Canadian Federation of University Women CFUW Stratford - Spring 2015 Newsletter

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1 STRATFORD Canadian Federation of University Women CFUW Stratford - Spring 2015 Newsletter cfuwstratford@gmail.com Website: cfuwstratford.wordpress.com Message from the President It is a very hard to lose one of our members, but much more, to lose a founding member a woman who exemplified CFUW in so many ways. With the death of Betty Drake we have lost an active and enthusiastic member; one who was engaged in a variety of interest groups, including leading the Learn to Play Bridge group; a woman who was warm and caring with a great sense of humour; who was not afraid of expressing her clearly held opinions; a dearly loved club member who will be missed by all. We are thankful that in celebrating the 60th anniversary last year, we were able to appreciate Betty s enthusiasm and commitment in the beginning of CFUW Stratford, and to hear her memories of the early years of this club. The Club was happy to welcome Cheryl Ambrose, Regional Director for Ontario West, for a visit with the executive in February. It was a very encouraging experience as Cheryl commended CFUW Stratford for being such an active and vital club. This is a message for everyone because it takes every member to make the club welcoming, engaging and interesting. And, as my first supervisor told me: the reward for service is.. more service! We have been invited to consider hosting the 2016 Ontario Council AGM. What a great opportunity to be part of this annual event, and to share the blessings of living in Stratford with CFUW members from across the province. However, we need to consider the possibility carefully before making a proposal to the Ontario Council, but it is an honour to be asked. I look forward to seeing you at the coming meetings and the Elizabethan Dinner; there are definitely interesting things going on in the Club and we need your presence and your input. With Best Regards, Louise McColl- President Contents President s message page 1 Coming Events Remaining 2015 Program page 2 Elizabethan Dinner Fundraiser page 2 Resolution Discussion page Art Series page 4 Advocacy Transportation Group Message page Federal Election page 5 IFUW education manifesto page 5 CFUW Stratford Spring 2015 Newsletter 1

2 Spring 2015 Program: Building Community in a Fragmenting World March 24 April 11 April 28 May 26 Resolutions: Come Prepared for lively discussion see page 3-7:30 p.m. Central United Church, 194 Avondale Avenue, Stratford (enter via back door, off Huntingdon Avenue parking lot) Elizabethan Dinner Fundraiser (more below) 6:30 p.m. Queen`s Inn, 161 Ontario Street, Stratford Mary Jane MacPhail: Support for Families Facing Dementia Program Director, VON Adult Day Away Program 7:30 p.m. Central United Church, 194 Avondale Avenue, Stratford (enter via back door, off Huntingdon Avenue parking lot) Annual General Meeting & Induction of Executive Speakers: Michelle Baldwin Director of Pillar Nonprofit Network, London ON 6:00 p.m., Queen s Inn, 161 Ontario Street, Stratford SIXTH ANNUAL ELIZABETHAN FUNDRAISER DINNER APRIL 11-6:30 PM - QUEEN'S INN Tickets at $45 each include a 4- course Elizabethan themed dinner and entertainment provided by players from St. Michael's Secondary School Drama Program under the direction of Tina Robinson. This year features excerpts from Taming of the Shrew with music from the musical adaptation Kiss Me Kate. Staging designed so that guests hear & see all the action. Proceeds from the evening support the CFUW Scholarship Fund. Advance reservation required. Contact Lois Battle at or Pat Reavy at Invite friends and family to enjoy this unique experience. Seating limited to 75 guests CFUW Stratford Spring 2015 Newsletter 2

