Dear fellow CFUW members,

In light of recent events that have occurred this week, I feel it necessary to make a slight change to my original welcome to 2026 message and to acknowledge that we are all impacted by the injustices that we are seeing around the world. And I wanted to remind you that what you do as a CFUW member does make a difference.

The weather has been cold and the world around us is changing rapidly but one thing remains constant and that is the collective strength of CFUW across Canada. CFUW clubs are more important than ever - we offer friendship that can be enjoyed over a shared pot of coffee or tea (or wine) and a safe place to advocate on behalf of those without a voice.

Are you volunteering in your community, driving a friend to a CFUW meeting, buying items for a young mother starting over? Did you know that this makes you an ambassador of CFUW? And that you are shining light wherever you go, without even realizing it.

Please take a moment to realize how important you are to CFUW, your community and your friends.

Chères membres de la FCFDU,

À la lumière des événements récents qui se sont produits cette semaine, je pense qu'il est nécessaire d'apporter une légère modification à mon message de bienvenue initial pour 2026 et de reconnaître que nous sommes toutes touchées par les injustices dont nous sommes témoins à travers le monde. Je tiens également à vous rappeler que votre engagement en tant que membre de la CFUW fait une réelle différence.

Les températures hivernales sont au rendez-vous et le monde qui nous entoure évolue rapidement, toutefois, une chose demeure constante : la force collective de la FCFDU à travers le Canada.

Les clubs de la FCFDU sont plus importants que jamais : nous offrons des liens d'amitié qui peuvent être cultivés autour d'une tasse de café ou de thé (ou de vin) et un lieu sûr pour défendre les intérêts de ceux qui n'ont pas la possibilité de s'exprimer.

Faites-vous du bénévolat dans votre communauté, conduisez-vous une amie à une réunion de la FCFDU, achetez-vous des articles pour une jeune mère qui recommence sa vie ? Saviez-vous que cela fait de vous une ambassadrice de la FCFDU ? Et que vous rayonnez partout où vous allez, sans même vous en rendre compte.

Prenez un moment pour réaliser à quel point vous êtes importante pour la FCFDU, votre communauté et vos amis.

Bonne année et meilleurs vœux pour l'année à venir.

Linda Sestock
National President, CFUW
Présidente nationale, FCFDU

GWI Top-Ups and Treasurer and Finance Workshop

We have received our annual invoice from GWI and have sent out the top-up invoices to opt-in Clubs. If you did not receive an invoice, please reach out to Elizabeth Malcolm, memberservices@cfuw-fcfdu.ca and one will be forwarded to you.

Please note that the payments are due by February 28th, 2026, and can be paid by cheque or e-transfer. Please send the e-transfer to execdir@cfuw-fcfdu.ca and if a security question is required, please make the answer GWI2026

As was done last year, we will be holding our annual Finance and Treasurer Workshop on Wednesday, January 21st at 7pm ET. The content of the webinar will be an explanation of annual CFUW membership dues, the calculation of GWI top-ups and next years GWI dues.

CFUW + CARP: A Powerful Partnership to Amplify Your Voice

Free CARP Membership Now Available for All CFUW Members

Dear CFUW Members,

We are thrilled to share an exciting new partnership between the CFUW (formerly the Canadian Federation of University Women) and CARP (Canadian Association of Retired Persons). This collaboration brings together two influential national organizations committed to equity, education, advocacy, and improving the lives of women and older adults.

As part of this partnership, every CFUW member is now eligible for a free one-year CARP membership (regularly $19.95). There is no cost, no obligation, and a great deal to gain.

And in return, CARP will be introducing CFUW to its 250,000 members across Canada, helping us expand our reach, grow our chapters, and bring more voices into our shared advocacy work.

Why CARP Membership Matters for CFUW Members
CARP is Canada’s leading non-partisan, not-for-profit advocacy organization focused on improving life as we age. Their work aligns closely with CFUW’s mission and values, especially in areas of lifelong learning, public policy, and community engagement.

CARP’s national advocacy has contributed to major policy wins, including:

Ending mandatory retirement
Advancing pension income splitting
Restoring Old Age Security eligibility to age 65
Establishing the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board
Fighting for stronger long-term care standards, home care, and healthcare access

By becoming a CARP member, you add your voice to a powerful movement working on many of the issues CFUW members care deeply about.

