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Dear CFUW Ontario Council Members
Welcome to the D&D issue containing the programs for the March 12, 2016 Standing Committees Meeting and Ontario Council updates.
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Next Standing Committees Meeting
Register for our next
Standing Committees Meeting
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March 12, 2016
Standing Committees
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Joint Morning Session
Topic: : Refugee Crises: The Challenging Road to ResettlementThe current Syrian refugee crisis is on everyone's mind as Canada opens its doors to yet another wave of displaced peoples. The morning plenary will feature two speakers whose presentations will take us through both ends of the journey. Dr. Secil Ertorer has recently researched displaced Syrians in Turkey and will enlighten us about the challenges facing the refugees, their hosts, and NGOs.
Dr. Branka Agic, Project Lead of CAMH's Refugee Mental Health Project, will focus on post resettlement needs and challenges, and the services and supports that have been developed at the national and provincial level. Speakers: Secil Ertorer, PhD , is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Sociology and the Centre for Refugee Studies at York University. Secil received her PhD in Sociology with a specialization in Migration and Ethnic Relations from the University of Western Ontario. She worked as a postdoctoral fellow at the Centre for Research on Migration and Ethnic Relations at The University of Western Ontario. She joined York University in 2013. Her research interests are in the areas of refugee studies, race and ethnicity, migration, and integration. Secil has conducted research in England, Turkey and Canada with various refugee groups, such as Turkish, Kurdish, Karen, Burmese, and Syrian. A Struggle to Survive - Syrian Refugees in a Hostile Zone The Syrian refugee crisis is the world's biggest humanitarian crisis after the Second World War. This presentation will go beyond introducing Syrian refugees as statistics and look deeper in their struggle for seeking refuge in safe countries. It will address the experiences of Syrians who are faced with the challenge of crossing the borders and setting up new lives in new societies that are not welcoming. The stories are based on a recent project which involved conducting field work in Turkey, summer 2015, interviewing Syrian refugees, settlement workers, NGO workers assisting refugees as well as members of the host society. Branka Agic, PhD, is the Manager of Health Equity at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical Public Health at the University of Toronto Dalla Lana School of Public Health. Branka holds a PhD in Health and Behavioral Sciences and a MHSc in Health Promotion with the Collaborative Program in Addiction Studies (CoPAS) from the University of Toronto, along with a Medical Degree from the University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Branka has extensive experience in counseling, research and service development with immigrants and refugees. She is currently the Principal Investigator (PI) on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada-funded Refugee Mental Health Project. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture (CCVT). Mental Health and Well Being of Refugees in Canada Dr. Agic's presentation will focus on issues refugees face at the other end of the journey: post-migration factors, primarily the mental health and well-being of refugees in Canada. In addition to the basics (food, shelter, clothing), they need meaningful employment opportunities, and access to health care, education and social services; overall, a supportive community. She will describe her involvement in various initiatives, national and provincial, developed to support communities and service providers in offering hope and opportunity for refugees. Afternoon: Legislation Committee MeetingMental Health and Well Being of Refugees in Canada: Continuing the DiscussionDr. Agic will be joining us to continue the discussion in more detail on how we can support the mental health and well being of refugees settling in our communities. Dr. Agic will facilitate our discussion as we will look into the determinants of mental health and how protective factors within refugee families and groups can be acknowledged and supported to promote resiliency. If you are involved in refugee resettlement in your community, feel free to bring your questions and experiences.
Sheila Lacroix,
Legislation Committee Chair
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March 12, 2016 Afternoon Sessions |
Education Committee
Topic: Reconciliation through Education
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action
This workshop will examine: - Historical and current contexts of Aboriginal education in Ontario
- Promising practices that support student success and well being within the urban context
- The work of the Aboriginal Education Centre, Toronto District School Board
- Reconciliation through education ....implications for practice
Speaker: Tanya Senk is a Métis/Cree/Anisihinaabe educator/artist/writer.
She has been a classroom teacher, Instructional Leader, Aboriginal Education, a Course Director at York University, in the Faculty of Education, Teacher Education Programs, and is currently the Coordinator for Aboriginal Education, Toronto District School Board. As a PhD candidate at York University, Aboriginal Education, her research interests include Professional Development, Decolonizing and Indigenizing Education, and Indigenous Aesthetics. She has also written and reviewed with publishers such as Pearson, Goodminds, Indigenous Education Press, Nelson, Emond Montgomery, ETFO, and Pembroke, on Indigenous Education. Kathy Wosnick, Education Chair
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Status of Women and Human Rights Committee
Topic: Social Justice and Human Rights: Fundamentals of Real Change in Society COPA, Centre Ontarien de Prevention des Aggressions, an award-winning Francophone provincial non-profit organization, believes social justice and human rights are key to real change in our communities.
