy Update
Speaker: Erica Stahl, Counsel, Canadian
Environmental Law Association
The Legislation Committee welcomed Erica Stahl, Counsel, Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA). CELA is involved in many environmental issues, including protecting our water. It is a member of the Great Lakes Protection Act Alliance (GLPAA), which has been actively engaged in consultations regarding both prior versions of the bill to protect the Great Lakes and the current Bill 66 which probably will have passed third reading by the time this newsletter is published.
CELA is an Ontario specialty legal aid clinic funded by Legal Aid Ontario. Events such as the Walkerton water contamination disaster were a driving force in putting water quality on the agenda. CELA works on behalf of individuals and non-profit citizen groups experiencing pollution and other environmental problems. Its services include litigation, law reform and public legal education. It is currently supporting the Grassy Narrows First Nation in its battle against the Government of Ontario for allowing clear cutting of forests that will release mercury into the waterways. This could be a ground breaker; if this case is won, section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms will broaden protection from harm and discrimination to include that arising from environmental degradation.
CELA follows a "watershed approach" which includes activities that impact water quality at every stage throughout the watershed, from protecting drinking water sources through to ensuring regulatory oversight with checks and balances. Erica recommended that we focus on the first stage: protecting drinking water sources, as it is the most important and the easiest to control. The purpose of the Clean Water Act, 2006, is to protect current and future sources of drinking water. The CELA website, www.cela.ca has fact sheets to answer your questions. There are many provincial laws impacting water and the watershed. An example is the Safe Drinking Water Act passed in 2000 and the Clean Water Act already mentioned. There are also agreements, such as the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA) between the United States and Canada that was signed in 1972 and has been updated several times, most recently in 2012. Its purpose is to protect the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River Basin. It is not legally binding but can be used to put pressure on municipalities. Some of the issues:
- Pathogens: The Great Lakes receive billions of litres of waste water annually from municipal sewage and storm water run-off, as well as billions of litres of untreated sewage as a result of aging sewer systems, and by passes. Heavier rains as a result of climate change are affecting storm water overflows.
- Toxic Chemicals: Facilities releasing toxic chemicals, in some cases toxic chemicals that are carcinogens, are tracked by Environment Canada. Erica showed a map indicating concentrations of facilities releasing chemicals showing alarmingly heavy concentration in particular in southwestern Ontario, in the 'Golden Triangle' (Hamilton Greater Toronto Area) and along the St. Lawrence River.
- Nutrients, primarily phosphorus: This is the cause of the algal bloom in the western part of Lake Erie and is primarily the result of agricultural.
Over 250 pollutants have been found in our waters. Many are from commercial products such as deodorants and pharmaceuticals. Benzene, a carcinogen, is found everywhere. Unfortunately, the targets set in the GLWQA were not updated in the 2012 revision and toxic chemicals have lost priority; in fact, no list of toxic substances is in the agreement so action is yet to be determined. However, its scope was expanded to include dealing with climate change and invasive species.
Another strong voice is the Great Lake City Initiative. CFUW members are urged to find out if your city participates. This could be a venue for partnering to advocate for local water issues that arise.
Great Lakes Protection Act
This is a current priority. The previous two bills died, but the current Bill 66 is going to third reading this week. CELA and other GLPAA members sent a submission recommending amendments and CFUW Ontario Council joined the group in signing this submission. Some purposes include establishing: a Great Lakes Guardian Council; a 6-year Great Lakes Strategy; monitoring and reporting standards.
Erica ended with some actions our Clubs can take.
- Contact our MPPs regarding the Great Lakes Water Protections Act. As I write, this could have passed third reading. If so, you can still write your MPP with your expectations that the government will commit to ensuring sufficient resources to implement the legislation to its full extent.
- Push for a stronger implementation of the GLWQA with a focus on prevention rather than control of toxic substances. You can monitor your municipality to determine if anything is being done to prevent contamination.
- Engage in local implementation of the Source Water Protection Plans developed under the Clean Water Act.
If you require any assistance with letter writing, let me know. Remember, letters sent with your Club's voice and perspective are more effective that a 'form letter'. However, it certainly helps to have samples on hand.
