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A View from Here "The Women’s Instltute Is an Educational Organlzatlon for Personal Development and Community Actlon.“ his is the mission statement of the Women’s Institute. It is the reason why it exists, and has existed for 96 years. As an educational organization, we must provide opportunities for our mem- bers and the community to improve their skills and expand their knowledge. This is done by providing speakers, demon- strations and workshops. When was the last time your Branch invited members from the community to one of your meeta ings, seminars or workshops? If a Branch has an idea that would be of interest to the District, Area or province, pass it on through the efficient network of our organization. Ideas that have become provincial policy or programs started as an idea from a Branch member. Some ideas work the first time around. others need to be refined. This is what happened with the Educational Advisory Committee and the provincial short courses. These courses met the needs of Tips from a PRO By Margaret Atkins Spring has sprung, the grass is riz, I wonder where the WI is? We can do the most for public relations for our organization at Branch level. For instance, what do you do with the extra copies of Home & Country? Do you place them in the local Doctor’s offices, seniors homes or libraries? Have you thought to take your own copy to the MPP’s or MP’s office after you have finished reading it? olvement with the Women’s Institute to By Margaret Eberl'e ill-lIl-llllllll E9 I' i Funr-I-I-iiiiiim Al some members, but not others. From sugâ€" gestions made by several Branches and Districts, and much discussion around the Board table, a different method has emerged. A local Educational Advisory Commit- tee will be set up with the assistance of the Board Director in each Subdivision. This committee will be responsible for organizing workshops, seminars or dem- onshations to meet the needs of members and the local community. And because they are local in origin and nature, they on pertinent information to her boss. And don’t forget to leave a copy at your local municipal office. Or, take a copy and visit your neighbour. Wherever people gather to wait is the place for an issue of Home & Country. Remember, replace each issue as they are printed. Did you realize that WI members put in excess of halfa million hours of volunteer work in community projects and organizaâ€" tional activities? Take the opportunity to talk up your WI. Become knowledgeable about the workings of your specific group and be able to sell the benefits to others. In this way, we can best serve our organiza tion. So, talk, talk, talk it up! Branch Public Relations Officers are re- will better suit the personal development of members and form community action. Resolutions are another important tool for the advancement of personal develop- ment and community action. The guidelines laid out in the new Resolutions Manual, available from the FWIO office, remove the mystery of how to research and write a resolution. A resolution that Starts at the Branch level and is passed at the District, Area and provincial levels, will be taken seriously by the organiza- tion to which it is directed because they know that a lot of research and discussion has proceeded it. Remember, the Women’s Institute in Ontario is a strong and powerful organiâ€" zation. And the changes taking place are aimed at keeping it strong. I always wel- come your questions and comments on any WI activity. RS. - Have you mought about inviting your Board Director to speak at your Branch meeting? Don’t forget to offer to pay her mileage! Margaret Eberle is the President of the Federated Women‘s Institute: of Onmrio. happenings and monthly reports in the 10- cal papers. If one persists, they usually succeed; so don’t despair if your first at- tempt is not successful. Keep sending in the information. Call and ask why it was not printed or how to improve your news re lease for publication. Try, try, try again! The Women's Institute is a link to the past and a promise of the future. When great thoughts and deeds have passed into oblivâ€" ion, the Women’s Institute movement will continue to push forward and meet the needs of the changing society, with your continued support. Margaret Atkim is the Public Relations Ojj‘icer for the Federated Women' s Institutes of Ontario. ‘Mfle you are there, explain your personal V we Secretary. 5116 is the one who can pass sponsible for promoting the events, Home& Country. Summer '93 3