These women are Alison Redford (Alberta), Christy Clark (British Columbia), Eva Aariak (Nunavut) and Kathy Dunderdale (Newfoundland).  Alison Redford and Christy Clark became premier after winning internal party elections.  Eva Aariak was selected premier by Nunavut’s legislative assembly, and Kathy Dunderdale won the vote of the Newfoundland public. As well, the federal New Democratic party is led, on an interim basis, by Nycole Turmel of Québec. 

Like the Canadian women they seek to represent, these new leaders are diverse.  They represent the Liberal, Conservative and New Democratic Parties and Eva Aariak is an independent.  They have backgrounds as journalists, lawyers, teachers, small business owners, city councilors and union activists.  Some have worked overseas; others have extensive experience serving local communities and organizations.  They include women with children and grandchildren.    

Although much work remains to be done, these women are a source of inspiration for us all.  Congratulations Alison, Christy, Eva and Kathy – you are proof that women can successfully lead political parties and land the provincial top job.   

Welcome to New Board Members

Shirley Anne Claydon and Jennifer Gervès-Keen

We are pleased to welcome two accomplished and experienced board members to the Canadian Women Voters Congress.

Shirley Anne Claydon has been active in the Canadian arts community for over 25 years. She graduated with honours from Simon Fraser University’s School of Contemporary Arts, where she studied film and fine art, and did graduate work in Women’s Studies. She has been a director of Cineworks Independent Filmmaker’s Coop and a director and president of the Independent Film and Video Alliance. She has taught at SFU, The Vancouver Film School and Langara College. Ms. Claydon has a long standing interest in politics, especially encouraging people to become more involved in the democratic process. She has done extensive research into the role of women in politics.

Jennifer Gervès-Keen, M.A. is a talented learning and development consultant and coach with over 15 years experience in corporate and adult learning and coaching. Her areas of expertise include customized soft skills training design and delivery, professional coaching, and effective communication skills.

Jennifer holds a Master’s Degree in Adult Learning from the Open University in the UK, and a BA in History from the University of Victoria. She has completed the Coaches Training Institute coaching program. Jennifer spent 12 years living and working in France, and is fluent in French. She is on the Board of Directors of the Richmond Women’s Centre, and created and runs a pro-bono coaching service for the RWC.

Congratulations to Christy Clark

The Canadian Women Voters Congress extends congratulations to our long-time supporter, Christy Clark, on her successful campaign for the leadership of the BC Liberal Party. She will be sworn in as premier of British Columbia on March 14. Ms Clark has been an instructor at our Women’s Campaign School and was the featured speaker at our fundraiser last June.

“Power Game” Postponed

In light of the extended leadership campaigns for the two major political parties in British Columbia, the workshop with Vancouver Councillor Andrea Reimer, originally scheduled for March 12 at SFU Surrey Campus, has been postponed. The plan is to offer the workshop at the same location next spring.

Supporters in 2010

The Canadian Women Voters Congress wishes to extend thanks to our many supporters from 2010. We rely on our members, financial donors and many volunteers for their time and talent. A full list of all of our contributors can be found on our website .

Board Recruitment

Thanks to Linda Reid, MLA, for hosting an information session in January for women interested in participating on the board of directors for the Canadian Women Voters Congress. Twenty-five women gathered to hear Chief Kim Baird speak about the need for all women to step into leadership roles in their communities, as she did in hers.

The women in attendance learned about the history of the organization and the Women’s Campaign School from Hon. Penny Priddy, Past President Bernice Davidson, and co-founder of the Women’s Campaign School Joanne Silver. Current board member Audrey Ackah spoke about our recent activities and plans for the future.

We are continuing the recruitment process throughout the spring. The commitment is for a two-year term, starting in June. The board will be holding an open meeting for women who are interested in serving on the board on Monday, April 18. More information on the time and location will be available next month. If you are interested in speaking to a member of the board, please send a message to board@womenvoters.ca.

Audrey Paterson Award Fund

Audrey Paterson was the visionary for the Canadian Women Voters Congress and the Women’s Campaign School. Last May, several women organized and honoured her memory at a Celebration of Life held at the Chapel of the Epiphany in Vancouver.

Thanks to Charlene Brisson, Past-President and Co-Founder of the Women’s Campaign School, for recording the proceedings and making them available to us (here).

