President's Message

As we look forward to our AGM on May 20th, our 70th anniversary year is coming to an end. I hope everyone has enjoyed our birthday year celebration. I’ve enjoyed learning club history through our ‘From the Archives” section each month, and hope you have too!

There are so many CFUW members I would like to thank making this year a success: our fantastic Executive Committee for their hard work and dedication over the last 12 months; our terrific Interest Group leaders for all of the work they do in coordinating our myriad groups every week and every month; our Advocacy leaders and groups for their continued dedication to making real change in our community and beyond; and our other committee and meeting volunteers – Program, Membership, Communications, Scholarship and International Women’s Day - who work behind the scenes and have made things run so smoothly in so many ways. Thank you for all of your contributions!

And as we say goodbye to one year, its hello to the next! We have an amazing AGM keynote speaker – fresh off her standing ovation at the IWD event – and we will be giving you a sneak-peak of the upcoming 2025/2026 Program. The annual membership fee of $130.00 can be paid through etransfer at cfuwstratfordtreasurer@gmail.com, or via cheque at the AGM. Looking forward to seeing everyone on May 20^th!

We are looking forward to our Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, May 20th at the Stratford Country Club. Cocktails will be available from 5:30pm and dinner will be served on the elevated terrace at 6:00pm. 

You are welcome to come to hear our speaker's presentation at 7pm (please come and be seated a bit earlier). Also our Annual General Business Meeting is open to all members. 

Speaker Program 2024 - 2025

Our April General Meeting
Unlocking the Secrets to Exceptional Brain Health

Advocacy

Violence Against Women Committee

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On April 24th, CST Darren Fischer (Community Resource Officer, Stratford Police) and Cynthia Miller (Psychotherapist and Family counsellor for Perth - Huron Family Services) spoke with our Prevention of Violence Against Women committee. They gave suggestions on how to educate men in what is acceptable behavior and how to create positive and interactive neighborhoods to combat the growing alienation and desperation of young people. It was inspiring!

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Climate Change Action Committee 

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Here Patsy Berton, Sue Bailey, and Marylu Moyer preview the very popular exhibit presented by our committee as the CFUW display at the Climate Momentum Earth Day Street Party. The exhibits were open to the public on April 27 at Factory 163 (163 King Street) from 11:30 to 2 pm. This tabletop village is tackling greenhouse gas emissions- especially idling! There's amazing creativity happening with this exhibit and both grown-ups and children were delighted.

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Interest Groups

The DNA Group

We had an amazing visit to the genealogy studio at the home of Barbara LaFlamme! We saw file organization and archival storage that was absolutely first class. Barbara's many years of genealogical reseach provides a tremendous foundation for her DNA work. We are also always amazed at the links we share and the many ways we are able to assist each other on our own quests.

Indigenous Rights Learning Group

On April 14th, CFUW’s Indigenous Rights Learning Group hosted a public Reconciliation Learning Circle at Stratford District Secondary School, attended by approximately 25 people. Emma Rain Smith, Director of the Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre/Shatitsirótha', spoke about "BUILDING UNDERSTANDING and ACTION TOWARD EQUITY and JUSTICE for INDIGENOUS PEOPLE".

Little Prince Film Club

Don't be shy - Check out our website for great interest groups! Email Patsy Berton for any further information or to sign up.

Interest Groups

CFUW National

So many events and online activities going on accross the country: Health, Educaion, Membership, Long Term Care!

You may be interested in joining or auditing a number of these: CFUW Events Calendar.

Also noting the upcoming CFUW National AGM in July.

GWI

Sept 11-13th, 2025 -  Graduate Women Zambia hosts the 35th GWI Triennial in Lusaka, Zambia.
CFUW has nominated CFUW members for the positions of:
- President of GWI
- V.P. Treasurer- Reappointment
- V. P of Legal and Governance Committee
- Member. Education Committee Committee
- Member of Resolutions Committee- Reappointment
- Member of Hegg Hoffett Committee ‘
- Member of Membership Commiittee

Stay tuned for details.

The 2024 GWI Annual Report has just been published. 
This graphic depiction of where GWI works and shows the scope of our connections.