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“Today's Family Shaping Tomorrow’s World" By Mary Mac/arlanr- "The world mrilm‘ in hupc and petite, pray rhu/ it will (Alwuyi' he. I! tr the [ll/Wt? 0] the dream that fir”ng in here. " These Inspirational lyrics sung by Hi year old Stirling resident Becky Fleming left a lasting memory .1» WI dele‘ gates. shared in the clthlng ceremonies of their weekend lung provincial conference from July 3 to 5 nt Loyalist College in Bellevillc. Conference ‘er was hosted by Trent Valley Area A total of 392 delegates, women and men, partictputcd In the weekend events of toursi workshops. displays. presenter» tions um] guest speakers. Conference Chair Donna Russell suited delegates re- peatedly used two words to describe their irnpremons of the conference - siitstic and upbeat." “Today's Fumin Shaping ’I'oiniirriiw's World" was the theme of Conference “)K "enthu- Hitstingx County Junior Women's Instiâ€" tute membch lnlcl‘JCClCd lots of laughter, music and fun with their animated slut "The Light Went Out." Entertainment also included a fashion show on Friday evening by Stockdnle's Mticphce Work: shop and a family musical group, The Mundells of War- saw, on Saturday night. While the hottest ticket in opera is to hear the three Ts (tenors), delegates to the FWIO pruvmcial conference heard the three Bs - Burns, Barlow and Bonisteel. Kuthyrn Burns, a senior partner in a Belleville hm firm, shared her expertise in extuie planning and gave a thought provoking talk entitled "Planning for the Maude Barlow Inevitable," Compelling. sincere and passionate all describe keynote speaker Maude Barlow, volunteer Chairperson for the Council of Canadians. The COUle‘ll of Canadians is one ofthe few interest groups that simul- taneously works locally, nationally and internationally. She urged Wl members to learn more about economic glnbilimtion and "think in terms of citizen politics." She warned, “Don't let your eyes glaze over when you hear terms like NAFTA. PTA. APEC and MAI " And she went on to ilSk, “What are Citizens rights in a global ecunotny'l, Is everything for sale â€" our education. our medicine, our welfare and our cultural and soctal programs?" Barlow reflected on how the Depression rind World War II were pivotal times in Canadian history. After World War I], Canadians wanted to build a world Class nation state and demanded the idea of turning to 'Navfglt! tin Network u l Cunhm' 98 workshop. 6 "on I. (cum, Full '9! universality The concept of the. rights of citizens evolved from the idea that Canadians were entitled to an education, medicare, social programs and decent jobs with decent wages. Today, economic globalization is eating away at the foun- dation of this country, threatening to dismantle our social security and ad- versely affect Canadian society. While Maude Barlow challenged delegates to work locally and think globally, Quinte born broadcaster journalist Roy Bonisteel praiSed WI members on the impact they have made in the lives of women. theirfamilies and theirrural communities. “In my mother's day of being aWI mem- bar, the '305, the WI did a lot for women, but they... did a lot for the rest of the family too. They brought intelligence, un- derstanding. education, poetry. drama and music into the home." “You have along tradition of service to your communities but let me end with a favourite quote. It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness." He challenged Women‘s Institute members by adding, “You must continue to light those candles, but don' t forget to curse the darkness - today we must do both." Through a panel presentation, delegates gained insight into the different levels of their organization. Peggy Burris, a Branch member form Hillier W1. stressed that programming at the Branch level was the key to success. Arthena Hecken FWIO President, informed deiegates of what is on the horizon. FWIC President Mildred Keith and ACWW Treasurer Margaret Munro also spoke. For many. this was their first time at- tending a provincial conference. Thanks to the efforts of Trent Valley WI. many will be eager to attend another. may Bonisteel Mary Mad-dine was the Public Relations Officer for Confmence ’98.