WHAT EXACTLY IS CFUW? - A Presentation at the September 9, 2013 Meeting
In March 1919 the Canadian Federation of University Women was created. The remarkable industrial expansion that occurred after the beginning of the First World War opened up many opportunities for women. Some of the leaders among university women in Canada had long dreamt of a national federation, but the effective impulse to found it came from Great Britain. Early in 1919, Dr. Winifred Cullis of Britain, who had spent time in Canada during the war years lecturing at Toronto University suggested that women in Canada might wish to organize a national federation so that Canada might become one of the first countries to join in the emerging International Federation of University Women.
Canada’s response was immediate. In March 1919 at a conference of four of the leaders in university organizations, a constitution was drafted and a meeting in Winnipeg the coming summer was undertaken. Six clubs – Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Regina, Edmonton and Victoria as well as McGill Alumnae sent delegates. Education in all its phases was declared to be the first interest of the new federation. The first matters of business included the plan to set up a Fellowship, to get women to stand for election to Board, and support for women to engage in politics. The Canadian Federation of University Women was born.
Today CFUW is a federation of 110 clubs across the country. Each club has its own executive board who govern the operation of their club. The national office has a facebook page which you can access to learn about current advocacy issues, and sends out “A Week in Review” which also details what’s happening and how we can participate.
In July 1919 the federations of America, Great Britain and Canada met to establish the IFUW to promote understanding and friendship between university women of the world. Delegates attended the IFUW meeting held in London in 1920: from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Holland, India, Italy, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, and the United States. At this first meeting, the foundation for international scholarships was laid down. The first CFUW Scholarship valued at $1,000, was called the Federation Scholarship. Education is the key to gender equality. While progress is being made, access to education is still a distant dream for many women and girls. The fellowships and grants offered by IFUW and its national affiliates support the research, study and training needed to open doors to quality education for women and girls throughout the world. Now, more than ever, the education and empowerment of women is crucial especially in the developing world.
I’d like to invite Carol Hare to share some of her news about IFUW. We are very fortunate in our group to have Carol among us. She is the VP of Finance for CFUW National, assistant Treasurer of IFUW and chair of the Charitable Trust. Carol has just returned from the triennial conference of IFUW in Istanbul and she brought along a presentation about IFUW.
Note to Members: Please follow this link to view Carol Hare's About IFUW presentation.
We’re no slouches here either! Locally the university alumnae of Port Credit had been attending the Oakville Women’s Club, but decided in 1953 to form a group of their own. On March 23rd, 1953, 65 women met at the home of Frances Thompson to form the Federation of University Women. By 1956 the membership was 110 and the dues were $5.00 plus 25 cents each meeting. In 1970 when the small towns were amalgamated, we were renamed CFUW Mississauga.
Betty Tugman, one of our early members and former club president, had a very large role to play in the development of Ontario Council, which had started in 1978. Betty became a provincial director and was instrumental in developing and promoting leadership skills with hands-on workshops for club executives. She promoted the idea of Ontario Council gathering 3 times a year to study issues around legislation, status of women and education, and in time, the Ontario delegates were dubbed by those outside the province as “The Upper Canada Mafia” because under Betty’s guidance, they became powerhouses. It was she who began the fall gatherings in the various Ontario regions so that members could come together and interact, exchange ideas and explore possibilities. Betty went on to become Provincial Director and Ontario VP on National Council. She gained respect for CFUW from one federal cabinet minister after another by presenting issues with clarity and force. Once they realized that we are an organization of educated women across the country operating in English and French, are self-funded and non-partisan, federal doors were open. Betty was accorded an Honorary Life membership in 1988 in recognition of her immense contribution at the national, provincial and local levels.
Our affiliation with Erindale College began even before the college opened when we were asked to investigate the need for a “Peel University” in 1964, CFUW members did the registration for the first extension course offered for Erindale College. When the College was opened in 1964, CFUW members continued to be involved and our scholarship fund began:
The Issues Group bases its activities on a selection of a variety of issues which are drawn to our attention by CFUW National in their regular publications - "News from CFUW" and the "Week in Review". The Group decides which ones to investigate and support as they apply to our community in Mississauga and across Canada. It also draws attention to these issues where club support can offer assistance. This group meets monthly and welcomes all members. If you want to be part of an action group, this is one you should consider joining!
They guide us through the resolutions process. Various clubs present a resolution for consideration, we research these and consider whether or not they should pass or be amended. They are presented to members and voted on at our April meeting. These are then taken to the AGM where the entire body goes through the same process to amend and vote on resolutions. Those passed are taken back to clubs for further action. At the national level, we monitor federal legislation and policies and stay in contact with the Government of Canada and other government officials to communicate our members’ views.
