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B‘E'iWZ’éN THE Holt”: Mrs. Clarence Diamond President Federated Women 's Institutes of Ontario DATELINE â€" 1980. THE YEAR OF THE W, I. you heard about if from Area Conventions. You have had several months to think about it. We will be awaiting the setting up of your Branch programs alter your Annual Meetings stres- sing this special year ofillurnination and celebration. Eighty- three years ago next week. it was one big step for our ('0- founders, let us make it a bigger step for 1980. We all know there are many organizations competing for time and interest of women. In an age when women have more interests and attractions than ever beforeimore op- portunity for putting all their efforts into supplementing the family income. more money for travel. we have our membership keenly interested in W. l. educational program- ing. Why? Because what other organization has as its objec tive the study of all areas of living for everyone? One has to establish priorities One of our Governor Generals stated that voluntary ser- vice is a boon to the individual and a blessing to the com- munity. This year some of you will be asked to assess values of volunteers. suggest direction. and the voluntary contribu- tions necessary. for a society needing workers with unsel- fish concern and a desire to make the world a better place for all. Sir William Mulock, at the age of95. was asked what was the secret of his enjoyment of work. He replied “I am still at work with my hands to the plow and my face to the future. The shadows of evening are lengthening but morn- ing is in my heart." That is the philosophy so needed. Or the late Padre Young, whom W. 1. members will remember with affection. often told us “Real happiness lies in thejoy of achievement" and his saying “Let’s take time to live" in- spired W. 1. Members to live more creatively. Some ideas for programing might be copied but you apply them to your community circumstances. But from your anvil ofthoughts we hope you have original ideas also. How about introducing these new idea programs to your husbands. by including them in meetings ofjoint interest? 0r after attending an excellent, informative meeting, do you call a member or friend who did not attend and plant a seed of interest by your enthusiastic response? Margaret Mead said that it is from grandparents that child- ren learn how society keeps going and what keeps it strong and steady for generation after generation. Could pm be 3'; adoptive grandparent and thus free a young woman in tum community to be a 4-H or Workshop leader? Ma. WU know a home in which a handicapped person ltd, 1110“. wonderful to enrich that life by being the ‘sorne-tr e159- who takes that person to look at nature‘s beauty .. and appreciate music with you? Programs of knowledgeable value and researclit-. mation can provide something for members to tale ‘ think about. and interest busy people. The sub g. population, which has moved to rural Ontario. h fig. known the same community Spirit and must be . I I“ feel a part, Where else is there a group ofsuch con oriented persons as the Women‘s Institute who. 3 411;,» hold the community together since local Scllt m churches have gone? The privilege of choice is one of life’s greatest lg; mg :isten ilur- Each year you can choose to send a delegate to I in, Conference. There she can gain the ‘knowvhow‘ to ' m, in her office. the confidence to tackle proble mj through group participation, return with enthusias’ :15 to surpass previous attempts “For Home and Count In 1980. we do not have to go to pasture field he. met, or barn in winter, to harness old Dobbin and a w W. I. as our ancestors did. But arriving at W. I. we have an invitation to 4 pkg] in which we can match our wits and our knowle ..nd thus win this contest for a better future for us and nag generations. As we think of the past three or four decades. a they have brought such innovations as astronauts. c programs. Kentucky-fried chicken, drive-in-banks. Certs, and countless other changes in all phases oi" W, 1. can continue to have a powerful effect as a group, exerting influence for change, a role only pi programs and resolutions are highly relevant to nee. An organization and the weather have a lot in L' inn Both have an element of unpredictability. influen and are characterized by change, but still so differ; iiii winter we have had no problem adjusting to the But in our group relationship of W. l. we do not i live passively but face up to our purposes, decide want to do. allocate responsibility and involve all it: its In May the ACWW Conference will be in West L 1n} and we should learn about their people, Culture, ant land whether attending or not. Far away pastures n greener but have we studied the varied cultures of it country? New horizons will be the keys to unlock it portunities for self education. Today we need to take a second and a third loot. ul‘ selves, the established W. 1. members. We must 1' 31 women of the community to take advantage of w "W' grams and than welcome their ideas, and not just Eli “"1 the same old programs in a semi-new dress. Kn Jitlf gained from understanding today's issues can help he come better informed individuals, resolved to wall; rut ‘ own feat, to work with our own hands, and speak v‘ ' ‘1'” i own minds. ‘ - / $4M