The CWVC would like to encourage donations to the Audrey Paterson Award that will be set up shortly at the Vancouver Foundation. For more information, contact past-president, Bernice Davidson at fund@womenvoters.ca.

To make a donation and receive a charitable donation receipt immediately, please go to Canada Helps and select ‘Audrey Paterson Award’.

New E-mail Program

After this newsletter, we will be retiring this e-mail list and upgrading to a more professional look. In order to ensure that you receive the next newsletter, please add our e-mail address to your safe senders list in your e-mail program.

Please encourage your friends to subscribe to our newsletter to keep up with our events and plans. There is a subscribe button on the home page of our website at www.womenvoters.ca.

Support the CWVC

Please consider making a charitable donation to the Canadian Women Voter Congress. We need your donations more than ever to ensure that we can continue to hold events like the Persons Day Education and run the Women’s Campaign School. As we are a registered charity, you will receive a tax receipt for donations of any amount.

To donate by credit card you can use Canada Helps securely online and receive your official receipt immediately. Or you can contact our bookkeeper, Paula Larson, via email or by phone at 604-533-3938.

Membership is granted to all donors. You may opt out of membership upon request.

Thank you for supporting the Canadian Women Voters Congress.

We help women achieve success in politics and leadership.

Municipal Campaign School, November 6

We are pleased to report that our Municipal Campaign School on Saturday, November 6, was a great success.  The Mayor of Vancouver, Gregor Robertson, welcomed students and guests at the opening reception at Vancouver City Hall.  Several current members of our city’s governing boards are graduates of the Women’s Campaign School, as well as women holding senior positions within the city’s administration.  Advisory Board member, Ms. Teresa Wat, spoke briefly about the value of the campaign school and its role of encouraging women from all areas of society to enter public life.

This year’s students had the good fortune to participate in a full day of learning in the company of Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (Canada Region), women elected to provincial and federal legislatures across Canada.  Instructors included elected officials as well as experts in the fields of marketing, low-cost campaigning and using social media.  For more information on this year’s instructors and some photos from the school, please visit the website at womenvoters.ca

Special thanks to our MC for the day, Carrie Gallant.  Thanks also to our Honourary Co-Chairs, Ms. Linda Reid, MLA for Richmond East, and Ms. Adriane Carr, Deputy Leader of the Green Party of Canada.

Interested in supporting the next School?

Donate online using Canada Helps, and specify that you would like your donation to support the Campaign School. You will receive your official tax receipt immediately.

Upcoming Education – March 12, 2011 at SFU Surrey Campus

The Power Game, with Andrea Reimer
Fee (includes lunch) $50 or $40 for members.

Join the CWVC as we host “The Power Game”, a workshop led by Vancouver City Councillor, Andrea Reimer.  Registration to this special offering is limited to 30 participants.  More information will be available in the new year. 

Audrey Paterson Award

The board will be setting up the endowment fund for the Audrey Paterson Award at the Vancouver Foundation in early 2011.  We can still accept contributions and provide you with a charitable receipt. Once the fund is transferred, the Vancouver Foundation will receive contributions and manage the fund.

The endowment will help support women in educational programs in politics and leadership, including the Women’s Campaign School!

Further donations are welcome. We can still accept contributions and provide you with a charitable receipt. Once the fund is transferred, the Vancouver Foundation will receive contributions and manage the fund.

To donate online go to the secure link at Canada Helps and select Audrey Paterson Award, or you can mail your cheque to ‘Audrey Paterson Award Fund – CWVC’, c/o Accountable Books, 19959 48 Avenue, Langley, BC, V3A 3L2.

For more information about the fund or the endowment, please contact former President Bernice Davidson at fund@womenvoters.ca

Support the CWVC

Donate online with your credit card using Canada Helps.  You have the option of making a single contribution or signing up as a monthly donor, and receive your official receipt immediately.

To make a donation by cheque, mail cheque payable to ‘Canadian Women Voters Congress’ to CWVC c/o Accountable Books, 19959 48 Avenue, Langley, BC V3A 3L2.

Contact our bookkeeper, Paula Larson, Certified Professional Bookkeeper, Accountable Books, if you wish to donate using your credit card over the phone. Paula Larson may be reached at 604-533-3938 or by e-mail at info@womenvoters.ca

Please note that membership is granted to all donors. You may opt out of membership upon request.

