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continued from page 5 Countryis not only an account of WI his- tory. it Is also an account of things like socrctal concerns and issues and fashion. Take a look at those hats! And the list goes on. as will the Home & Country. ’New Look” Home & C owrtry It was the consensus of the FWlO Executive, Board of Directors and the new Editorial Committee that the Home & Country will, once again, take on a "new look." This "new look" publication will be distributed to the Women's Institute Branches for their fall meetings. Note that there will not be an April, May. June issue of the Home & Country. New Branch Co-ordinator’s Report By Hilde Murder: At a Women‘s Institute anniversary I metaseniorwhocamebacktoherBranch for the celebration. She now lives 25 kilometers away in a senior's apartment building in the city close to all the ser- vices, Among all the welcome "hellos," hugs and reminiscing of W] memories, she looked wistful and told me, "I miss the Women‘s Institutes!" What was she missing? - the fun, the fe110wship and the sharing of knowledge with others. The Federated Women's Institutes of Ontario are now addressing these human needs. New Branch Organizers elected at area Conventions in 1991 will be workâ€" Ing co-operatively with their Provincial Board Directors and District Officers to organize new Branches. A training workshop held last November uncovered needs and concerns that bring women together in an area. Some of these needs and concerns included: health issues; education; the farming crisis; community development; the environment; lobbying; lllrtrl raising; leadership skills develop- mefllrand, sociability â€" simply getting ac‘ltlainted, having time together and havmg fun] Why do we need new Women’s In- stitute Branches in our communities? Our senior at the beginning of this article, for example, can knock on the doors of her apartment dwellers and invite them to her apartment for fellowship and common interest topics. And with her knowledge of the Women's Institute, she can help organize a Branch in the building to meet the needs of these members. The same can be said for women who live in new subdivisions or mobile communities, or for single Moms, part-time orjob sharing women, "empty nesters," or young mothers with similar interests. These new groups may differ from ex- isting Branches as to the time and day of their meetings. The kinds of programs they develop to meet their needs may also differi These new Branches may be less structured, more flexible, include a variety ofage groups, and have objectives of local value. Volunteers may come for- ward with no knowledge ofthe Women's Institute, but with the skills to be a Branch President, Secretary, Treasurer or Pro- gram Planner. One advantage of an all new members Branch is that the level of Women’s Institute knowledge should be about the same. . An organization is only as progressive as the input received from its member- ship. Through the years, the Women's institute has made changes by listening to their members‘ requests and taking ac- tion. The membership ofour organization has long been a concern ofthe grassroots members, as well as the FWlO Executive and Provincial Board Directors. Existing Branches will continue to en- courage their members to invite Cum- rnunity women to their meetings. And l encourage each Women's Institute mem- ber to be in touch with your AREA NEW BRANCH ORGANIZER when you know of a community of women that cannot meet with your Branch for whatever reason. Help organize a new Branch to satisfy their needs and strengthen our organization. FACT: "Every person in the world is hungry - tfnatfurfomi. their for recogni- tion, companionship, the need Ufa help- ing hand, understanding and love. Know- ing this will help as you look to find the needs of people and communities. The one who satisfies the mat! hunger in others will always be the most successful - and most important, the happiest!” Hilde G. Murder: is the New Branch Co-ardinatar for the Federated Women '5 Institute: af0nlari0. H Jr. C January, February. March l9‘Jl 5