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June 20, 2025This publication contains time-sensitive information directed to Club Executives and members and pertains to CFUW activities and events. Please send relevant pieces to ALL Club members. |
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In this Edition:
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Dear CFUW Members, I hope you’ve all had a fulfilling year and are finding time to enjoy the summer—while also preparing for our upcoming virtual AGM and the GWI Triennial in Lusaka, Zambia.
Serving as President has given me the privilege of visiting clubs across Canada. May and June were particularly busy and rewarding months, with trips to the South Shore of Quebec, downtown Montreal for the National Council of Women Canada in-person AGM, Hamilton and Orillia Ontario, and Saskatoon for the Prairies Gathering—held for the first time since 2019.
Thank you to all the Clubs and Councils that have welcomed me to their AGMs, meetings, and special events, both virtually and in person. In a time when the news can feel discouraging, it’s reassuring to see the real difference CFUW Clubs make through advocacy, community, and connection.
I look forward to seeing you at our virtual AGM in July and in person at our AGM in Montreal next year. The clubs in Quebec are looking forward to hosting you in our lovely city.
I sometimes hear people say, “I’m just a member.” But let me be clear: without our members, we are nothing. Each one of you strengthens our organization. You matter. You make a difference.
Chères membres de la FCFDU, J’espère que vous avez toutes passé une année enrichissante et que vous prenez le temps de profiter de l’été — tout en vous préparant pour notre prochaine AGA virtuelle et le Triennal de la GWI à Lusaka, en Zambie.
En tant que présidente, j’ai eu le privilège de visiter plusieurs clubs à travers le Canada. Les mois de mai et juin ont été particulièrement chargés et stimulants, avec des déplacements sur la Rive-Sud du Québec, Centre-ville de Montréal pour l’AGA en personne du Conseil national des femmes du Canada, à Hamilton et Orillia en Ontario, ainsi qu’à Saskatoon pour le Rassemblement des Prairies — tenu pour la première fois depuis 2019.
Je remercie tous les clubs et conseils qui m’ont accueillie lors de leurs AGA, réunions et événements spéciaux, en personne comme en ligne. À une époque où les nouvelles peuvent être décourageantes, il est réconfortant de constater l’impact réel des clubs de la FCFDU grâce à leur engagement, leur esprit communautaire et leurs liens solidaires.
J’ai hâte de vous retrouver lors de notre AGA virtuelle en juillet et en personne à notre AGA à Montréal l’année prochaine. Les clubs du Québec ont très hâte de vous accueillir dans notre belle ville.
J’entends parfois des membres dire : « Je ne suis qu’une simple membre. » Mais soyons claires : sans nos membres, nous ne sommes rien. Chacune d’entre vous renforce notre organisation. Vous comptez. Vous faites une réelle différence.
Linda Sestock National President, CFUW Présidente nationale, FCFDU |
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Register for the CFUW Virtual AGM 2025 with the links below!
July 2nd - Pre-AGM Finance Webinar at 6PM ET July 11th - Opening Ceremonies at 6:30PM ET -08:30PM ET July 12th - CFUW AGM Speaker Panel at 11 AM ET - 12PM ET July 12th - AGM Business Meeting at 12:30PM ET July 13th - CFUW Charitable Trust Brunch and Speaker at 11AM ET -12PM ET July 13th - CFUW Policy Session at 12:30 PM ET |
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2025 CFUW At A Glance |
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As we approach the 2025 CFUW Virtual AGM, the National Office is beginning to prepare the At A Glance to review the previous year in CFUW.
If you have any items (events, webinars, fundraisers, etc.) you’d wish to highlight from your Club over the past year, please send that information to Elizabeth Malcolm at memberservices@cfuw-fcfdu.ca to be shared in the 2025 At A Glance. |
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AGM Credentials Form - Delegate or Proxy |
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Voting at the CFUW AGM A. Appoint a Club Delegate who will be attending the CFUW AGM, OR
What is the credentials process?
How many votes is our Club entitled to?
Register for the MANDATORY Election Buddy voter training:
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Save the date for the 2026 CFUW AGM & Conference taking place in Montreal, QC, July 20-24, 2026. |
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Starting Thursday, July 24th, Elizabeth Malcolm will be hosting biweekly (every two weeks) drop-in sessions for the CFUW Members Drive and CFUW Members Database.
