National Convention 2008: BC/YK President’s Oral Report

Submitted by: Marianna Caldwell

This time last year our council did not have a President-Elect so for the first time an election for President had to be held.  Here I am, the new president happy to report we have a full slate of officers.

To date, through marketing the League and creating enthusiasm we have reached over 9,000 members and continue to grow.  In order to celebrate parish council successes in building membership we brought back the practice of presenting a special certificate, which this year was awarded to a parish council that attained 50 new members, doubling their membership!

Another goal set was to take ownership of the teaching role at the Provincial level as education is paramount. A workshop encompassing the different facets of Communications was presented in each diocese. But most importantly we have now taken our comprehensive Leadership Development & Public Speaking Workshop around the Province providing an opportunity for members to gain the knowledge and confidence to ‘step forward’ and accept an executive position.

Making inroads into the public sector and making our voices heard on current issues is critical, especially now in BC with the Winter Olympics approaching in 2010. While the Catholic Women’s League has always worked well with the Knights of Columbus, we are now enjoying a truly collaborative relationship and shared objectives such as human trafficking.   Together we have undertaken a huge letter writing campaign and brought our concerns regarding brothels at the Olympics to the attention of Mayer Sam Sullivan of Vancouver.  Just imagine the impact if all Catholic men and women across Canada joined forces to support family values and the protection of the most vulnerable.

The burning interest members have in these issues were apparent by the 10 resolutions received this year.  In March, the provincial delegation met with both Liberal and NDP caucus members to present and discuss our resolutions.  The positive reception received, the interest in our concerns about trafficking, etc and the comment that our visits are like ‘their consciousness’ made for a successful meeting.

“A Journey of Memories” a mammoth project preserving the testimony and resourcefulness of our Life Members and their journey in book form was undertaken, successfully completed and published thanks to Life Member, Thelma Varcoe.   Life Members are hoping to establish a “Cultural Award” that will recognize and celebrate Catholic artists and authors.

For everyone who is familiar with the work carried out by Domestic Abuse Services-Our Lady of Good Counsel Society in Vancouver, I am pleased to announce that they have purchased a safe house to be used as secondary housing for women fleeing domestic violence.

I continue to be astounded at the work and successes in our dioceses – from the smallest and most remote to the bustling metropolitan councils, the CWL manages to ‘get the work done’.  The challenges are clear but I believe if we keep our members informed, encouraged and educated we will reap the rewards.  My goal is to build and fine tune the programs already in place, to meet local needs and to care in a special way for our existing members.

Under the protection of Our Lady of Good Counsel we continue to work for God and Canada.  May God bless all our endeavours.