Your Free CARP Membership Includes

Exclusive member benefits and discounts on travel, insurance, health products, and more
Regular updates, research, and issue briefings on healthcare, financial security, aging, and public policy
Participation in national advocacy campaigns shaping federal and provincial policy
A stronger platform for your voice—as part of a 230,000-member organization working for change

Already a CARP member? You will automatically receive an additional free year by extending your membership with this link.

Claim Your Free CARP Membership

Visit https://shop.carp.ca/O5KZYC1C
Follow the prompts to register or renew
Enjoy full access to CARP’s advocacy, benefits, and community for one year—free of charge

Working Together for Greater Impact
This partnership strengthens both of our organizations.

CFUW members gain the power and reach of CARP’s national advocacy network.
CARP will proudly promote CFUW—to help us grow, expand our voice, and welcome more women into our educational and advocacy mission.

Together, CFUW and CARP can champion a more equitable, age-friendly, and inclusive Canada. We encourage every CFUW member to take advantage of this free CARP membership and add your voice to a movement creating meaningful change.

Thank you for your dedication to advancing equity, education, and advocacy.

Welcome to the "CFUW National Board Corner", where over the next weeks we'll introduce you to the dozens of inspiring women from across Canada who help guide CFUW! 🌟

Our national board members bring passion, experience, and vision to their roles. Read their stories and learn a bit more about each one, as together, they guide our organization with integrity, purpose, and heart.

You can access the shared CFUW Board profiles on the CFUW Member's Drive HERE

Thinking About Member Proposals??

What are member proposals? Motions of any kind. We usually think of motions discussed at a general meeting as being limited to Resolutions (in CFUW this means motions to establish advocacy policy) and Bylaw amendments.

Members (CFUW Clubs) can submit motions on a variety of topics. As long as they propose action that is within the purposes of CFUW or that addresses how CFUW conducts business (bylaw amendments, amendments to procedure, resolutions, dues motions, nominations) member proposals can be considered at the AGM or a policy session. The Articles and Bylaws Committee handles all such member proposals except nominations, which are handled by the Nominations Committee and “Resolutions”, which are handled by the Resolutions committee.

More information, as well as forms, can be found HERE

Register Here

Join us for an informative webinar on the CFUW National Board! Learn about the Board’s roles, responsibilities, and the nomination process for the 2026–28 term. This session will provide clarity on how elections work, what positions are available, and what it takes to serve. The webinar includes a presentation from current Board members and a Q&A to answer your questions.

Date & Time: January 29, 2026 | 6:00 PM ET
Format: Virtual Webinar https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/rUSf1DtSSg-So8SjK5qD2w

CFUW Advocacy Grant Announcement

There will be a second round of applications accepted for the CFUW Advocacy Grant. The applications close Friday, January 30, 2026 at 4pm ET.

The same rules apply. The rubric by which submissions are adjudicated is provided HERE to help you design your application.

If you have any questions - please contact Heather Oxman, VP Advocacy at vpadvocacy@cfuw.ca

At the National Office, we have received several inquiries from CFUW Clubs regarding the archiving of Club materials, ranging from specific question regarding the classification of different archival materials, to wondering where to begin.

Our first Archivist Webinar was a HUGE success, and we want to continue the information sharing amongst those unable to attend the first webinar, or looking to learn more!

The CFUW Communication Committee has scheduled a second Archivist Workshop for Thursday, January 15th, 2026 at 7pm ET, where an archival expert will speak to the different questions Clubs have regarding the archiving of materials.

What we will discuss
In this introductory session we will talk about some of the basics. Learning about what are archives – both as records and as a larger repository with information about why they are important to your organization. We can also discuss the characteristics of the archival record with some context as to the life cycle of records. This will provide information as to what records should be kept and records that can be discarded.

This will be covered in the first half hour with questions in the latter half of the hour.

January 16th, 2026 | 1:00 PM Eastern Time | Virtual Event

Join the CFUW Education Committee for an engaging learning opportunity during the first hour of their meeting. This special session will focus on Post-Secondary Education in Canada, exploring its vital role in social well-being, economic development, and innovation.

