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Veto! it to communities isn't always the case anymore. Harris says the women within the institute can help fill those rules. And while there is a perception that the older mem- bets are resistant to change. they do in fact welcome new ideas and challenges. according to Harris. In fact. Hart-is says she sees a new vibrancy to the group that wmn't there tr few years ago. "When I've at‘ tended functions lately and looked amqu I've been so much more enthused. encouraged and positive about the Women's Institute than] was a few years ago.“ says Harris. A case in point was the summertime turnout of more than 36(1) people to the Institute's annual gathering at the agricultural museum in Milton. In fact. Harris questions ' "‘ Continued next page why there was no media cover I age of an event that drew so many people. but she was happy - to see the responsejust the same. "We're standing up and say- ing we‘re proud to be Women‘s . Institute members. People used I tube a little apologetic about it.“ I . she says. That new vibrancy is even extending to sports. Harris J admits that she‘s already lost ‘ some sleepover tl'uowing out the first pitch at a Toronto Blue Jays game next summer. . As the political climate in the 1 province changes over the next. little while. Harris says this is artâ€" . other area where the Women‘s institute will be waiting in the wings. As more and more em- phasis is placed on volunteerorâ€" - ganizations. the Women's lnsti- , tute is expected to play a role. ; It is not clear exactly what t that rule will be. butlanessays it , l ourldoentremteadtinglife skills , to yoimg people. But for now, the I Women's Institute will continue - tndowhatirdnesbest-reachout 1 to others. And Harris hopes that she will bring avision to an or- ganization that has endured and survived many changes. “As president i feel that it's 1 important to inspire and to moti- vate. And I dream that one day the Women's institute will beâ€" come a household word. People need to be connected to some- . thing that has value and worth.