Register HERE |
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2024-2025 CFUW Club Charitable Donations |
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To help us prepare the 2025 edition of CFUW At a Glance and gather up-to-date information on the charitable trust donations and scholarships, awards, bursaries offered by CFUW Clubs across the country, we kindly ask Clubs to complete the 2024-2025 CFUW Club Charitable Donations form. Please ensure to list all charitable donations, as well as the scholarships/awards/bursaries offered by your Club, along with the monetary amount associated.
The form is divided into two sections:
1. Section One covers community outreach donations, international outreach donations, and local Club-administered awards and donations. 2. Section Two (optional) focuses specifically on scholarships, bursaries, and awards offered by your Club. If you have any questions, please contact Elizabeth Malcolm at memberservices@cfuw-fcfdu.ca
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Final Proposed Resolutions |
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World Refugee Day |
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Today, June 20th is World Refugee Day.
World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe. It falls each year on June 20 and celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution
In March, CFUW , Women Graduates USA and Mexico's FEMU all members of CAMEUS, and having a focus on Migrant Women and Education, presented a virtual parallel session at the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).
The title was "Recognizing Qualifications for Employment of Women Migrating to North America" focusing on issues faced by educated migrant women in having their professional credentials accepted by host countries. This topic encompasses two perspectives—the necessity for host countries to ensure immigrants are competently trained, and the experiences and frustrations of immigrant women eager to find employment in their area of expertise. For the poster and recording check here: CSW69 Delegates Report
Grace Hollett VP International |
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National Indigenous Peoples Day : Saturday, June 21 |
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The is third and final section of our Special Edition that celebrate National indigenous Peoples Day : Saturday, June 21
A special thank you to Gwen Alves, Ontario and Mary Scott Manitoba who have researched and provided the range of materials for publication and to Elizabeth Malcolm's talents as she has prepared and published this important work throughout the month of June, Indigenous Peoples Month.
Looking back: June 6: A message from The Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, the Honourable Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs, the Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services, and the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages,all involved in Indigenous Issues
June 13: A variety of ways to celebrate Indigenous Month through the Arts, the Environment, and other traditional events held across the country.
Today: June 20 |
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What Reconciliation Means to Me
Healing, Understanding, and Building Bridges Reconciliation is more than just a word; it is a profound act of coming together to address past wrongs towards Indigenous peoples and move forward in a spirit of mutual respect, understanding, and healing. It involves seeing the truth of history, acknowledging the pain and suffering endured by others, and committing to actions that foster trust and unity. To me, reconciliation is both personal and communal—a journey that calls for introspection, empathy, and collective effort.
Personal Reflection and Growth On a personal level, reconciliation challenges me to grow—to examine my own role in perpetuating or combating injustices. It asks me to be accountable for my actions and to continuously strive to be better. This process of reflection is not always comfortable, but it is necessary for meaningful change. Reconciliation pushes me to be more empathetic, patient, and open-minded, fostering relationships built on trust and respect.
Conclusion Reconciliation is a process on many levels—one that demands truth, acknowledgment, dialogue, action, and healing. It inspires both personal transformation and communal progress, shining a light on the path toward equity and justice. To me, reconciliation with our Indigenous brothers and sisters is not just a goal but a continuous journey, a way of life that calls us to live with empathy and purpose. It is an invitation to bridge divides, honor shared humanity, and create a world where all can thrive - together.
Mary Scott CFUW Education and Indigenous Support Sub-Commiittee June 2025
See link to complete document.
Book review: 52 Ways to Reconcile: How to Walk with Indigenous Peoples on the Path to Healing by David Robertson Can be accessed here: https://youtu.be/jyAXI2TD4yA?feature=shared |
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An Executive position with NGO CSW Forum Regional Group: Call for Expression of Interest |
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The information below is a message received about a vacancy in the the Core Group of the NGO CSW Forum following the end of term of one Canadian NGO representative and the withdrawal of a second Canadian representative due to unforeseen circumstances.