Thank you for supporting women’s leadership education!

Best of the season to all of you.

Board of Directors, Canadian Women Voters Congress

Thank you to all those who attended and supported us!

On Saturday, October 16th, the Canadian Women Voters Congress, along with a diverse group of women, celebrated Persons Day – the day that women were declared ‘persons’ in Canada – with a Leadership Forum at SFU at Harbour Centre.

Penny Priddy was our host for the day and gave an overview of the amazing history of Persons Day. The aboriginal opening and closing were provided by N. Rose Point , elder from Musqueam Nation, and Shushma Datt delivered the keynote address. Isabelle St-Jean presented the workshop “Women Ushering in the Future” and panelists Caroline MacGillivray (facilitator), Shirley Chan, Liz Evans, Kelly MacDonald and Eileen Mohan provided the afternoon Panel Discussion.

Special thanks to all presenters, participants and sponsors!

Municipal Campaign School for Women, Saturday November 6

Municipal elections are just over one year away for communties in British Columbia.  To help you prepare, the Canadian Women Voters Congress is hosting a one-day campaign school with a specific focus on municipal politics. Whether you want to work on a campaign, or run for office, this school is for you.

Check out the program! Registration is limited to 35, so register now to ensure you have a spot.

Registration is only $200 and includes:

• Opening private reception for students and special guests at Vancouver City Hall, Friday, November 5.

• Full-day campaign school with Mayor Pam Goldsmith-Jones (West Vancouver), Councillor Andrea Reimer (Vancouver), Deputy Leader of the Green Party of Canada, Adriane Carr, Branding Specialist, Rikia Saddy, PLUS Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians.

• Closing party on Saturday, November 6 at Steamworks.

Register now using your credit card through our secure link to Beanstream, or contact Paula Larson at 604-533-3938 or info@womenvoters.ca

This special educational opportunity has been made available to you through the work of many volunteers and with the support of SFU Continuing Studies.

Interested in supporting the School?

• Donate online using Canada Helps, and specify that you would like your donation to support the Campaign School. You will receive your official tax receipt immediately.

• Contact sponsor@womenvoters.ca to receive a sponsorship package.

• Be a volunteer – contact info@womenvoters.ca.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Equal Voice’s Experiences event

The Equal Voice Experiences program (www.equalvoice.ca/experiences) works with young women ages 12-25, giving them the tools and opportunities to become engaged in democracy.

Equal Voice is looking for facilitators for the Experiences roundtable discussions to be held November 4, 2010.

If you are interested in volunteering as a facilitator, or would like some more information, contact Jennifer Day at 604-754-7940, jday@equalvoice.ca

Support the CWVC

Please make a donation today to support the Congress and the Women’s Campaign School! We are a registered charity, so you will receive a tax receipt for donations of any amount.

Donate online using Canada Helps. You have the option of making a single contribution or signing up as a monthly donor, and receive your official receipt immediately.

To make a donation by cheque, mail cheque payable to ‘Canadian Women Voters Congress’ to CWVC c/o Accountable Books, 19959 48 Avenue, Langley, BC V3A 3L2.

Contact our bookkeeper, Paula Larson, Certified Professional Bookkeeper, Accountable Books, if you wish to donate using your credit card. Paula Larson may be reached at 604-533-3938.

Thank you!

Board of Directors, Canadian Women Voters Congress

We help women achieve success in politics and leadership.

Municipal elections are just over one year away for communities in British Columbia.  To help you prepare, the Canadian Women Voters Congress is hosting a one-day campaign school with a specific focus on municipal politics.  Whether you want to work on a campaign, or run for office, this school is for you.

The program is in final stages of preparation and will be posted on the website shortly.  Registration is limited to 35, and is now OPEN, so you can register now to ensure you have a spot.

Registration is only $200 and includes:

• Opening private reception for students and special guests at Vancouver City Hall, Fridayevening, November 5
• Full-day campaign school on Saturday, November 6, with Mayor Pam Goldsmith-Jones (West Vancouver), Councillor Andrea Reimer (Vancouver), Deputy Leader of the Green Party of Canada, Adriane Carr, Branding Specialist, Rikia Saddy, PLUS Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians.
• Closing party on Saturday, November 6, in the Uber Lounge at Steamworks – ticketed public event

Register now using your credit card through our secure link to Beanstream.  Or contact Paula Larson, at 604-533-3938 or info@womenvoters.ca

This special educational opportunity has been made available to you through the work of many volunteers and with the support of SFU Continuing Studies.

