What is the WI?
The Women's Institute is a community-based organisation for women in the United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa and New Zealand. The movement was founded in Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada, by Erland and Janet Lee with Adelaide Hoodless being the first speaker in 1897.
A message from the National Federation of Women's Institutes:
'The WI is here for you'
In 1915 we set out to give women a voice, to be a force for good in the community.
A trusted place for women, run by women of all generations - an opportunity to share experiences or learn from someone with real experience, first hand. The same is true today. The WI has moved with the times and the many ways in which women's lives have changed but it still focuses on what really matters: Helping women to lead the lives they want to, with all the advice they can get and having a say in all our futures. Some join to campaign and if that's what inspires you the WI has a voice on the issues of today, from climate change to children's diet and human trafficking to supermarket expansion, and it's a voice people really listen to. For many, the WI is an opportunity to share knowledge with other women, coming together socially and to learn new skills; a place where you will be heard. There will always be jam-making, but you might find belly dancing, creative writing or budgeting is more your cup of tea. For everyone who joins the WI there's the freedom to make what you want of it. It might be the most important lifeline in your community or it may be something to dip in and out of while juggling everything else in your life; an opportunity to choose what you want to do, not what you have to do. Whatever you choose, the WI promises to be a constant source of inspiring experiences, friendships and inspiration. NFWI July 2013 Website: www.theWI.org.uk Email: [email protected] |