Sheila Lacroix, Chair, Legislation Committee
|
Ontario Council AGM 2015 Updates
|
|
Budget for 2015-2016
The business of the 2015 Annual General Meeting in Ottawa was completed and a new Budget for 2015-2016 was passed. Please see the Annual General Report Booklet given out to the attendees and to be sent out electronically.
Ontario Council Accountant On behalf of CFUW Ontario Council, I would like to welcome Judith Nettleton as our new Ontario Council Accountant. Judith (daughter of Bev Rhodes) was introduced to the CFUW members
attending the September Standing Committee meeting.
Ontario Council Fees
Ontario Council fees are due February 7, 2016.
Ontario Council Insurance Liability Insurance and Directors and Officers Insurance are carried by Ontario Council on behalf of all Ontario Clubs and budgeted at $3,893 this year. A levy is paid annually by each club to cover the premium. This levy is calculated on $0.75 per member and is due on February 7, 2016 and has increased from $0.50 last year.
Standing Committees Meetings
Please note that the registration fee for attendance at Ontario Council Standing Committee Meetings has increased from $30 to $35. Although Ontario Council subsidizes the expense of these meetings, our rent as well as the cost of lunch and coffee increase each year. All members are welcome to register and attend the Standing Committees Meeting and luncheon. Please download the registration form from the Ontario Council website and send the form with a cheque to the Treasurer by the Tuesday preceding the meeting. Marlene Bristol
Ontario Council Treasurer
New Chair of Status of Women and Human Rights Committee
Anne Cordon, CFUW Peterborough, is the new Chair of SW&HR committee. Anne comes with a background in the sciences and an eagerness to be involved with Ontario Council. Anne began her duties when she introduced our Plenary Speaker Elaine Weir on the topic of 'Bridges Out of Poverty' at our September meeting. Brenda Robertson
CFUW Ontario Council President
|
CFUW Mississauga's Election Project
Our biggest project this past year was our Election Project. In the spring, the Issues Group, with a federal election in mind, decided to prioritize issues of concern. Our club members were also invited to submit ideas. The issues were narrowed to ten, researched and discussed. The results were edited and formatted and shared. The project is accessible on the Mississauga website and the National website and we are encouraging CFUW members to use and share the backgrounders and questions.
The Shoebox Project: this will be the third year that CFUW Mississauga has participated in the Shoebox Project. The project aims to provide a shoebox of personal supplies, valued at $50.00 to every woman in a local shelter in December. For many years, we have made a financial collection for our local shelter at our December meeting, interestingly the financial contrition to the shelter has not decreased as the shoeboxes have increased. Last year we filled 45. It is an easy way to support the shelter and packing the boxes is a great way to start the holiday season.
CFUW Southport's Campaign:
 "Grandma Asked Me" to ... Just Vote"
Building on our 2014 Resolution on Democracy:
"Resolved, that the Canadian Federation of University Women and its member Clubs initiate, engage in and promote activities and programs to educate all Canadians about the importance of participating in our democratic system of government and of exercising both our right and our responsibility to vote in all elections"
and the statistic that:
In the 2011 Federal Election on 38.8% of voters between the ages of 18 and 25 cast a ballot
CFUW Southport wanted to do something to actively encourage young people to vote. But how to reach them ?????
Initially we decided rather than CFUW Southport trying to reach out to all of the young voters, we will focus on reaching out to our own generation - friends, family and neighbours, and have them talk to the young people in their lives. We will use our existing networks, contacts, media and methods of communication. The "Grandma Asked Me" ... to Just Vote Campaign was born.
Then, we created a Young Voter's Information Package, which contains information on how to register to vote and links to find out where the Parties stand on the issues. For info go to:
Southport members are talking to and emailing the young people in their own families and to friends across the county. They are sending them the Young Voter's Information Package and asking them to join the campaign. We are reaching out to members of our community by making presentations to our municipal council, other local clubs such as Rotary and Probus, having information booths at local events, and even marching in parades.
By encouraging others to personally reach out young voters we are truly making a difference - one young voter at a time.