Last year we raised funds for the Bina Roy project to stop violence against women in Sierra Leone, Habitat for Humanity with our penny drive, Armaugh House with our donation of memory sticks and money, the Ecole Polytechnique Commemorative Award (which acts as a living memorial to the victims of the massacre) , and Hillside School through our clothing and skates drive and contribution to their breakfast and lunch program which is run by one of their staff. Perhaps the project of which we can be most proud is our book, Extraordinary Lives: Inspiring Women of Peel. Under the leadership of our past President, Gail Crawford and Joan Barrett, co-convenor of our Issues group, this book came from a vision to reality with contributions from many members who helped to research, write it, produce it, fund-raise for it and market it. All funds required for the production of the book were obtained through a grant from the city and fund-raising activities, which means that every cent raised through sales goes directly to the National Trust to provide scholarships for women pursuing post-graduate degrees. (show slide of Anna Pidgorna: winner of the Creative Music Award, who is studying at the Banff Centre of the Arts) As well as being an awesome tale of inspiring lives, our book shows us what good planning and hard work can accomplish! We’ve already donated $11,000 to The Charitable Trust and we still have many more books to sell, so please continue to support this very worthy cause by giving these as gifts to other young women who may receive inspiration from reading about those profiled in the book. Every book sold is a donation to the Charitable Trust.
We participate in Ontario Council meetings which are held three times a year, in Sept., Jan and March at
Yorkminster Park Baptist Church on Yonge St. The meeting Sept 28th will feature Alia Hogben, Executive director of Canadian Council of Muslim Women. These meetings introduce us to important issues and encourage our participation in finding solutions. If you haven’t attended, please see me or send me an e-mail. Our club covers the cost of 3 members, but for $35 it’s a wonderful learning opportunity with a delicious lunch made by the ladies of the church, and the more the merrier, so please consider joining us there!
Another excellent experience is the Ontario South Fall gathering which this year will be held at the Brantford Golf and Country Club, the theme is “Making Change Happen, Women’s Voices are Changing the World, or Are They?”
Next year our AGM will be in Kitchener-Waterloo, which offers all of us a great opportunity to participate. It’s an energizing and kind of awe-inspiring opportunity to see the resolutions process in action, and listen to the speakers, especially at the Charitable trust breakfast, so please plan to attend at least one day of this event.
I joined CFUW many years ago to participate in a Book Club and it wasn’t until last year when I joined the executive that I found out about all the work which goes on to support great causes. We have special consultative status at the United Nations and representation at the Education Committee of the Canadian Commission to UNESCO, we are a voice at all levels of government and we actually play a role in making positive change here and throughout the world. If you’re a member and you haven’t been to an Ontario Council meeting, a fall gathering or an AGM, please come! You’ll be amazed at what CFUW does and we can use your expertise and help in furthering our causes!!
Canada’s response was immediate. In March 1919 at a conference of four of the leaders in university organizations, a constitution was drafted and a meeting in Winnipeg the coming summer was undertaken. Six clubs – Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Regina, Edmonton and Victoria as well as McGill Alumnae sent delegates. Education in all its phases was declared to be the first interest of the new federation. The first matters of business included the plan to set up a Fellowship, to get women to stand for election to Board, and support for women to engage in politics. The Canadian Federation of University Women was born.
Today CFUW is a federation of 110 clubs across the country. Each club has its own executive board who govern the operation of their club. The national office has a facebook page which you can access to learn about current advocacy issues, and sends out “A Week in Review” which also details what’s happening and how we can participate.
In July 1919 the federations of America, Great Britain and Canada met to establish the IFUW to promote understanding and friendship between university women of the world. Delegates attended the IFUW meeting held in London in 1920: from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Holland, India, Italy, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, and the United States. At this first meeting, the foundation for international scholarships was laid down. The first CFUW Scholarship valued at $1,000, was called the Federation Scholarship. Education is the key to gender equality. While progress is being made, access to education is still a distant dream for many women and girls. The fellowships and grants offered by IFUW and its national affiliates support the research, study and training needed to open doors to quality education for women and girls throughout the world. Now, more than ever, the education and empowerment of women is crucial especially in the developing world.
I’d like to invite Carol Hare to share some of her news about IFUW. We are very fortunate in our group to have Carol among us. She is the VP of Finance for CFUW National, assistant Treasurer of IFUW and chair of the Charitable Trust. Carol has just returned from the triennial conference of IFUW in Istanbul and she brought along a presentation about IFUW.
Note to Members: Please follow this link to view Carol Hare's About IFUW presentation.
We’re no slouches here either! Locally the university alumnae of Port Credit had been attending the Oakville Women’s Club, but decided in 1953 to form a group of their own. On March 23rd, 1953, 65 women met at the home of Frances Thompson to form the Federation of University Women. By 1956 the membership was 110 and the dues were $5.00 plus 25 cents each meeting. In 1970 when the small towns were amalgamated, we were renamed CFUW Mississauga.
Betty Tugman, one of our early members and former club president, had a very large role to play in the development of Ontario Council, which had started in 1978. Betty became a provincial director and was instrumental in developing and promoting leadership skills with hands-on workshops for club executives. She promoted the idea of Ontario Council gathering 3 times a year to study issues around legislation, status of women and education, and in time, the Ontario delegates were dubbed by those outside the province as “The Upper Canada Mafia” because under Betty’s guidance, they became powerhouses. It was she who began the fall gatherings in the various Ontario regions so that members could come together and interact, exchange ideas and explore possibilities. Betty went on to become Provincial Director and Ontario VP on National Council. She gained respect for CFUW from one federal cabinet minister after another by presenting issues with clarity and force. Once they realized that we are an organization of educated women across the country operating in English and French, are self-funded and non-partisan, federal doors were open. Betty was accorded an Honorary Life membership in 1988 in recognition of her immense contribution at the national, provincial and local levels.
