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Qiday, Qiday ‘rom the Valley By Christine Reab urn History shows the Women’s Institute as an organization that cares for people, or issues that happen down the road, across Canada and around the world. Women’s Institute has helped to build strong communities because they have a social conscience. Members have the drive and the initiative to affect change through leg- islation that strives for the betterment of our society. There are momentous decisions on the horizon affected by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). the World Trade Organization (WTO) and glo- balization. How will this affect how business is done in Canada? How will it affect our natural resources. such as water. oil. gas and lumber? Any of these topics would make for an absorbing Branch pro- gram or community information evening. 5 well, the Women's Institute is a power- I lobby. So do share your opinions with the appropriate levels of government The condition and treatment of women in various countries around the world is of prime concern. Women in Afghanistan and Iraq and the girl child in China come to mind. At the Associated Country Women .\\\ | //,;.. of the World (ACWW) Conference in Hamilton in June resolutions were passed urging all ACWW societies to work to- wards the elimination of the “Trafficking of Women" and the implementation ofthe “Convention on the Rights of the Child." These subjects would make an excellent program in conjunction with recognition of World Rural Women's Day on October l5. 1 would enjoy hearing about yourprograms to honour this special day. The FWIO Provincial Board and the Ontario Coordinating Committee (OCC) send you their thanks and appreciation for your support ol' the 23”] Triennial Confer ence of the ACWW. Your donations of funds, post cards. stamps, programs and favours wcrc appreciated. We have re ceived many cards and letters at the Provincial Office thanking you for your hospitality and enthusiasm. Many mem- bers from across Ontario attended the Conference. Please ask them to share their experiences; I'm sure they will have some great stories to relate. Has your cotttlttttnity dedicated a plaque or monument in recognition ofthe work of the Women's Institute in your area? I discovered several while visiting with members this past summer and I would like to compile a record of them. If your WI group has been honoured in such a way, please send a brief history or report. along with a photograph if possible. to the FWIO Provincial Office. Please mark the enve- lope â€" “Attention - Christine." Also. how many Women‘s Institute groups have a sign at the entrance to your village. town or city? Have you adopted a section of highway under the Adopt»Aâ€" Road program in Ontario? Do you wear special t-shirts or aprons promoting the WI when you volunteer in your community? Please send a brief report and photograph to the Provincial Office if these apply to your WI. Again. mark the envelope â€" “Attention ' Christine." We pre six months into the membership challenge as outlined on page 7 ofthe Sum; mer Hmnc (St Country. I do hopc you are meeting with success in this venture. As always. I look forward to visiting with you at Area Conventions LlnLl learning of your projects and activities Thc Women's lnstitute is no orgttnim» lion that has always provided education, fellowship and community lentlcrship. We have a vibrant history. so let Us share our [04 years ot'expcrience with others. Til next time, Christine Reabum IS the PrE'SldE'I‘lI cl Fill/l0. She can be reached at RR 1, Wesrrnealh ON K0! 2L0. Phone’ 613 5323569, Fax 67375523569. Email‘ rhristmereaburnréJhotma/l (om ROSE Health Program Update Dear Members, t's 10:30 pm on a Sunday night, little Avery, who is 2 months old, is finally asleep. I can write in peace (lor now)l Yes, I'm now on mater- nity leave and loving it! We welcomed our son. Avery Philip on July 5, who weighed a mere-10 lbs, 11 02! We are both doing fine and I'm thor- oughly enjoying my time with himl During my absence. WI Member Gail Murdock will be volunteering hertime as the interim Health Program Coordinator. Gail was on the Health Committee while the ROSE Health Program was being developed and implemented and she brings an abundance of skill and knowledge to no position. For information about the program ‘d/cr participating partners. please leave a From left to right are Kelly, Yvonne and Kathy, Leadership Training Session Facilllalors. message lor Gail at 519-836-3056 or email her at g.r.murdock@sympatico.ca If your Branch would like to order ROSE Health Program brochures, contact the Provincial Office. Health Session reports and profiles can be sent by mail to the Provincial Office, by email to roseheallhprogram@fwi0.0n.ca or by tax to 519~836-3094. Although I'm on maternity leave, I’m still assist- ing with correspondence and enjoying the reports I've received about your health initiatives! Please keep sending them in 7 we have a grow- ing database and presentation binder in which to recognize your accomplishmentsl Once again. I would like to extend my appre- ciation to all the members (almosl 800‘) who attended the Leadership Training Sessions over the past year. You were lull ol energy and ideasl I look Iorward to hearing about how you and your Branches used the information you receivedt Kathy (who asststed from March â€" November 2000], Yvonne (who assisted from November 2000 â€" May 2001 ) and I. thank you Iorwelcoming us into your communities! Keep In touchl Kt'llr Home E Country, Full 20!“ 3