COPA will offer participants tools, resources, and practical strategies to
foster equitable and inclusive schools and communities from a unique
empowerment based approach focusing on bullying prevention and equity and
inclusion Speaker: Mohini Athia is Director of Communications at COPA, offering schools in Ontario a range of unique programs and resources focusing on bullying prevention and equity and inclusion.
Mohini is also a secondary school
teacher, specializing in business studies and special education. She has
been seconded/on leave from the Toronto District School Board.
Mohini's long-standing commitment to social justice and the injection of this
perspective into all realms of her teaching life drew her to COPA's unique
and remarkable rights-based approach to fostering 'safe, strong and free'
schools and communities. Her personal interests include traveling, running, and volunteering at Toronto's Native Canadian Centre. Anne Cordon Status of Women & Human Rights Chair
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President's Message
March 2016
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"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence".
Helen Keller
A few years ago, a Recipe for a Healthy Club was given out. Some clubs used this recipe to survey their membership and take the pulse of their club. The process was to determine Where we are? The next steps would be to find out Where we would like to be? How do we get there? A number of clubs went further, designing their own surveys, asking specific questions about their club. Their membership was consulted and discussions held. I know of a few clubs who decided to have a facilitator to guide them with this exploration and course of direction. They saw this as a means of moving their club forward. During a transformation, the journey can be fraught with disagreements, and misunderstandings. Time and patience are essential. Listening, sharing various perspectives and respecting each other in these conversations would be important.
The belief in CFUW is the thread that binds us together and I would like to think is stronger than our differences. Another thread is the value and respect we have for our members. On the recipe survey, three items that always seemed to receive high ratings were Fellowship, Respect for members and Valuing members. I think this speaks well of CFUW clubs. During this biennium, clubs were asked to consider their strengths, opportunities available and a plan of action in moving forward. Various sample surveys are available if you would like to engage in this endeavour. Thank you to those clubs who so generously shared your journey and provided copies of the surveys. The courage and strength of your members encourages growth on many levels. As we know, anything worthwhile takes a lot of effort. Please share your process of moving forward in your club and send these to me and your Regional Director. One of the strengths of CFUW is the Advocacy work we do. As a self-funded organization, we are under no restrictions for the issues we choose guided by our policy. From International advocacy on promoting Education of Women/Girls world- wide, to the National Initiative of Violence Against Women, to Provincial issues such as Human Trafficking, the Gender Wage Gap to local concerns such as the closure of a university campus, CFUW members can take constructive action. In the next few weeks, clubs will be asked to share their advocacy efforts for this past year in regards to something new, or what has been built on/extended from previous work. I am always astounded by the amount of advocacy accomplished, but never surprised as I know the capacity of the Ontario clubs in the outreach in their communities and the passion they have to address inequities. Thank you. Whatever the process or transformation your club may be going through, may we always hold on to the importance of fellowship, respect for others and the valuing our friendships.
I will look forward to seeing all of you at the 2016 Ontario Council AGM and Conference hosted by CFUW Orangeville and District May 13-14.
Sincerely,
Brenda |
- Letter sent to Premier Wynne regarding the passing of Bill 66 Great Lakes Protection Act amendments
- Material on Early Childhood Education and Child Care from the Atkinson Foundation sent out to Ontario clubs
- Advocacy material sent to clubs on the Grandma Asked me to Vote campaign
- Received letter from Ministry of Education re: OC submission to consultations on the new Physical Education and Health curriculum
- Advocacy material sent to clubs on consultations by provincial government on Gender Wage Gap
- Attended consultations on Gender Wage Gap.
- Ontario Council sent in written submission on Gender Wage Gap
- Attended two day provincial Summit on the government's strategy "It's Never Okay" Sexual Violence and Harassment in Toronto November 19-20
- Ontario Council response sent on A Blueprint for Change: A Proposal to Modernize and Strengthen the Aggregate Resources Act policy framework (EBR #012-5444)
- February 2016: Ontario Council made a submission for the Ontario pre-budget consultations
- February 2016: Ontario Council signed on with the Environmental Law Association and other signatories to submit a letter to Premier Wynne outlining our concerns regarding the process that Ontario has established to review Waukesha's water diversion proposal.
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2016 Ontario Council Proposed Resolution |
Age Discrimination
in Ontario Employee Benefit Programs
Proposed by CFUW Ottawa
For the Full Text go to "Policy and Resolutions" on the Ontario website: cfuwontcouncil.ca Each Ontario Council Club is urged to make arrangements to circulate the Ontario Council Proposed Resolution among its members and to discuss it. Your delegates will be voting on this issue at the AGM.Important Dates:
April 1, 2016 - Amendments Due
April 15, 2016 - Final Amended Version of Resolution to clubs.
