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Annual Meeting Report January IS, 2002 ‘The Board continues to direct and protect the organization. while taking care not to lose Sight oi the mission and Vision of Women‘s Institutes." remarked outgorng President Christine Fleaburn in her opening address at the Federated Women’s institutes of Ontario (FWIO) Annual Meeting in middanuary, Heaburn noted that the Board directs the Women's Institute by setting goals and providing leadership. while protecting Its assets and image and limiting its liabilities. Reabum reminded members to fill out the questionnaire that came to Branches as a sepa- rate insert with Ihe Winter issue of the Home & Countrynewsletter She remarked that the ques- tionnaire was sent to all Branches giving every memberan opportunity to express theiropinions. The results of the questionnaire Will be used in Iurther developing thestrategic plan at the March Board meeting "Women’s Institute Will continue to change and evolve." said Fleaburn. "just as socrety wrll con- tinue to change and evolve. By being active in and wsrble in our communities. we show the importance of Women's Institute." She empha- sized that members are the expert sales people for the organization. adding, "We can't leave It to one coordinator or member. All of us need to promote the value of ioining.” Elections President-Elect Dianne Orr and Northern Regional Board Director Elsre Stephenson were voted in as President and Presrdent-Elect ot FWIO respectively at the Annual Meeting, Con~ gratulations Dianne and Elsie! Norine Empey replaces Faith Nelms as Eastern Regional Board Director and Gloria Pakkala replaces Elsie Stephenson Ask your Branch Secretary for the revised address list of Board Directors. Coordi- nators and PAC included in your Winter Home & Country Supplement. Recognitions Outgoing President Christine Fleaburn recog- nized several individuals for the seemingly endless number of hours they have given to the Women's Institute. Past President Arthena Hacker. Lobbying Coordinator Anne Dyas. Northern Regional Board Director Elsie 4 Home 8. Country, Spring 2002 Stephenson and Eastern Regional Board Director Faith Nelms were extended heartfelt thanks for their contributions of time and talent, as were the outgoing Provincial Advisory Councillors All were praised as fervent ambas- sadors lor the organization. Education Coordinator’s Report Education Coordinator Joan King thanked her Committee for their Invaluable assistance in pre- paring the revised Education Coordinator‘s Manual She also recognized the group for their help In compiling the two-page spread of pro- gramming Ideas on "Food Safety and Nutrition" that appears in the Winter 2001-2002 issue of the Home & Counin newsletter. Also. watch for the compiled reports Irorn District Education Co- ordinators. which will be distributed back to Branches for planning the years programs. Lobbying Coordinator's Report Resolutions Passed at the Annual Meeting - Be it resolved that all members of FWIO re quest the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to provide sufficient funding to support adequate and consistent home care services province-wide for those in need. - Be it resolved that all members ot FWIO urge the Federal Minister of Health to ensure that genetic screening. where indicated. remains available to the public at a reasonable cost. Outgoing Lobbying Coordinator Anne Dyas reported that tour resolutions passed in the past year have not yet received a response. One concerned a tax break tor stay»at«home parents. which was previously addressed by the FWIC in July 1999 and reported upon in the Winter 2000 Federated News. Letters were written requesting responses to the resolutions re: rabies vaccine. medical examinations for immigrants and the Ontario Government Regulation 903 (Wells). The members of the FWIO 80an President Christine Heeburn President Dianne Orr and President Elect Elsie Stephenson. Standing from left to right are Gloria Pakkala, Joan Folkard. Evelyn Peck. Carol Force. Fran Farrell. Ruth Cramp. Angela Oberg and Norine Empey. Shown from left to right is Gail Murdock - Interim HOSE Health Program Coordinator. Mary Eberle - FWIO Executive Officer to F WiC. Cindy Lockhart - Membership Coordinator and Joan King - Education Coordinator. Membership Coordinator’s Report Cindy Lockhart extended thanks to the 409 Branches who took the time to fill out the Mem- bership Questionnaire. She noted that most were positive and emphasized the need to at- tract younger members so that the organization can grow and be strong. Watch for a summary of this questionnaire in the upcoming Summer issue of the Home at Country newsletter. L0ckhartreported10.459 members in Ontario. With 291 new members joining the Women' Institute in Ontario during the past year. Sh reminded annual meeting participants of the New Member Incentive Introduced as part of the Membership Recruitment Campaign launched last spring. interim ROSE Health Program Coordinator Gail Murdock. the FWIO Interim HOSE Health Program Coordinator. reported: “This position has proved to be both challenging and interestâ€" ing " Murdock stated that while the ROSE Health Program started out "sharing education with ru- ral women." it has become attractive to health professionals. other health organizations and medical researchers at universities and teaching hospitals, such as Western and McMaster. She noted that these groups see the Women’s Insti- tute as a base of rural women with the ability to help them spread their intormation. As well. these health professionals and researchers wish to target and study the views. needs and con- cerns of WI members with regard to health, The Provincial Advisory Councillors were given a tabletop display to promote the FWIO ROSE Health Program in their Subdivisions. Upon concluding her reportI Murdock instilled the following message; "You have the power in your hands to help your tellow women. men and children lead healthier lives. Your FIOSE Health Program may save someone's life. That is an awesome thoughtl" (seated, lelt to right) are Pas.