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.‘ About ACWW w A By Peggy Knapp Canada Area Conterences Through the two Canada Area Conferences (held in the Western Region in Edmonton. Alberta. and the Eastern Region in Gander. Nfld.. 240 women from 13 0f the 14 Category ISocieties across Canada were able tojoin in the programs that had been planned. contribâ€" ute to the discussions. have their questions answered and share in the joy of renewed friendships â€" or the forging of new ones. The theme for both events was “Shaping Tomorrow's World." which is also the focus of the World Conference to be held in Pretoria. South Africa. from April I to 7. 1998. (You will find the registration form for this important conference in the recent issue of The Countrywoman.) Two recommendations previously reported to all Societies - on female circumâ€" cision and violence on television - were ratified and supported by each conference. A third recommendation. drafted by the Women’s Institutes of Newfoundland and Labrador, was presented. carried and for- warded to ACWW from the Eastern Regional ‘onference through the Area President. It read as follows: Because . at the depletion ol the fish stocks in our oceans. - ol the risk to the balance at its ecu-systems due to dumping, - of the need to rejuvenale our fish stocks and clean up the environment, the Newfoundland and Labrador Women's Instr" tutes recommend that the Associated Country Women of the Wand ask its members to take action in their own countries on the issue of the preservation of fish species In global waters. [am so pleased that all three recommenda» tions from Canada address the theme, “Shaping Tomorrow’s World." Knitted Squares tor Zambia Well done members! There has been a fantastic re» sponse to this project. There have been knit-a-thons in homes and halls across the country. Some mem- bers hold weakly get togethers involving other members of the community, Some have even taught school children to knit so they could take part as well. Thanks to all who have participated in this project. It will and at the FWIC Convention in June 1997. At this time, final numbers will be reported. It you haven’t yet tsporled the number of squares your Branch has knit. ease let your provincial office know today. rnbian children are pictured wearing their sweaters “’01”th squares sewn together by disabled woman. Submitted by Margaret Munro. Treasurer. ACWW Areas of Concern from the Beijing Conference It was brought to the atten- tion of the ACWW Board in October. that some Societies are prioritizing the items inâ€" . cluded in the Platform for Action in their own countries. The following question was asked at the Eastern Region Conference: “What would you choose as the top three issues of concern to our societies in Canada at this time?” Several were brought forward. but the following seemed to be of the utmost concern: I National Unity v keeping our country together 0 Equal Access to Health. Education and Employment O The Girl Child If your society does not have a condensed version of the UN Platform for Action. you can obtain one by sending $5 to: Quaker United Nations Office. 777 UN Plaza. New York. NY 10017. Projects The Uganda “Goats & Pigs" Project is now complete with over $10,000 forwarded to ACWW. Please extend my heartfelt thanks to all members who contributed. Pennies tor Friendship Canadian members are always generous with their Pennies for Friendship. but ACWW Treasurer Margaret Munro points out that we are down in our donations this triennium. Voting delegates in New Zealand voted to continue to aim for the equivalent of ten pence per member â€" about 22-23 cents. Remember. it is our Pennies that enable ACWW to continue its work. Some Reminders Category I and H Society fees are due and pay able to ACWW Central Office by January 1 each year, Please check and be sure 75 pounds sterling for Category I and 45 pounds sterling for Category II have been sent for 1997. Some ofour Societies came very close to lapsing last year, and would have had to come to the Board for approval to join as a new society! Many individual memberships (4b) at 15 pounds for one year and 40 pounds for three were sent from the two Area Conferences. Please encourage this category of member- ship. Anyone wishing to attend the World Conference in Pretoria must be a Category 41) member. Also encourage 4a m rshi to our local Branches at 25 pounds per year. to receive their own Branch copy of The Court- trywomart The Mrs. Alfred Watt Fund paymenns of $400 per each Category I Society must be sent to the Area President by September 1. World President's Visit to Canada We look forward to a visit from World President Mrs. Lyndsay Hacketâ€"Pain in June. On Wednesday, June 25. Mrs. Hacket-Pain will take part in the unveiling of the grave marker honouring Mrs Alfred WatL founder of ACWW, As this busy and exciting year progresses. may I wish each of you a very fulfilling year as you work in your communities to “Shape Tomorrow‘s World.“ “If you think you’re too small to make an impact. you have never been in bed wiLh a mosquito!“ Sincerely. Peggy Knapp ACWW Area President for Canada Home & Country, Spring 1997 13