In Rtise Marie Smith Spring IS in the airl Spring signiï¬es new beginnrngs and a l’resh look on life So, let us lrml: to the Women‘s Institute with rm: ideas to promote a positive image. I i promote a progressive image and to proniut-e an organization for women. their lirmlies .incl their communities. An impressive Idea! The ILllf‘tl was Simple â€" the Codrington \‘.l aflVE'I‘TI'SECl in the local newspapers vr in t‘iwini'nunity newsletters They paid time aiienrion to the wording spelling accuracy were of prime concern. is .‘.;i:. gummar Their well thought out .iiitl «designed advertisement presented «spinal image and was key to ' mr ellv:x:‘ii\'e use of this media The \ isuall) appealing ad presented WI facts in a [WWIIIHE way and was geared to ' :rii ir 1 new members by encouraging . tuinquirelormoremformationby phoning a specific number Why not incl Blue Hats Vittoria WI members wore their Blue Hats to lunch at a local restaurant on February l9asthey celebratedtheanniversaryofthe inception date of the Women's institute The Blue Hats, of course, are a curiosity allowing curious people the opportunity to question. In turn. members are able to relay facts and information about the WI in a nice quiet way. Word gets around that the Women's Institute is still active in the community What a great idea to meet occasionally for lunch. while donning your Blue Hats! Hats off to Thunder Bay District As outlined on page 9 of the Winter 2005 issue of the Home «5 Country newsletter. the Thunder Bay District Women's Institute published their first newsletter last September. District Public Relations Coordinator Ieanne Davies coliates the information submitted from the Branches onto to a legalâ€"sized sheet of paper. which is then folded in half, becoming a four- page newsletter packed wrth news. The more I thought about and read these newsletters, the more sure i became that this was a great idea for each District and Area in the province. It is a great way to keep the Districts involved and. most importantly, the newsletter prOVides a communication link between the Branches and between each Branch an the District. Sharing generates new ideai. for fundraising, meetings and programs and builds a strong WI focus in an area W1 Week How did your Branch celebrate the Women‘s Institute anniversary? Perhaps each Branch or District would like to establish an annual celebration ritual for the Women's Institute anniversary date in February For example. the ritual could be that each member string white lights or blue and gold lights on a tree or shrub and light them on February 19 each year This could be a newsworthy event for the local newspaper informing the public of this special day and keeping the focus on local Branches of the Women’s Institute. Why not share your promotional ideas with everyone? Drop me a line and let me know. 1 Will compile a list for distribution Rose Marie Smith is the Public Relations Coordinator for FWIO She can be reached at I389 Lynn Valley Road. RR 1, For. Dover ON NOA lNl. Phone: 510-428- 6761, Email montesCé'ican net The Nelson Women‘s institute was formed 79 years ago and was named after the village of Nelson, located at the corner of the Guelph Line and the Dundas highway Nelson W] is the southern most Branch in the Wellington Halton District Members rome from Milton, Oakville. Mississauga and Burlington and surrounding areas. The group of 28 members has a lot of fun and laughter at their meetings. in addition to guest speakers and informative programs. They ofï¬cially presented themselves last. DECElTIlJI'ET with the new identifying mark of the Blue Hats They are now dubbed the Nelson WI “Blue Bonnet Belles." Sillimlllt’tl try Mnisie MacKay. PRO. Nelson WI, Wellington Halton, Guelph Area. we: . V' " $1359.“ vea‘rï¬ut p ’ ‘ “442503113559 l