Canada leads the world in education, with over 57% of adults holding a tertiary degree (OECD, 2022). Discover the challenges and promises shaping universities, colleges, and polytechnics today—and join the conversation!

Dr. Linda Coles, CFUW Education Committee will facilitate a conversation with:

Dr. Susan Murray is an adjunct professor at Memorial University and guest lecturer globally She teaches graduate programs and executive education. Her research and consultancy focuses on the impact of leadership on organizational performance, includes work and addresses some of the rumblings within the Canadian higher education community.

Dr. Sharon Stein is with the University of British Columbia a recent article on 10 Challenges for Canadian Higher Education in VUCA Times — and How to Face Them outlines this complex problem and addresses some of the rumblings within the Canadian higher education community and will talk about the impacts of AI.

Maggie Reiff is a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of British Columbia, majoring in Psychology and completing a four-and-one program with the Sauder School of Business to earn a master’s in management. Originally from San Francisco, California, she chose to study in Vancouver because of its natural beauty, international experience, and an opportunity to explore a Canadian outlook , where she holds dual citizenship.

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89333702221

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/AhuQKzfcTma5wm47m-d_hQ#/registration

The CFUW National Environment & Climate Change Subcommittee presents the webinar Net-Zero by 2050 : Building for a Fossil-Fuel Free Future with architect Marina Huissoon from Milton, Ontario.

Did you know that with innovation and high-performance building standards, nearly 90% of carbon emissions associated with buildings could be eliminated producing healthy, climate-resilient, affordable, and energy-efficient residential, institutional, and commercial buildings through all stages of design, construction, and livability? In her webinar, Marina Huissoon, Architect and CFUW Milton member, will discuss strategies to decarbonize in both new and existing buildings.

International Women’s Day 2026 – Film Information

This year we are please to announce that the 2026 IWD film will be The Nest, provided courtesy of the National Film Board of Canada. You can accessing marketing materials in the electronic press kit here: https://mediaspace.nfb.ca/epk/the-nest. The film can be made available in 4K quality (.MP4) as well as a .DCP version for theatrical screenings. Please reach out to Camila (advocacy@cfuw-fcfdu.ca) to confirm which version you require by no later than March 1st 2026.

Please Note: to ensure compliance with the NFB broadcasting regulations, the participating screenings must be free of charge. Screenings with voluntary donations are also eligible, as long as there is no minimum fee required to attend.

We are delighted to announce the second iteration of the Op-Ed Challenge, from January 9, 2026, to April 9,2026. For those of you unfamiliar with the Op-Ed Challenge, CFUW is challenging CFUW Clubs and members to write an Op-Ed and get it published in their local newspaper. This is an opportunity to write about something your club is passionate about and reach a new audience.

If you want inspiration, you can look through our resolutions to see if there is a topic you can write about in there, for example Maternal Death Prevention, Violence Against Women in Politics, Adult Literacy, Climate Change: Mitigation, Adaptation and the Inclusion of Women etc.

All Clubs that publish an Op-Ed before April 9 will be entered in a draw for a $250 VistaPrint gift card. The gift card can be used to purchase Club-branded promotional items/merchandise, which you can create with design and technical support from CFUW staff.

We recommend you look through your local or favourite newspapers to get an idea of the formatting and tone that get published. Please bear in mind that each newspaper will have their own requirements for submission and those should be confirmed before submitting anything.

We will be having a Op-Ed webinar in February to answer any questions and provide a space to brainstorm ideas and discuss topics you might want to write about. Stay tuned for further information.

Overview Schedule of AGM and Conference - to assist in booking travel plans:

Monday, July 20: Arrival and registration (recommended if attending a LAC tour/activity on the Tuesday)

Tuesday, July 21: Arrival and registration / Local Arrangements Committee Tours (Morning, Afternoon and Full Day Tours will be available. More information to come soon.) Opening Ceremony and Dinner

Wednesday, July 22: AGM and Member Led Sessions / Charitable Trust Dinner

Thursday, July 23: Conference Day - Keynotes, Workshops, and Speaker Panel / LAC Dinner

Friday, July 24: Policy Session (AM) - Closing ceremony and remarks/Lunch.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are running for a Board position for the 2026-2028 biennium, the first Board Meeting will take place early afternoon on Friday, July 24th after lunch.