Women’s Leadership Forum for Persons Day

The speakers are lined up, the on-line registration is open, and we’re ready to celebrate Persons Day.

Join us on Saturday, October 16, 2010 in downtown Vancouver at SFU at Harbour Centre to celebrate Persons Day – the day that women were declared ‘persons’ in Canada.

Opening and closing our day, we are honoured to have N. Rose Point, elder from Musqueam Nation, with us again. She currently works as Elder Advisor at the BC Institute of Technology.

Our host for the day is Penny Priddy, the only woman in Canadian history to be elected to school board, city council, a provincial legislature and the House of Commons. Our keynote speaker is Shushma Datt, President and CEO of i.t. Media Broadcasting, and the first woman in Canadian history to be awarded a CRTC radio license.

The morning session will include a choice of two workshops by accomplished and experienced professionals, Erica Pinsky and Isabelle St. Jean.

In the afternoon, an esteemed panel of women leaders will share their experiences with participants:

• Caroline MacGillivray, National Executive Director and Founder of Beauty Night Society

• Shirley Chan, CEO of Building Opportunities with Business

• Liz Evans, Executive Director and Founder of the Portland Hotel Society

• Kelly MacDonald, Senior Adjudicator for Indian Residential Schools Adjudication Secretariat

• Eileen Mohan, mother of Christopher Mohan and 2009 Surrey Leader Daily’s “Leader of the Year”

Come out, network and gain the skills necessary to help you develop as a leader in your workplace or community! This will be an exciting opportunity for those interested in learning more about women in leadership.

Lunch is included in your registration! Early registration (before September 30) – only $65 for members, $75 for non-members.

More details are available on the website. To read more about the presenters and the workshops, go to our website at www.womenvoters.ca . To register directly on-line using your credit card, go to the secure link at Beanstream, a company based in Victoria, BC.

Connect Your Business with Vancouver’s Female Leaders!

The Canadian Women Voters Congress (CWVC) would like to invite you to be part of its Persons Day celebration by becoming a sponsor of our Conference taking place October 16, 2010 at Simon Fraser University, in downtown Vancouver at Harbour Centre.

Sponsors will be profiled on the home page of our website and in the event program.

See our sponsorship package for more details. To see the package, contact sponsor@womenvoters.ca .

Audrey Paterson Award

Thank you to everyone who donated to the Audrey Paterson Award Fund. We are pleased to announce that enough money has been contributed in order to establish an endowment in Audrey Paterson’s name at the Vancouver Foundation.

The endowment will help support women in educational programs in politics and leadership, including our Women’s Campaign School!

Further donations are always welcome. To donate online go to the secure link at Canada Helps and select Audrey Paterson Award, or you can mail your cheque to ‘Audrey Paterson Award Fund – CWVC’, c/o Accountable Books, 19959 48 Avenue, Langley, BC, V3A 3L2.

For more information about the fund or the endowment, please contact former President Bernice Davidson at fund@womenvoters.ca .

One-Day Campaign School, November 6

In our last newsletter, we announced the one-day Campaign School with a municipal focus that is to be held on Saturday, November 6, 2010 at SFU at Harbour Centre.

We are now pleased to announce that the opening reception will be held on Friday, November 5th at Vancouver City Hall… and that there is a special event planned for Saturday, following the School. Stay tuned for more information!!!

Interested in supporting the School?

• Donate online using Canada Helps, and specify that you would like your donation to support the Campaign School. You will receive your official tax receipt immediately.

• Contact sponsor@womenvoters.ca to receive a sponsorship package.

• Be a volunteer – contact info@womenvoters.ca.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Equal Voice’s Experiences event

The Equal Voice Experiences program (www.equalvoice.ca/experiences) works with young women ages 12-25, giving them the tools and opportunities to become engaged in democracy.

Equal Voice is looking for facilitators for the Experiences roundtable discussions to be held November 4, 2010.

If you are interested in volunteering as a facilitator, or would like some more information, contact Jennifer Day at 604-754-7940, jday@equalvoice.ca

Support the CWVC

Please make a donation today to support the Congress and the Women’s Campaign School! We are a registered charity, so you will receive a tax receipt for donations of any amount.

