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October 31st, 2025 |
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In this Edition:
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In the lead up to the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, we have added a folder to the CFUW Members Drive. The folder includes template letters, social media campaign posts, and accompanying captions, posters, and the information packages in both English and French.
Access the 16 Days of Activism Information Package HERE (version française) |
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Is your Club hosting an event for 16 Days? We'd love to highlight these activities on social media and in future CFUW National Club Action newsletters. Send information and any pictures from you event to Camila Taipe at advocacy@cfuw-fcfdu.ca |
CFUW Aurora/Newmarket |
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An exciting and influential international event coming up for women around the world is the 70th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) being held in New York City from March 9th to March 20th. CFUW has 20 delegate positions due to our special Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) status with the UN and you are invited to apply for a delegate position. Delegates self-fund their transportation, hotel and meals but there is no charge for the sessions themselves.
CSW70 sessions will be held at the UN and nearby buildings. CFUW delegates usually fly into New York City on the previous Saturday, (March 7th) to register in-person and pick up their Grounds Pass for entering the UN Building.
Most CFUW delegates stay for the first week but may stay for the second if they wish.
The priority theme, “Access to Justice for Women and Girls” will be the focus of sessions. The outcome statement of the deliberations by member states of the UN will be negotiated and published as Agreed Conclusions.
Before applying, please read this attached information sheet for more details. It has a link to the application form which must be submitted online by November 22, 2025. It will be helpful for you to read the infographic compiled from a survey of CFUW delegates in 2025.
Access the application form HERE |
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UNCSW70 Written Submission |
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Ahead of the 70th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in March 2026, CFUW has submitted the following written statement to UN Women based off this years theme.
The theme for CSW70 is:
Review theme: Women’s full and effective participation and decision making in public life, as well as the elimination of violence, for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls (agreed conclusions of the sixty-fifth session). |
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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. |
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CFUW's Finance Committee is looking for new members! |
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Joining the finance committee offers a unique opportunity to provide input on financial reports and policies and guidance for the organization's long-term health and growth. Being a member of the committee you will have the chance to ensure accountability and enhance transparency while also expanding your experience in not for profit finances.
Whether you are a financial expert or simply want to contribute to good stewardship, your involvement can make a significant impact. This committee meets monthly and has a monthly time commitment of approximately 2-3 hours.
If you would like to learn more or are interested in joining, please reach out to the Chair, Susan Lane at vpfinance@cfuw.ca. |
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Thinking About Member Proposals?? |
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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. Follow the links for information and forms:
Every two years CFUW members are able to vote for candidates who have been nominated by a CFUW club for election to the CFUW Board. At the end of the 2024-26 biennium, a new Board will assume office at the end of the AGM in Montreal, July 2026. The Nominations Committee invites nomination applications for all Board positions. Any CFUW members in good standing who are qualified and interested in running for a board position are encouraged to have their clubs to submit a Nomination Form along with their applications.
Complete details about the CFUW’s bylaw amendment and nominations process will be in a Special Newsletter mid November.
Here is a quick snapshot of the timelines for each: |
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Note: Dependent on the number and complexity of the bylaw amendments process, the Bylaws Committee may schedule Zoom sessions for discussion and explanation. |
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Register HERE
Please note: This webinar has been rescheduled to Thursday, November 13th at 2pm ET. It will be recorded for those who are unable to attend.
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.
The CFUW Communication Committee has scheduled an Archivist Workshop for Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 2pm ET, where an archival expert will speak to the different questions Clubs have regarding the archiving of materials. We are hoping this workshop will be a jumping off point for Clubs to better understand archiving and the archiving process.
The Communications Committee is interested to know what specific questions your Club has around archiving. This will help us tailor the webinar and topics to hopefully be more specific in assisting Clubs in their archiving projects.
Register HERE |
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CFUW National Webinars and Trainings can also be accessed in the CFUW Member's Drive HERE |
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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
Conference registration will open early in the new year. |
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Draft Schedule for the 2026 Montreal AGM and Conference. Please note: this is a draft schedule and is subject to change, although arrival and departure dates will remain the same.
Monday, July 20th, 2026: Arrivals, Registration, First Timers Meet and Greet (PM). Tuesday, July 21st, 2026: Arrivals, Registration, Local Arrangements Committee (LAC) Tours/Excursions around Montreal (TBD). Full day trip and half day excursions will be available. Opening ceremonies dinner. Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026: Regional Meetings, AGM Session, Member Led Sessions. Thursday, July 23rd, 2026: Conference Keynotes & Speakers and Sessions. Hosted Dinner with LAC. Friday, July 24th, 2026: Policy Session, Closing Keynote. Check-Out and Departure (PM).
Please note: CFUW Sherbrooke will be planning post-AGM and Conference activities/events in the Eastern Townships region, South East of Montreal for all day Saturday, July 25th and returning delegates to the airport by 3 pm Sunday, July 26th - in time for late afternoon flights.
More information to follow as the 2026 CFUW AGM & Conference schedule is confirmed. |
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Monday October 27th 4-5:30 pm ET CFUW Awards and Projects: What Works, How to Plan Building on ideas from the Membership Award winning projects recently we heard great ideas. See resources in the Members Drive including the notes from the September MMM on successful recruitment strategies: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1tW5KnOfR7Nbf0oWkp36S_VGK0_zpxw7n
Upcoming: Monday November 24th 4-5:30 pm ET Alternative Leadership Models Highlighting CFUW club ideas and other volunteer groups—what are the ingredients for success? Register HERE
Membership Grants for Promotional materials, new projects, and recurring projects—check out the special Grants Club Action Newsletter each Tuesday in October-November. Deadline for our Membership grants is Wednesday, November 19 You can not win if you do not apply!!! |
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We're calling on CFUW clubs to share what they're getting up to within their communities to share and promote on the CFUW National social media platforms!
Send information about what your Club is up-to, along with photos, to Elizabeth Malcolm at memberservices@cfuw-fcfdu.ca |
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Elizabeth Malcolm will be hosting biweekly (every two weeks) drop-in sessions for the CFUW Members Drive and CFUW Members Database. We cover topics such as: how to update Club Executive information, event calendar submissions, resources available in the Members Drive and so much more!
Register HERE
A recording of a previous Drop-In is available HERE |
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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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Register HERE
The Walrus Talks Ending Gender-Based Violence Reception Sponsored by Shoppers Foundation for Women's Health, Travel Sponsored by Uber Gender-based violence refers to harmful acts directed at individuals based on their gender. It disproportionately affects women, girls and gender diverse people, impacting over half of Canada’s population and costing lives.
Canada is at a critical turning point in how it responds to gender-based violence. The Walrus Talks Ending Gender-Based Violence brings together activists, advocates and experts to examine pressing policy gaps and cultural shifts that can reduce and prevent gender-based violence. This timely event will highlight lived experience, evidence-based solutions and the need for coordinated, cross-sector action.
Join us in Ottawa for this urgent discussion, part of YWCA Canada’s annual Rose Campaign and just ahead of the 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence. Connect with fellow advocates, policymakers, and engaged Canadians as we work toward a future free from violence.
Speakers to be announced.
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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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