Hotel booking is now available for the 2026 CFUW AGM & Conference.

Book your group rate for CFUW AGM 2026 - If you wish to extend your stay in Montreal, the group rate extends before and after the schedule. See specifics below.

Last Day to Book : Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Start Date: Friday, July 17, 2026
End Date: Tuesday, July 28, 2026

Travel Codes for the 2026 CFUW AGM & Conference

UPCOMING Monday Membership Moments 4-5:30 pm ET

January 26th 4pm ET Interest Groups—going beyond the what to the how, when where, and why—encourage your Interest Group Coordinator to participate!! REGISTER HERE

February 23rd Member Recognition/Awards—ways to build a supportive network within our clubs by thanking long term members, new members and others who make our clubs special

March 23rd AGM101 Getting the inside scoop for new delegates and returning on Montreal’s AGM including the business meeting, the Policy session, the conference, and the FUN

I have great ideas coming out of the Monday Membership Moments (MMM) that need to be molded into useful activities & resources for clubs –with the plan that willing clubs pilot & critique these ideas to make into a toolkit for others. I want to set up 3 (one per topic) short-term e.g., 2-3 mtgs, small group think tanks with CLUB MEMBERS including but not exclusively executive to think about ways to

assess club “wellness”
build member confidence and willingness to share talents and time within the club
edit resources from MMM and Membership files to clean up info on the Members drive supporting club operation

Please let me know if you are interested or if you want to suggest someone!

Anne Cordon

vpmemberhsip@cfuw.ca

CFUW Interest Groups Across the Country
CFUW FAQ Page
CFUW Member's Drive Resource Document
CFUW Member's Drive
CFUW Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Resources
Zoom Request Form
CFUW Newsletter Archives

Have you checked out the new CFUW Event Calendar? It’s jam packed with CFUW Committee meetings, Club Events, and important dates from the National Office!

Clubs are encouraged to submit their events to the CFUW National Event Calendar through the CFUW Member Database.

REGISTER HERE

CFUW North Toronto: Over-Incarceration of Indigenous Women in Canada

Speaker Presentation (on zoom)

Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 7:15pm

Patti Pettigrew

Exec. Director, Thunder Woman Healing Lodge Society

Over-incarceration of Indigenous Women in Canada

Guests please register: info@cfuwnorthtoronto.ca

Register HERE

In this powerful talk, Pamela Cross will draw on more than 30 years of frontline experience in the violence against women movement to explore why our legal systems continue to fail so many survivors — and where real hope for change can still be found.

At a time when gender-based violence is more visible than ever, she will challenge us to think beyond the law, and toward a society-wide approach to building communities that are safe for everyone.

This is a timely, honest, and hopeful conversation you won’t want to miss.

Please register in advance:

https://www.cfuwperth.org/events/find-hope-despite-the-despair

You are invited to join the UWC North York club Monday January 26 General Meeting 7:30 PM on ZOOM "Defend the Water" with Maude Barlow.

Maude Barlow is an author, activist, founding member and former board chair of the Council of Canadians, a citizens' advocacy organization. In her presentation, "Defend the Water", she will talk about Canada's water and protecting water rights. A Q&A will follow.

Please register to attend : https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/GehQ7b8-RkO00EX1jMAMXQ

GWI Update - December 3rd, 2025

Celebrating a Year of Progress: Achievements, Connections, and Inspiration

Do you want your Club’s newsletter shared in the CFUW Club Action newsletter? Send your newsletter to Elizabeth Malcolm at memberservices@cfuw-fcfdu.ca

CFUW Hamilton - December 2025

CFUW Nanaimo - December 2025

CFUW Aurora/Newmarket - January 2026

CFUW Muskoka - January 2026

CFUW Ajax-Pickering - January 2026

CFUW Stratford - January 2026

CFUW Oshawa & District - January 2026

CFUW London - January 2026

CFUW Richmond - January 2026

CFUW Georgetown - January 2026

CFUW Southport - January 2026

CFUW Etobicoke - January 2026