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editorial The Associated Country Women of the \‘v’orld: This organization, of which we as members of the Ontario Women‘s institutes are a part, became a reality to a large number of women during the days of September 3 to 14 when the Twelfth Triennial Conference was held at Michigan State University, in East Lansing, Michigan. The theme of the conference was "Learning to Live." and two thousand women, represent- ing every state in the United States including Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico; every province in Canada including the North \Vest Territories; the continents of South America, Asia, Europe, Africa and Australia, learned to live together for twelve days. This conference was not just a convention; it was an exciting adventure which enlarged the horizons of every woman who attended, and emphasized the growing awareness in the minds of these women that woman of all races and creeds have common interests. The most important interest being a concern for the influence of the home on the minds and hearts of the youth of our countries. The charming Mrs. Aroti Dutt, President of the Associated Country Women of the World, presiding at the opening session, said, "The delegates who have come are here to share knowl- edge and experiences. We realize the great need to exchange ideas and knowledge. I hope we shall all take this opportunity of knowing women of other countries on a person to person basis so that we can treasure the memory of this conference in the days to come." Mrs. Dutt also said: "In this trouble ridden world, a conference like this is important because it helps to break down prejudice due to ignorance, and the artificial barriers of human society, through under standing and knowledge. It also helps us to introspect and search the contacts of our basic values of life. When life becomes insecure with violence and hatred, it becomes imperative to search the cause of what is lacking in the set-up of family and community life of today. Our theme, “Learning to Live“ as an individual, in the family, in the community and in tune with the world, will involve all the basic problems of human life. We believe that to discuss such a theme from different angles will help us to face the challenge of modern life.” During the conference the delegates had the privilege of bearing many outstanding speakers. To hear these speakers was like being presented with a feast of new and exciting foods. Thinking was stimulated by new ideas and new concepts; or old facts were presented in new and fascinating ways. During the open forums the delegates themselves had the opportunity to exchange their points of view and to reshape their thinking in accordance with the ideas presented by persons from other cultures and living conditions. Every new friend we make opens the doors of our thinking, because every new friend brings into our lives new ideas and new insights into the lives of other people. Many new friends were made at this conference. Living arrangements were such that women who were strangers shared bedrooms. In the big cafeterias, women told each other of their homes and families, no doubt even exchanged recipes. A very lasting result of the conference may very well he the friendships that resulted. All of the days of the conference seemed to pass in an aura of great friendliness and goodwill among the delegates. The women opened their minds and hearts to each other. Then after the goodbyes were said, women came away with the feeling "that it was good to have been there." FALL 1968