STANDING COMMITTEES
Advocacy Advocacy by an individual or by a group normally aim to influence public-policy and resource allocation decisions within political, economic, and social systems and institutions; it may be motivated from moral, ethical or faith principles or simply to protect an asset of interest. Advocacy can include many activities that a person or organization undertakes including media campaigns, public speaking, commissioning and publishing research or poll or the 'filing of friend of the court briefs'. Lobbying is a form of advocacy where a direct approach is made to legislators on an issue which plays a significant role in modern politics.  CFUW's policy book is available on-line at www.cfuw.org .  Our policies come from our Resolutions which are debated each year.  The process begins with an "Intent to submit" in October and ends with a vote at our National AGM in the summer.  This year our Advocacy chair is Elisabeth Kuiper who plans to focus on "Youth and Mental Health".

Education
Awards
Our Education Awards Committee is chaired by our Vice President, Brenda Ethier, for 2010 - 2012.  The committee get together in the New Year following our House Tour.  Based on the success of the House Tour, the amount of funds allocated for Education Awards is determined.  They meet to review the Education Awards criteria, determine a schedule, receive and review applications and make decisions for successful Education Award Winners or the CFUW Perth and District Club.

Education, Literacy and Arts
  
Barbara Whitehouse, Committee Chair:
Multiple sub committees have been created  to support these areas. They are:
 

Community Mentoring(YAK)

YAK (YOUTH ACTION KOMMITTEE) of Perth and District is a charitable organization working to provide opportunities, support, resources, information, training and encouragement to youth in Perth and the surrounding rural area.

YAK provides youth with valuable experiences of personal development, opportunities for spontaneous socialization, and exposure to the benefits of positive role models. Community youth come to the centre voluntarily creating stellar opportunities for youth engagement initiatives. Youth acceptance into our programs and activities is universal and non-conditional.

Over the past decade, YAK has made a remarkable impact on the well being of local youth and the community of Perth and District.  These accomplishments include a full roster of recreational and fun activities, after school programs, life skills and employment development, substance use and abuse awareness and homeless youth support

Historical Fair - John McKenty (Regional Fair Coordinator) www.prhf.org

"Heritage Fairs begin as hands-on, independent research projects. Students take on the roles of historian, interpreter, storyteller, and myth-maker. They learn and teach others about Canadian heroes and legends, milestones in their communities, or family achievements.

Since its beginning in 1993, the Fairs Program has grown to include more than 263,000 students across Canada each year. In the long term, it is the intention of the Ontario Heritage Fairs Association that every eligible student in Ontario will have the opportunity to participate in a Fair or an on-line Fair Showcase during his or her years at school.

Regional Heritage Fairs are vibrant community celebrations where local museums, historical associations, businesses and multicultural groups come together to offer displays, demonstrations, food, and entertainment. Most Regional Fairs include heritage-related activities like educational workshops, cultural performances, and guest speakers, which enhance the students' experiences during the Fair and sustain their interest in history after the event is over. All Regional Fairs have public open hours when students are asked to interpret their projects for visitors, thereby sharing their stories with the community."



Library Summer Reading Program

Reading Groups

Ready2Read

The purpose of this committee is to foster a love of books and reading. It has been modelled after the very successful program which was started at Maple Grove School over 16 years ago by primary teachers concerned with the early speech and language development for all children.

Once a month, a free book package is given to each child containing abook, newsletter which suggests family activities, simple writing and math activities and a treat.  The package will help prepare the pre-schoolers for learning in the more formal setting of the schoolroom.

Environment Committee
Peggy Land, Environment Committee Chair: Saving the Planet requires thinking globally and acting locally, and this committee offers a place to do both in the supportive company of our peers.  We aim to educate ourselves and others about the environmental challenges of our times,  take on do-able educational and advocacy projects of our choosing, and to liase effectively with other like-minded groups. We also have the opportunity ( and responsibility) for the program of the April CFUW meeting, designated for an environment theme, and to give a written report for the AGM in May or June. Advocating strongly for an anti-idling bylaw in Perth continues to be one of our projects.  Are you interested in working on this Committee? We need your assistance, ideas, enthusiasm and support!  We meet monthly.

Fundraising
Lynne Stockless,  Committee Chair:  
  • International Projects: $18, 000 (Lanark Grannies, Afghanistan, Nepal)
  • New Generations (Afghanistan) $1,500, Oxfam $500, Guatemala $500
  • Local Donations: YAK, Libraries, Charitable Trust, Lanark Youth, Historical Fair, Ready 2  Read, etc. (approx $10,000) Stewart Park Festival ($5,000)
  • House Tour's Total (4 yrs) $55,000
  • Education Awards Total (4 yrs) $37,000

    2007  $   1,500

    2008  $   8,000

    2009  $ 10,000 

    2010  $ 17,500

Hospitality
Gerda Hearty, Committee Chair:  Refreshments are prepared and served at monthly general meetings. Arrangements are also made for the opening, Christmas and AGM meetings.

Interest Groups
Evelyn Izzard, Committee Chair:  Groups of ladies with common interests get together  to play, learn and socialize.  Refer to the Interest Groups tab for detailed information on the various groups.

New Members Liaison
Mary Beverly, Committee Chair:  Acts as welcome wagon and liason between old and new members.  the Buddy system is encouraged to help all new members become familiar with the club and its activites.  Monthly coffees and several lunches are arranged throughout the year.

Nominating
Pat Bertrim, Past Presient - Committee Chair:  Prepares a proposed Slate of Officers and Committee Chairs for the next year.

Newsletter
Barb Mingie,  Chair:
Prepares a monthly newsletter with contributions from members of the Executive and Interest Groups.

Program
Speakers of interest to members and community.

Publicity
Jackie Boyer:Articles are published in local newspapers after most monthly meetings. They include summaries on speaker's topics, upcoming events, special interest groups and activities related to CFUW mandate and goals. Major chapter events are promoted  in several ways, including coverage by local and Ottawa press, postings on local and regional websites, distribution of posters and interviews on local radio stations.