May 14, 2016 - Vote at the Ontario Council AGM.
Amendments should be e-mailed to:
resolutions@cfuwontcouncil.ca |
October 22, 2016
Ontario East
Hosted by CFUW Kanata
November 5, 2016
Ontario South Fall Gathering
Hosted by CFUW Burlington
"Challenging the Future: The Power of Change"
Burlington Golf and Country Club
Registration begins at 9:00 a.m.
Program begins at 9:30 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m.
November 12, 2016
Ontario Central
Hosted in Toronto by Central Region Clubs
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| Club Anniversaries in 2016 |
Congratulations!!
CFUW St. Catharines 1921 95
CFUW Welland & District 1941 75
CFUW North Bay 1941 75
CFUW Windsor 1946 70
UWC North York 1951 65
CFUW St. Thomas 1951 65
CFUW Scarborough 1961 55
CFUW Brampton 1961 55
CFUW Georgetown 1971 45
CFUW Kincardine 1991 25
CFUW Owen Sound & Dist. 1991 25
CFUW Northumberland 1991 25
CFUW Grimsby 1991 25
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2016 Ontario Council AGM News
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CFUW Ontario Council Annual General Meeting 2016 May 13 & 14, 2016 Hockley Valley Resort 793522 3rd Line EHS, Mono (just northwest of Orangeville)
Friday May 13 Welcome Reception & Leadership Workshop Saturday May 14 Business Meeting & Plenary Sessions
Building Bridges - Creating Connections
- To Honour the Truth & Reconcile for the Future
- To Reduce Poverty
Registration fee Friday & Saturday - $110 per person
Friday Welcome Reception only - $25 per person
Hosted by CFUW - Orangeville & District
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May 13 & 14, 2016
All Ontario Clubs Are Welcome in Orangeville for the AGM!
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CFUW - Orangeville & District is hosting the 2016 Ontario Council AGM and Conference this year.
Please mark your calendars for May 13 and May 14, 2016. It will be held at Hockley Valley Resort in the beautiful hills of the Town of Mono, just northeast of Orangeville. This resort has a lot to offer in each of the four seasons, but springtime is especially verdant and vibrant.
The theme for our 2016 conference is Building Bridges - Creating Connections. You will be able to begin connecting immediately at the Friday evening Welcome Reception and Leadership Workshop. The entertainment that night will be both delightful and meaningful, culminating in a bonfire to spark new friendships and warm our souls with reconnections. Please keep in mind that the mantra of CFUW-Orangeville is "Wine,Women and Song"!
On Saturday, Building Bridges and Creating Connections will focus our energies on two goals: To Honour the Truth & Reconcile for the Future and To Reduce Poverty. Our speakers include:
Jodie-Lynn Waddilove, Legal Counsel, Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General, Aboriginal Justice Division [To Honour the Truth & Reconcile for the Future]
Karen Glass, Executive Director, Poverty Reduction Strategy Ontario and Laura Cattari, writer and community advocate Hamilton [To Reduce Poverty]
The conference ends at 4 pm on Saturday. You may wish to visit Orangeville with its award-winning main street or walk the gem of a trail at the Island Lake Conservation area. No matter your interest, there is something in the area. Such as fab restaurants! CFUW- Orangeville will offer some wonderful foodie-friendly dinner destinations for those staying longer. Or you may wish to avail yourself of the services of the luxurious Hockley Valley Resort Spa or play a round on the Resort's championship links-style golf course.
The Hockley Valley Resort is offering a special OC rate for overnight accommodation plus buffet breakfast for $189.00 Single Occupancy (per person, per night) + taxes & gratuities and
$101.50 Double Occupancy (per person, per night) + taxes & gratuities.
To ensure the OC special rate, please make your reservation on or before April 8, 2016 - reference CFUW Orangeville and District, Ontario Council AGM - event number 35590. For reservations, call 1-866-HOCKLEY(462-5539).
If your club would like to reserve a table for displays/sales, please contact OC President Brenda Robertson to identify your interest and any questions you may have.
We are asking members to try to register no later than May 6th.
The registration fee covers leadership workshop, welcome reception, business meeting, plenary sessions, debriefs, lunch Saturday.
Friday/Saturday registration fee $110 per person or
Friday night welcome reception only - $25 per person.
Play to Win! There is an Early Bird Draw for those registered by April 27th
REGISTRATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE!
We look forward to connecting with you on May 13 and 14**
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Standing Committees Meetings
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September 24, 2016
Enter the Date on Your Calendar Now!
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2016 AGMs and Conferences
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Ontario Council AGM and Conference
May 13 and 14, 2016
Orangeville, Ontario
CFUW AGM and Conference
June 23-25, 2016
St. Catharines, Ontario
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