3 Proposed CFUW Resolutions for Amendment 2015 Resolutions and the resolution process are important because they allow all CFUW members to be part of creating CFUW policy. Members across the country may initiate draft resolutions; all members are asked to study them and propose amendments if they wish; then all members have a voice in the voting at the AGM through their Club delegate. - Eleanor Scarth, CFUW Resolutions Chair, 2015 RESOLUTION 1: Saving Our Pollinators and Our Environment: Moratorium on the Use of Neonicotinoid Pesticides Proposed by: CFUW Edmonton RESOLVED, That the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) urge federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments of Canada to immediately implement a fiveyear moratorium on the use of the neonicotinoids class of pesticides. RESOLVED, That CFUW urge the Government of Canada to order the completion of independent scientific studies prior to the lifting of the moratorium. RESOLVED, That CFUW urge the Government of Canada to make the full results available for public review and comment prior to lifting of any moratorium on the use of the neonicotinoids class of pesticides. RELATED POLICIES: Protecting the health of Canadians by reducing environmental toxins (2009) RESOLUTION 2: Reducing Climate Change Through the Use of Carbon Taxes Proposed by CFUW Victoria RESOLVED, That the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) urge the Government of Canada to: 1. use national, comprehensive and predictable carbon taxes to moderate greenhouse gas emissions; 2. make carbon taxes the center of a robust Canadian Climate Action Plan; and, 3. encourage the adoption of carbon taxes around the world. RELATED POLICIES: Addressing Climate Change: Greenhouse Gas Emissions (CFUW 2009); Addressing Climate Change: Greenhouse Gas (IFUW 2010); Climate Change: Mitigation, Adaptation and the Inclusion of Women (CFUW 2012). Detailed information about each of these resolutions will be sent by prior to the March meeting. CFUW Stratford Spring 2015 Newsletter 3

4 CFUW STRATFORD ADVOCACY COMMITTEE REPORT Transportation Project: The Advocacy Committee this year has been strengthened by the addition of several capable women committed to getting transportation improved in Stratford. The success of the recent Forum (Feb. 12) at the Kiwanis Centre gave hope to the possibilities and affordability of securing better services. It all depends on the decisions of our political leaders. This makes advocacy even more important. Being able to meet face to face with these decision makers is paramount and this C.F.U.W. group continues to reach out to the powers that be. Thank you, for your support. CFUW Art and Design Series, C Joseph Hisey and Bob Phillips lead three sessions on the history of stage design from the Greeks to modern theatre. Friday afternoons Oct. 16, 23 and 30 At the River Garden $50 for the series, $20 per session PROCEEDS SUPPORT CFUW STRATFORD S SCHOLARSHIPS FOR LOCAL STUDENTS CFUW Stratford Spring 2015 Newsletter 4

5 The 2015 Federal Election October 19, 2015, or earlier "The real spirit of the suffrage movement is sympathy and interest in the other woman, and the desire to make the world a more homelike place to live in." Nellie McClung, 1914 Join CFUW in the Up for Debate campaign upfordebate.ca, calling for a leader s debate on women s issues and commitment to change women s lives for the better, here and globally. Get serious about ending violence against women and girls Address the root causes of violence against women in Canada, including the extreme levels of violence against Aboriginal women and girls. Provide support for survivors, hold perpetrators accountable, challenge sexism that perpetuates violence, and show leadership on the international stage to end violence against women. Take action to end women s economic inequality Address growing economic inequality and income gaps, including between women themselves. Recognize women s contributions to the economy and society, and fund public services and social programs that help lift women out of poverty, beginning with universal childcare, affordable housing, and fairer immigration policies. Significantly increase Canada s international development budget that is specifically allocated to advance gender justice and women s empowerment. Support women s leadership Recognize the fundamental role that women s organizations play in bringing about positive social change, and re- invest in Canada s organizations and institutions that champion justice and equality for all women. Create a flagship fund to support women s organizations and women s human rights defenders around the world. CFUW Stratford is inviting local candidates to participate in a public forum to present their position on these issues and identify those concerns of particular relevance in our riding. IFUW Launches Education Manifestos In January, the International Federation of University Women launched its 5 education manifestos, which advocate for the lifelong course of education for girls and women, highlight barriers of access and provide concrete policy recommendations. The manifestos address education for all, secondary education, tertiary education, continuing education, and non-traditional education. Education for All Access to education is both an internationally recognized human right, as well as a fundamental enabler for economic growth, human development, peace and stability Girls and women are particularly vulnerable and many need increased support to access quality secondary, tertiary and continuing education Investing in education for girls and women through their life course is critical to reduce inequality and to stimulate development. CFUW Stratford Spring 2015 Newsletter 5