Members gather once a month to raise awareness about issues of concern in their community or across Canada. Underlying each issue is the impact on women and children. There is no homework. Follow-up with emails to elected officials is encouraged but only if a member wishes to do so. One or more members of the group will participate in preparing a Call to Action for the newsletter, the resolution meeting and or the questions to ask candidates when elections occur.

 The Advocacy interest group engaged club members in a short survey. The group had created lists of concerns according to federal, provincial and local government responsibilities. Then members attending a general meeting checked off their interests on each of the lists. The results helped to inform the Advocacy group about topics that could be a special focus for the year. 

In general, the survey showed that CFUW Etobicoke members were particularly concerned about (in order of most interest):
– Climate Change;
– Gun Control;
– Mental Health and Addictions;
– Canadian Arctic protection (First Nations) + Defence;
– Poverty, guaranteed livable income.

The Advocacy group continued the monthly “Call to Action” in the Club newsletter to outline an issue important at that particular time. Information is given to briefly describe the situation and club members are given a couple of suggestions as to what they might do if they are concerned about the issue.

Contact: Maure Kentner