Hello everyone,

Welcome to the new year and the new decade! Think about all the changes that have occurred in the past ten years – Netflix, the iPad, Instagram, Uber, the Internet of Things, Brexit, #MeToo, the Women’s March, pot parties, massive forest fires from Fort McMurray to California to Australia, the hottest decade on record, a married lesbian who became our Premier – twice, our Prime Ministers and their Presidents, Games of Thrones, and so much more.

It had been predicted by IBM that knowledge would double every 11-12 hours by 2020! Whereas prior to 1900, it had doubled every 400 years! What incredible changes!

Yet, every day we are reminded of the power of one person, of the power of the community – Greta Thunberg! Malala Yousafzai! Two young women exemplify Margaret Mead’s comment that challenges us all: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has!”

While the world may seem to be spinning faster and faster, sometimes life needs to catch its breath and give a helping hand.  Something that CFUW members are very good at doing. Women helping women – thank you for that.

In this advocacy newsletter, you will find results of our November Survey, plus many Backgrounders to support you in your work, submissions that we have presented to the provincial government, first announcement about our day on Climate Change, and the application forms for the Ontario Council Recognition Awards and the Carolyn Day Award for Environmental Action.

Thanking you all for participating in the Survey, and hoping you find these materials useful. You can read the February 2020 Advocacy newsletter here.

Teri Shaw

Chair, Standing Committee on Advocacy