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. Working Together Shaping Tomorrow’s World " Vision without (it‘iioii is mere/y a dream. Action wit/tout l'i.§'i())1jll.\'1pi!.§.\'£’.§' the limo. Vision ll’if/l ut’lion can change the don't]. " n preparation for the second century of the Women‘s Institutes, the provincial Board Directors spent a large part of March Board meeting developing a vision for the future of Women‘s Institutes. A vision statement is a long~terrn picture ofthe future, which may or may not be actually achieved. But it sets the direction for an organization within which growth and vitality are possible. A captivat- ing. clear vision, which is shared by the broad membership. will encourage others to belong to a winning team and invest energy in it. A vision statement differs from a mission statement. The mission statement is an action-based blueprint which evolves over time. Once the vision statement and the mis- sion statement are established‘ an .implementation or action plan (communica- tion. marketing, business, strategies) can establish goals, specific steps to reaching those goals and a time line within which to achieve those goals. The vision statement enthusiastically de- veloped by the 37 Board Directors and Executive is: “Working together shaping tomorrow's world." It implies the total mem~ bership’s belief in a better future; it refers to everyone working together for the same goals; it reflects team spirit and unity; it provides a reason for members meeting be- yond the social one. With clear recognition ofthe work done by Women's Institute mem- bers. faith in the organization will continue to grow. With the growth in faith will come an increase in self»esteem and an increase in membership. The important question for each member to consider is: Is this your vision of the Women’s Institute? The Board Directors need to know whether their vision is also your vision before August Board meeting. In order for Board Directors to establish goals. policies and action plans, they need to know if they have the support of the members. Please call or write your Board Director. or write to Home & Country with your views. by June 30. or as soon as possible. This “Visioning” workshop was facilitated by Jim Brown of STRIVEl. a company which advises Board Directors on the roles and responsibilities of boards and helps boards develop an effective, efficient process for making decisions. There are four major challenges now fac- ing the provincial Board of the Federated Women’s institutes of Ontario. They in- clude: 0 discovering and proclaiming a vision and goais for FWIO to carry it into the next 100 years: 0 restructuring the Board. allowing it to be proactive and responsive to members‘ and community needs in its develop- ment of policies that fulfill the FWIO mission; I developing a clear structure for paid and volunteer staff who take responsibility for implementing Board policies; and. 0 developing and following a strategy that values people, in keeping with the un- deriying values ofthe WI for the past 100 years. At the November Board workshop. Board Directors learned that their role is to promote and plan strategies which broaden the scope of the organization (see Home & Country, Winter 1996-97. page 4). In the words ofJim Brown, "Let’s learn from the past but not be hampered by it; the future of WT depends on today’s decisions. We need creative thinking to address the needs of members. I believe that women in Ontario need what FWIO can offer for at least another 100 years." Prepared by Mundane; Public Relation: Officerfnr the Federated Women '.r Imriiulet njOntan'n. She can be reached at 6868 Egremanr Rd. RR 8, Waiford 0N NOM 250, (519)786-55”. In preparation for the March Board Workshop Board Directors had to complete the iollowing three tasks: - talk to at least five non-members and find out why they are not members; make a list ol their reasons I make a list oi reasons why they should be members I write a newspaper article about what FWIO is doing that is newsworthy, dated 2002 The articles written by Betty Veitch and Billie Power are printed in the right column. 'v‘v'nmcn liw « >l‘.‘r:â€"d March 19. 2002 Five years ago. the Women’s Institutes oi Ontario celebrated the 100th Anniversary ol the founding of their organization. At that time it was reported that the average age at the members was 70. As that statement was heard the thought llashed through the minds ol listeners. “This is adymg orgarnzalian.‘ If members are so old, the organization is on its last legs. Well there IS his in this organization yet! The fantastic publicity given to our organization in the year 1997 was like a shot at adrenaline. Women who had not heard of the Women's Institute be- came aware and interested in becoming a part ol 3 group which had survived lor 100 years and had accomplished so much In that time. Membership grew as indivrdual Branches alv tracied new people and new Branches were established in new Subdivisions In mral communi- ties. The life ol FWIO goes on. Goals and activities that have been well-established over the years are being continued and new technology has opened doors and new avenues. People are communicating worldwide by way of the Internet. Inlormatlon and new ideas reach memâ€" bers darlyliom members In Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Fax machines and videophones speed up communication. Local projects involving the immediate community continue to flounsh un- der the enthusiastic direction ol WI members. And because ol the advanced technology mem» bers are more aware ol worldwrde protects. especially in developing countries. Great steps have been taken to improve conditions in countries where AIDS has been rampant. Child labour is being reduced and more children are being given educational opportunities. Health conditions im- prove as mothers become more knowledgeable about sanitation and notation. A dying organization! I think not! The 2001b anni- versary is only 95 years away. Written by Betty Veilen, Board Director, Subdivision M l'ntu rm F":"'i\i<:‘ March 19. 2002 Today, the Federated Women's Instilules of Ontario (FWIO) reported theirprogiarns - Parenting and Hands On Skills for DailyLiving . have met with overwhelming success. These programs are men- tored by volunteer WI members across lhe province. Govemment statistics have shown a dis- tinct correlation between these programs and the drop in the rate of child abuse C3585. FWIO‘s continued locus on the health and safety ol people has gone along way towards raismg their profile. In turn. this has led to a significant increase in membership. Sources say the reason for their continued and recent support can be traced back to the late '905, when government assisted pro- grams wera so ruthlessly cut or eliminated. The needs arising liom the situation caused FWIO to react. lorceiolly and positively, thus lulfilling there mandate - an organization lor personal growth and community action. Wniten by Billie Power. Board Director. Suborvrston S Home & Country. Summer '97 7