Our affiliation with Erindale College began even before the college opened when we were asked to investigate the need for a “Peel University” in 1964, CFUW members did the registration for the first extension course offered for Erindale College. When the College was opened in 1964, CFUW members continued to be involved and our scholarship fund began:
- In April, 1968, we gave $300 for mature women students in need and a book prize of $50. An added $250 prize in 1973 to the top woman graduate in fourth year was changed to the top women graduate who was continuing her education in Canada. In 1976, the $250 scholarship was increased to $500, in 1977, to $850. Today the annual scholarship for an U. of T. Mississauga student is $2,000.
- We also give 4 x $2,000 to Mississauga High school graduates, 1 x $2,000 to Sheridan College and this past year in celebration of our 60th anniversary an award of $5,000 was given to a Sheridan College student with financial need beginning her final year.
- From our yearly fee, we collect $15 which goes to the scholarship fund, and we have an annual fund-raiser, our April card party, which is supported by our members through their participation and volunteer work to organize and run it, as well as by local businesses and corporations. Funding comes in through in memorium donations and from other sources.
The Issues Group bases its activities on a selection of a variety of issues which are drawn to our attention by CFUW National in their regular publications - "News from CFUW" and the "Week in Review". The Group decides which ones to investigate and support as they apply to our community in Mississauga and across Canada. It also draws attention to these issues where club support can offer assistance. This group meets monthly and welcomes all members. If you want to be part of an action group, this is one you should consider joining!
They guide us through the resolutions process. Various clubs present a resolution for consideration, we research these and consider whether or not they should pass or be amended. They are presented to members and voted on at our April meeting. These are then taken to the AGM where the entire body goes through the same process to amend and vote on resolutions. Those passed are taken back to clubs for further action. At the national level, we monitor federal legislation and policies and stay in contact with the Government of Canada and other government officials to communicate our members’ views.
Last year we raised funds for the Bina Roy project to stop violence against women in Sierra Leone, Habitat for Humanity with our penny drive, Armaugh House with our donation of memory sticks and money, the Ecole Polytechnique Commemorative Award (which acts as a living memorial to the victims of the massacre) , and Hillside School through our clothing and skates drive and contribution to their breakfast and lunch program which is run by one of their staff. Perhaps the project of which we can be most proud is our book, Extraordinary Lives: Inspiring Women of Peel. Under the leadership of our past President, Gail Crawford and Joan Barrett, co-convenor of our Issues group, this book came from a vision to reality with contributions from many members who helped to research, write it, produce it, fund-raise for it and market it. All funds required for the production of the book were obtained through a grant from the city and fund-raising activities, which means that every cent raised through sales goes directly to the National Trust to provide scholarships for women pursuing post-graduate degrees. (show slide of Anna Pidgorna: winner of the Creative Music Award, who is studying at the Banff Centre of the Arts) As well as being an awesome tale of inspiring lives, our book shows us what good planning and hard work can accomplish! We’ve already donated $11,000 to The Charitable Trust and we still have many more books to sell, so please continue to support this very worthy cause by giving these as gifts to other young women who may receive inspiration from reading about those profiled in the book. Every book sold is a donation to the Charitable Trust.
We participate in Ontario Council meetings which are held three times a year, in Sept., Jan and March at
Yorkminster Park Baptist Church on Yonge St. The meeting Sept 28th will feature Alia Hogben, Executive director of Canadian Council of Muslim Women. These meetings introduce us to important issues and encourage our participation in finding solutions. If you haven’t attended, please see me or send me an e-mail. Our club covers the cost of 3 members, but for $35 it’s a wonderful learning opportunity with a delicious lunch made by the ladies of the church, and the more the merrier, so please consider joining us there!
Another excellent experience is the Ontario South Fall gathering which this year will be held at the Brantford Golf and Country Club, the theme is “Making Change Happen, Women’s Voices are Changing the World, or Are They?”
Next year our AGM will be in Kitchener-Waterloo, which offers all of us a great opportunity to participate. It’s an energizing and kind of awe-inspiring opportunity to see the resolutions process in action, and listen to the speakers, especially at the Charitable trust breakfast, so please plan to attend at least one day of this event.
I joined CFUW many years ago to participate in a Book Club and it wasn’t until last year when I joined the executive that I found out about all the work which goes on to support great causes. We have special consultative status at the United Nations and representation at the Education Committee of the Canadian Commission to UNESCO, we are a voice at all levels of government and we actually play a role in making positive change here and throughout the world. If you’re a member and you haven’t been to an Ontario Council meeting, a fall gathering or an AGM, please come! You’ll be amazed at what CFUW does and we can use your expertise and help in furthering our causes!!