If each of the 8000+ CFUW Members county wide, spoke to 4 young people and also encouraged 10 of their friends to speak to 4 young people we'll have touched over 350,000 young voters.
Our Grandmothers would be proud of us.
For more information contact:
Susan MacDonald
CFUW Southport
susanmac@bmts.com
CFUW Saugeen Workshop: "Communicating with Clarity"
CFUW Saugeen is organizing a workshop on "Communicating with Clarity" in partnership with the Quill Learning Network. The workshop will teach participants in businesses, government and social agencies how to write their message and design their documents to better reach their audience.
The Workshop will be held on Friday October 23, 2015 at the Walkerton Agricultural Hall. Choose 9am-12pm or 1pm-4pm. cost $35.
CFUW Saugeen submitted the resolution on "Promoting Plain Language" which was adopted at the 2014 AGM.
Plain Language is the use of clear, simple language, to ensure the message gets across to its intended audience.
Promoting Plain Language
RESOLVED, That Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) urge all levels of government in Canada to implement existing policy and sustain programs that advocate the use of Plain Language; and
RESOLVED, That CFUW urge all levels of government in Canada to apply their Plain Language policies in:
1. Public information released by government departments and agencies
2. Legal documents, business and consumer contracts for the general public
3. Medical reports intended for patients
4. Education-related communication intended for parents, guardians and students
5. Labeling of food and health products for consumers
On adopting the resolution into policy, CFUW Canada, compiled a list of suggested actions for CFUW clubs and members to promote the use of plain language. We can take an active role in monitoring and encouraging its implementation by being aware of when people are disadvantaged by complicated language.
The use of Plain Language makes society more inclusive and allows more people to have control of their own decision-making.
For more information contact:
Trudy Baran
519-364-4015
|
|
August 27--Ontario Council signed on to the letter by the Canadian Environmental Law Association to reject Great Lakes water diversion by the City of Waukesha Wisconsin
June 25--received letter from Ministry of Education re: OC submission to consultations on the new Physical Education and Health curriculum
April 24--Meeting at Ministry of Education re: Early Learning and Child Care
|
Fall Gatherings For Detailed Information:
|
CFUW Ontario North October 24, 2015
Theme:
Empowerment - Letting Your Power Out
LOCATION: Fern Resort, Orilliia
Contact: Karen Thorington President
CFUW Ontario West October 31, 2015
Theme:
Women on Track - All Aboard
Become a powerful influence - collaborate with your community on issues that make a difference in women's lives!
LOCATION: Canada Southern Railway Station 750 Talbot Street, St Thomas Contact: Mary Jane Collins maryjane5272@rogers.com
CFUW Ontario Central November 7, 2015
Round Table Discussions involving the
President/VP, Membership, Program and Advocacy Chairs from the 13 Clubs in the Region.
All Club Members are Welcome!
A Great Opportunity to Share Best Practices
and Next Practices
LOCATION:Yorkminster Park Baptist Church
1585 Yonge Street, Toronto
Organized by Committee
Regional Director, Patricia Joyce
416-622-5628
|
| Club Anniversaries in 2015 |
|
Congratulations!!
CFUW Ottawa 1910 105
CFUW London 1920 95
CFUW Hamilton 1925 90
CFUW Chatham Kent 1945 70
CFUW Oshawa & District 1945 70
CFUW Guelph 1945 70
CFUW Brantford 1945 70
CFUW Orillia 1955 60
CFUW Leaside/East York 1955 60
CFUW Cornwall & District 1955 60
CFUW Perth & District 1970 45
CFUW Orangevill & District 1975 40
CFUW Saugeen 1985 30
CFUW Southport 1990 25
CFUW Kanata 1995 20
|
|
2015-2016 Standing Committees Meetings
|
September 26, 2015
January 23, 2016
March 12, 2016
|
|
2016 AGMs and Conferences
|
|
Ontario Council AGM and Conference
May 13 and 14, 2016
Orangeville, Ontario
CFUW AGM and Conference
June 23-25, 2016
St. Catharines, Ontario
|
|
|
|
|
