The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

Spring is in the air so what better time and opportunity to recruit new Members to build your Branches. There is strength in numbers so WI is presenting a challenge this year. Be wise and recruit Members so that your Branch will be strong and on solid ground. Our desire is to stop this ongoing pattern of dwindling memberships only to be followed by disbanding Branches. As you are aware, more and more Branches are disbanding despite the numerous but valid reasons. Is your Branch in jeopardy? Fewer Branches remain healthy only to believe that it is because of the enjoyment of quality fun meetings, programs and fellowship. We live in a world of changing times and fun is lacking, especially for women who are constantly nurturing others. Women are seeking to learn and have fun, something that goes hand in hand, which by the way is not only contagious but valuable at meetings in order to keep Members and to recruit others. Askyourselves, when was the last time we laughed at a meeting? Went home looking forward to the next meeting? Enjoyed sharing the evening with family and friends, neighbours? Might it be time for your Branch to do a makeover to spruce things up? Nonetheless, I implore Branches to make it your mission, this year, to accept the challenge of recruiting Members. At your next meeting make sure that “membership” is on your agenda and that every Member make a commitment to recruit and grow our WI family. Then make a concrete plan of action and keep it in the forefront at meetings so that it doesn’t slip away and out of mind. Before you know it, your Branch will also be strong in numbers and on solid ground, something indeed to celebrate. Also remember, Branches; that you are not on your own as I can offer ideas and share motivational tips. In closing, Iwish you a wonderful spring and best ofluck as I look forward to hearing some good news. Ellen Martin can be reached at 613-433-3463 or membershipcoordinator@fwio.on.ca. 4 yldfifs‘g‘"ugfizߢh\t ’ 12 By Membership Coordinator, Ellen Martin ~ By Advocacy Coordinator, Glenna Smith WI Members are expressing many . concerns â€" you can help by sending letters of support. HYDRO RATES: A number of Branches and some individuals have contacted their MPPs to express their concern over rising costs â€" how do you feel? HEALTH CARE: In particular, early discharge from Hospital and lack of Home Care after discharge. There have been some very sad cases reported, but nothing will change if you just tell your neighbour. If you have a true story, not one retold two or three times, then let the Minister of Health and your MPP hear about it. You can make a difference. The Resolution put forward by Kemble WI to stop the release of balloons at celebrations such as Canada Day has been approved by the Board. Good for Kemble. The Environment and Animal Safety should be a concern of each of us. More information on this resolution can be found on the FWIO website. The Resolution on Family Studies in the school is ongoing. New partners are joining in on this important topic. Keep your letters of support going to the Minister of Education, to your MPP and to all the Party Leaders. Consulting with Canadians This “Consulting with Canadians” website might be useful for your Advocacy Coordinators: www.consultingcanadians.gc.ca Anytimethe DepartmentsorAgenciesoftheGovernment of Canada are seeking feedback and suggestions from Canadians on specific issues, information about the consultation process will be available on the site. The site will provide who the response should be sent to. If there is an issue that is not listed that you have concerns about then residents should address them to their MP and/or the Minister responsible for the issue. You can look for information about consultations by Department or Agency, or by Topics. Glenna Smith can be reached at 519â€"824â€"0217 or advocacycoordinator@fwio.on.ca. @flsfl ‘ ‘ EVE/gummy