Donate online using Canada Helps. You have the option of making a single contribution or signing up as a monthly donor, and receive your official receipt immediately.

To make a donation by cheque, mail cheque payable to ‘Canadian Women Voters Congress’ to CWVC c/o Accountable Books, 19959 48 Avenue, Langley, BC V3A 3L2.

Contact our bookkeeper, Paula Larson, Certified Professional Bookkeeper, Accountable Books, if you wish to donate using your credit card. Paula Larson may be reached at 604-533-3938.

Thank you for supporting women’s leadership education!

Board of Directors, Canadian Women Voters Congress

Women’s Leadership Forum for Persons Day

Join us, MC Penny Priddy, and keynote speaker Shushma Datt, to celebrate Persons Day – the day that women were declared ‘persons’ in Canada – with a full-day educational event on Saturday, October 16, 2010 in downtown Vancouver at SFU at Harbour Centre.

This will be an exciting opportunity for those interested in learning more about women in leadership. Come out, network and gain the skills necessary to help you develop as a leader in your workplace or community!

There will be a choice of two professional workshops, lunch and an afternoon panel discussion with women leaders in the community.  Lunch is included in your registration fee.

Early registration (before September 30) – only $65 for members, $75 for non-members.

More details are available on the website.  To read more about the presenters and the workshops, go to our website. To register directly on-line using your credit card, go to the secure link at Beanstream.

One-Day Campaign School, November 6 – – SAVE THE DATE!

Municipal (local government) elections in British Columbia are currently held every three years. This includes elections for mayors, councillors, regional district electoral area directors, and trustees for the Islands Trust. The next municipal elections will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2011. The election for school board trustees is also held on the same date.

The Canadian Women Voters Congress is pleased to announce a one-day Campaign School with a municipal focus, to be held Saturday, November 6, 2010 at SFU at Harbour Centre.

Whether you are interested in working behind the scenes of the next election, or running as a candidate, this one-day Campaign School is for you!

The full program and presenters will be posted on our website, once confirmed.

Audrey Paterson Award

Vancouver lost a woman of vision when Audrey Paterson passed away in April. Countless women in Vancouver remember her as a model to be emulated and admired. The Canadian Women Voters Congress and the Women’s Campaign School are proud to remain as her legacy to this city and her country.

In partnership with the Paterson family, the CWVC proudly announced the creation of the Audrey Paterson Award Fund in May. The fund will be used to establish a long-standing endowment for an award in Audrey Paterson’s name at the Vancouver Foundation.

Your donation to the Audrey Paterson Award Fund will help support women in educational programs in politics and leadership, including the Women’s Campaign School!

To donate online go to the secure link at Canada Helps and select Audrey Paterson Award, or you can mail your cheque to ‘Audrey Paterson Award Fund – CWVC’, c/o Accountable Books, 19959 48 Avenue, Langley, BC, V3A 3L2.

For more information about the fund, please contact former President Bernice Davidson at fund@womenvoters.ca.

Support the CWVC

Please make a donation today to support the Congress and the Women’s Campaign School! We are a registered charity, so you will receive a tax receipt for donations of any amount.

Donate online using Canada Helps.  You have the option of making a single contribution or signing up as a monthly donor, and receive your official receipt immediately.

To make a donation by cheque, mail cheque payable to ‘Canadian Women Voters Congress’ to CWVC c/o Accountable Books, 19959 48 Avenue, Langley, BC V3A 3L2.

Contact our bookkeeper, Paula Larson, Certified Professional Bookkeeper, Accountable Books, if you wish to donate using your credit card. Paula Larson may be reached at 604-533-3938.

Thank you for supporting women’s leadership education!

Urban Nights – Friday, June 4th

Come and join the Canadian Women Voters Congress and BC Youth Parliament on Friday, June 4 at Heritage Hall for ‘Urban Nights’, a fundraiser for the Women’s Campaign School.

Urban Nights will be an evening of wine and cheese, wonderful guest speakers, music and a silent and live auction. Tickets are only $25 or $150 for a table of six.

Reserve your space today.  Invite your friends to join you for a fun night out and support our Women’s Campaign School.

