Campaigns and Public AffairsThe WI is a strong campaigning organisation, over the years we have campaigned on a wide range of issues that matter to women and their communities, including Equal Pay in 1942, Breast Cancer Screening in 1975, Aids in 1986 and the introduction of new legislation EU to reduce the threat of hazardous chemicals in everyday products in 2006. Today our campaigns range from climate change and food waste to ending violence against women. WIs have been a powerful force for change in many situations over the years. See the book "Bows of Burning Gold" by Helen Carey available from CFWI.Save Our LibrariesWI Birthday Library Action Day - 16 September 2011The 16 September 2011 marks the 96th anniversary of the first WI meeting. Many members have already started to take action on the Love Your Libraries campaign and as a next step, in recognition of the continued importance of the WI's early vision to widen educational opportunities and the long-standing commitment of WI members to promote libraries, we are asking members to celebrate this year's WI birthday by taking the simple step of checking a book out of your local library. At the heart of our campaign is the belief that libraries continue to be an important resource. They are often at the centre of communities and as well as providing access to knowledge and information, they often deliver a broad range of local services and act as a wider community resource. Love Your Libraries is about celebrating libraries and the WI's anniversary provides an opportunity for members to demonstrate just how important libraries are, and how easy they are to use. In true celebratory style, you might even want to talk to your library about holding a stall outside and give out WI birthday cakes to encourage members of the public to support their local libraries. You could also invite people to sign the WI's Love Your Libraries petition and use the WI 'library card' postcard to tell the Minister responsible for public libraries just why the library service is so important. Postcards will be available from the NFWI from the middle of August and samples will be sent out to WIs in the August mailing. You can place additional orders with Emma Lindsay (telephone, 020 7371 9300 ext 213 or email, e.lindsay@nfwi.org.uk). Please continue to let us know about your activities on libraries. Chinese LanternsThe Cheshire Federation Resolution for 2011 is: This meeting urges HM Government to ban the practice of releasing airborne 'Chinese Lanterns', in view of the hazard they pose to humans, animals and the environment. Read the details about this resolution here. Public Affairs SubCommitteeCheshire Federation has an active Public Affairs Sub-Committee whose members promote the NFWI and county resolutions; represent the WI on several county committees concerned with environmental and social issues; promote international awareness through ACWW - Associated Country Women of the World; have an awareness of modern developments in the science world as it impacts on our lives. The subcommittee also arranges meetings for members throughout the county to raise awareness of issues within their remit.
2011 ResolutionsFull Resolution briefings are here (WORD DOCS):
Sybil Graham, Resolutions Adviser 01244 679636 sybilgraham@talktalk.net ACWW Project 0842The purpose of the project is to improve the health of pregnant women and their babies, and the living standard of people in the area by introducing better and nutritious ingredients into their diet. It will also create employment and generate income for the families. Women and girls will be trained to grow vegetables and other food items in their own plots of land. PALSCheshire Federation is unique in having a network of PALs. These are Public Affairs Links. Every WI in Cheshire is invited to have a PAL. 2 meetings are arranged each year by the public affairs subcommittee on topics of particular current interest / concern to which the PALS are invited. They are asked to report back to their WIs. Through the PALS all members are kept up to date on topics as diverse as nanotechnology, the security of patient records, care of the elderly. Women and Climate ChangeThe NFWI is working with Oxfam GB and the Everyone Foundation on a three year development, gender and climate change educational campaign. Women Reaching Women aims to broaden awareness of these issues amongst WI members, their families and communities. Read more about all the projects we have been involved in concerning climate change and sustainability. |
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