International Outreach
Each year our club donates to an international organization that works to improve the lives of women and girls. The Issues & Advocacy Committee researches organizations and recommends an appropriate recipient. For the last two years we have supported Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan, an organization that works with Afghan women to train teachers, provide literacy classes, and share educational resources through a digital library.
Combating Violence Against Women in Politics
In 2022, CFUW clubs across the country supported a resolution that asked all levels of government to develop and implement action plans to end violence against women in politics. We wrote letters to elected officials at every level urging them to act. We helped build awareness on this issue by inviting Dr. Barbara Perry, a renowned expert on hate crimes, to speak to our members in January 2023.
Participating in Local Issues
Our Issues & Advocacy Committee takes an interest in our local community. We study and assess emerging local issues to determine if we need to advocate. In the past we have written letters to elected officials, made submission on local government initiatives, and asked questions at candidate meetings on issues that reflect CFUW policy.
CFUW National Campaigns
We encourage our members to be involved in CFUW National Campaigns such as the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Other National priorities include Indigenous Peoples, Long-Term Care, Early Learning and Child Care, Environment and Climate Change. Click for details on CFUW National Priorities
The Hope Program, 360 Kids
The Hope Program of 360 Kids provides transitional housing and services to young survivors of human trafficking in York Region. The Issues & Advocacy Committee has supported the Hope Program and helped raise awareness of this important issue through our speaker series.
Yellow Brick House
Last year, our Club organized a successful fundraiser to support Yellow Brick House, a non-profit organization that provides lifesaving services and prevention programs to meet the needs of individuals, families and communities impacted by violence.
CFUW Policy Development
Each year our Issues and Advocacy Committee helps to shape CFUW policy by reviewing and making recommendations about resolutions put forward by CFUW clubs from across the country. View current resolutions here.