We are happy to have the following guests at our event:

Featured Speaker: Christy Clark: The host of the “Christy Clark Show” on CKNW, and former Deputy Premier of British Columbia. http://www.christyclark.ca/

MC: Nitya Iyer: human rights lawyer and President of Westcoast LEAF

Auctioneer: Jonathan Scott of Maynards Fine Art and Antiques

Announcing a few of the auction lots:

1. Vancouver Sports-Adventure Package
2. Vancouver Family Fun Package
3. Victoria Get-Away Package

Order your tickets now using our secure link or contact Paula Larson at 604-533-3938.

Find your Voice – workshop on May 8

“We get so much training at work but we never get anything like this.  This is exactly what I need!”

These were the words of one of the attendees at the very popular and successful CWVC hosted workshop on Saturday, May 8 with Certified Integral Coach and Professional Speaker, Deborah Rossouw.

Twenty-five women kicked off their weekend with a boost of energy by participating in this workshop held at the YWCA.

Many thanks to all who attended and to Deborah for her inspirational teachings!

Honouring CWVC Founder Audrey Paterson

In partnership with the Paterson family, the CWVC is proud to announce the creation of the Audrey Paterson Award Fund, an endowment through the Vancouver Foundation, to support women in educational programs in politics and leadership, including the Women’s Campaign School.

Donations to the fund may be made by credit card online through the secure link at Canada Helps or by cheque made out to the Canadian Women Voters Congress, designating the Audrey Paterson Award Fund.

To donate online go to the secure link at Canada Helps and select Audrey Paterson Award.

Mail cheques to Audrey Paterson Award Fund – CWVC, c/o Accountable Books, 19959 48 Avenue, Langley, BC, V3A 3L2.

For more information about the fund, please contact Past President Bernice Davidson: fund@womenvoters.ca

Also, please join us May 29 for Celebration of Audrey Paterson’s life:

Saturday, May 29, 2010, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Chapel of the Ephiphany, Vancouver School of Theology (UBC)
6030 Chancellor Boulevard

For more information, please contact Past President and Co-Founder of the Women’s Campaign School, Charlene Brisson at 778-928-4888.

Featured Graduate – Margaret Page, Professional Coach

Margaret Page is a professional coach who works with  entrepreneurs, athletes, business people and professionals. Margaret is a member of the International Coaching Federation and graduate of CoachU. A graduate of the 2007 Women’s Campaign School, Margaret recently made a significant donation to the Canadian Women Voters Congress in honour of the Honourary Co-Chair of the Women’s Campaign School, Linda Reid, MLA, who inspires [more . . .]

Please donate and help us continue our work!

Please make a secure online donation today to support the Congress and the Women’s Campaign School! You can make a single donation, or better yet, sign up to become a monthly donor and help sustain our organization.

The Canadian Women Voters Congress and BC Youth Parliament announce

Urban Nights

Join us for a fundraising evening in support of the Canadian Women Voters Congress, with special guest, Christy Clark, host of the “Christy Clark Show” on CKNW and YWCA Woman of Distinction in 2009.

The evening will include a live auction, a silent auction and some special surprises

Where:

Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street (at 15^th Avenue), Vancouver

When:

Friday, June 4, 7:30 pm – 11:30 pm

Tickets are limited and only $25. Order yours now to avoid disappointment!

Order tickets securely online, or by phone through Paula Larson, Certified Professional Bookkeeper at 604-533-3938.

We look forward to seeing you.

Upcoming Workshop – only 8 spots left!

Find Your Voice – Tips to hold your ground with power and dignity,

with Deborah Rossouw

The aim of this workshop is for you to:

• Gain awareness of how the unconscious mind impacts communication style
• Learn to distinguish your true voice from the pseudo voice
• Walk away with some tips on how to hold your ground with power and dignity

Registration fees:  Members $30; Non-members $40

Saturday, May 8, 8:00 am to 12:00 pm at the YWCA, 535 Hornby Street, Vancouver

Coffee/tea and refreshments will be served.

Featured Graduate – Kathleen Speakman

Acting Executive Director of the BC Centre for Non-Profit Management and Sustainability

Kathleen Speakman spoke to us recently about her experience attending the Women’s Campaign School in 2004. Although she did not enter politics, she learned valuable leadership skills through the training she received.

Kathleen Speakman has invested her career in not-for-profit and philanthropic organizations across Canada. After a decade [more...]