But first, an explanatory note from the VP International Relations:
Application for nomination should be received by Jaime Beagan by July 10th, 4pm ET in time for CFUW submission by July 15, 2025. Applications will be vetted by CFUW President Linda Sestock and VP International Grace Hollett. Preference for the CFUW Nomination will be given to an individual who has attended CSW, is familiar with the work of Regional Caucuses, who has demonstrated the capacity to work constructively and collaboratively and who is available to attend CSW during the their two year term on the Core Group. This is a voluntary position which commences in the summer of 2025. The committee core committee work is primarily done virtually. Please see attached Terms of Reference and application details.
Expression of interest/application submissions must include the following:
Thank you for your interest and consideration of this role. A letter of recommendation from CFUW will be provided to the Caucus leadership for CFUW’s nomination. |
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Upcoming Virtual pre-GWI Triennial Events |
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A message from the VP International Relations, Grace Hollett, about events leading up to the GWI Triennial of September 11-13 at Lusaka, Zambia.
CFUW has 13 members planning to attend the Triennial inclusive of 8 voting delegates and 2 alternates. If others are considering attending, please contact Jaime Beagan at execdir@cfuw-fcfdu.ca
Working with the Triennial Planning Sub-Committee (Chair Joy Hurst) the following information has been collated to aid in planning CFUW’s involvement in the GWI Triennial. Please stay tuned for updates.
SAVE the DATES
0700hrs CEST August 19 (1am ET) Register HERE 1700hrs CEST (11 am ET) Register HERE
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CFUW has Talent: see the show on zoom at our AGM Friday July 11th!! MMM7: See the PPT, summary and other notes on the Members Drive “So, I’m on the Executive, now what??? Club Executive Crossover— Great discussion.: Special Monday Membership Moment (MMM7) Monday, June 2 4-5:30 EDT https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1xhmekDwxnQ6Tqq-KmWHVJQ0hmsfHfGBF Next MMM: Monday, September 29th 4pm ET club growth and effective recruitment. Questions and ideas—contact Anne Cordon, VP Membership vpmembership@cfuw.ca |
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CFUW International Service Project |
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Retaining Girls In School – Nepal: An International Service Project in Partnership with 60 Million Girls
Exciting News! – We Surpassed our Fundraising Goal!!
CFUW members and Clubs across the country generously donated $16,162.23, surpassing our fundraising goal of $15,000 for our 2024-2025 ISP with 60 Million Girls. Thank you very much to all members who donated to the project and to those Clubs who allocated funds in their budget or held fundraising events: thank you CFUW Edmonton, CFUW E-Club, CFUW Georgetown, CFUW Guelph, CFUW Kelowna, CFUW Lethbridge, CFUW Markham/Unionville, CFUW Montreal Southshore, CFUW Nanaimo, CFUW North Vancouver, CFUW Perth & District, CFUW Prince George, CFUW Richmond, CFUW Salt Spring Island, CFUW Sherbrooke & District, CFUW St. John’s, CFUW Victoria, CFUW Welland, CFUW West Vancouver, CFUW Winnipeg, CFUW Wolfville, and Montreal Lakeshore University Women’s Club for your help in raising the funds for this very worthwhile project. These funds were directed to 60 Million Girls to purchase 2 mobile learning devices (MLLs) to help keep girls in school and educate students about their sexual and reproductive health.
Young, Happy, Healthy & Safe - Zambia The 2025-2027 International Service Project is with our new partner the Stephen Lewis Foundation. Our goal is to raise $12,000 from CFUW Clubs and members to support girls learning about sexual and reproductive health in rural Eastern Zambia. Education for girls on health and rights information can help protect them from early marriage and pregnancy, gender-based violence, HIV infection, caregiving responsibilities and other determinants that directly impact their quality of life. The project details are being finalized and more information will be available on our website soon. We are also hosting a webinar on the project with the Stephen Lewis Foundation on October 1, 2025 at 6pm ET. Mark this date in your calendars to learn much more about this exciting new project. |
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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. |
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This Pride Month, the Learning Network is sharing a collection of resources that center 2SLGBTQIA+ perspectives, experiences, resistance, and joy – while also naming the structural violence and systemic erasure these communities continue to face. These resources speak to the urgent need for inclusive, affirming, and survivor-centered responses to GBV, and recognize the transformative power of storytelling, collective care and queer and trans joy in the face of hate.
Learn more HERE |
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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 |
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