New Cards designed for the Canadian Women Voters Congress

We are grateful to local artist and community leader, Eileen Mosca, for her generous donation of arwork and production of cards for the CWVC. [see card]

We asked Eileen to design a card using a quotation from Nellie McClung, one of the Famous Five who was elected to the Alberta Legislature in 1921. We chose the quotation: “I want to leave something behind when I go; some small legacy of truth, some word that will shine in a dark place.”

Thank you Eileen! We are excited to have our own cards to use when we thank donors for their contributions to our mission of helping women achieve success in politics and leadership.

Please donate and help us continue our work!

Please make a secure online donation today to support the Congress and the Women’s Campaign School! You can make a single donation, or better yet, sign up to become a monthly donor and help sustain our organization.

Urban Nights – Save the Date!

Mark your calendar for Friday, June 4.  We are partnering with BC Youth Parliament to hold a wine and cheese party and fundraiser at Heritage Hall, in Vancouver.  All proceeds will go to our Women’s Campaign School and BC Youth Parliament’s Camp Phoenix.

Tickets are now available — they are limited!  Order yours now to avoid disappointment.  More information about special guests and prizes will be included in next month’s newsletter.

You may order your tickets by credit card online through our secure link at Beanstream electronic payment processing, or contact Paula Larson, certified professional bookkeeper, for other payment arrangements.  Paula may be reached by phone at 604-533-3938 or by e-mail at register@womenvoters.ca

Upcoming Workshops

Saturday morning, May 8, YWCA Vancouver

Find Your Voice – Tips to hold your ground with power and dignity, with Deborah Rossouw

The aim of this workshop is for you to:
• Gain awareness of how the unconscious mind impacts communication style
• Learn to distinguish your true voice from the pseudo voice
• Walk away with some tips on how to hold your ground with power and dignity

Registration Fees: Members:  $30  Non-members:  $40

Saturday, May 8, 8:00 am  to 12:00 pm at the YWCA, 535 Hornby Street, Vancouver.

Coffee/tea and refreshments will be served.

For more information, please see our website under Events.  For more information on Deborah Rossouw, Integral Coach and Speaker, please visit her website at http://deborahrossouw.com/

To register, you may register online with our secure link at Beanstream, a company based in Victoria, BC.  To register by phone, please contact our bookkeeper, Paula Larson, at 604-533-3938.

Wednesday evening, April 14, Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch

Fundraising Workshop with BC Youth Parliament – Exclusively for Members of the Canadian Women Voters Congress and Graduates of the Women’s Campaign School.

One of the most important skills you can learn to create change is to learn to raise funds. Whether it be for a not-for-profit agency, a political campaign, or other projects, learning to ask for support and money is a vital skill.

Join us on Wednesday, April 14 at 6:00 pm for a two-hour fundraising workshop led by the experts at BC Youth Parliament.

We will be creating a fundraising team for the upcoming “Urban Nights” fundraiser on Friday, June 4. This project team will give you hands-on experience in raising money for a worthy cause, our Women’s Campaign School.

Registration is limited to current members and graduates of the Women’s Campaign School.

Not a member? Joining is easy — make a donation to the Congress and you will be a member for one year.  For more information, call 604-533-3938 or e-mail membership@womenvoters.ca

News from the Board

We say good-bye to Amanda Reaume, a director since 2008, as she focuses on her career.  Amanda contributed her skills to the CWVC by managing volunteers for events, writing our newsletter and providing us with many great and creative ideas.  We send our best to you, Amanda!

Serve on our Board of Directors

Interested in working to help to support women in leadership and politics?  Consider joining the board of the Canadian Women Voters Congress!

We are seeking nominations for those interested in joining our dynamic volunteer Board of Directors for a 2-year term at the AGM in June.  Help to shape and develop the organization behind the Women’s Campaign School.

Please forward your resume and contact information for two (2) references to nominations@womenvoters.ca.  Though the Congress welcomes individuals with a broad range of experience, we are currently seeking people with the following skills background:

Governance – Fundraising – Communications – Organizational Development

Application deadline:  April 15, 2010

Please donate!

Please make a donation today through Canada Helps to support the Congress and the Women’s Campaign School!  You have the option of making a single contribution or signing up as a monthly donor using Canada Helps.