Catholic Women’s League of Canada | BC and Yukon Council

Submitted by: Sandra Stajduhar

What is a resolution? The dictionary tells us that a resolution is ‘a firm decision to do something”. Our executive handbook tells us “A resolution is one member’s concern becoming the voice of the League” and that “Policies are established, programs are planned, or concerns and views are expressed through resolutions”. Appendix 1 of our National Manual of Policy and Procedure guides us through the process of preparing and presenting a resolution.

What does this mean to you – as a member of the Catholic Women’s League? What do you do when you are given the gift of a resolution? Do you put it away unopened? Do you open it; look briefly, and then put it away to gather dust? Or do you open it, learn about it, and use it – or, at the very least, “regift” it to someone else?

What is the study and implementation of a resolution? Resolutions are designated to specific standing committees, and chairpersons are to ensure that members are informed and to motivate members to action – and members then become responsible for further educating themselves and acting on the resolution. Do you remember how you worried about what the bishop might ask you at your confirmation, and how you prepared –how you tried to learn everything? I challenge each one of you to pick one resolution and educate yourself on that topic – pretend you are on the review committee and investigate every reference, and follow those references to other information. Progress from ‘knowing about’ a resolution to ‘knowing’ the resolution. Then – ACT – in whatever way you can. This year? Befriend a young, new mother; visit a seniors’ home; write a letter; educate one more person.

Perhaps you are called to be a giver of a gift – to research and prepare a resolution. Is there an issue that is calling you to act? This year we ranged from at risk newborns to older people suffering from dementia. Think of the many important issues in between! Gather some information, discuss it with your council, and go for it! Use the resolutions appendix, and tackle it step by step – with prayer. Do your best – our process allows for improvement at each level.

My personal decision as resolutions chairperson was that no resolution would be turned down on a technicality – such as parenthetical referencing not quite right or references not highlighted or some other oversight. The members should hear a concern that has motivated a resolution – even if it is not accepted.

I would recommend three plans for every resolutions chairperson:

• Prepare a workshop – doing this as my first official job helped immensely.
• Prepare a resolution – it is in the doing that we learn.
• Study a resolution as if you had to prepare for a government meeting – what questions will you be asked, what will be debated.

Every member should participate in a resolutions workshop, prepare a resolution, and study a resolution as if preparing for the Bishop.

To close:

Whereas, We are members of a national organization, rooted in gospel values, called to holiness through service to the people of God; and

Whereas, We are women of peace and hope; and

Whereas, We are called to serve with faith and joy; therefore, be it

Resolved, That, as members of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada, we seek justice, peace and hope for all God’s people by forming and acting on resolutions with faith and joy.

BC & Yukon delegation to Victoria, meeting with Liberal and NDP MLAs

March 31, 2010 — For the fourteenth time, a delegation from our BC & Yukon Provincial Council of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada met in Victoria with Liberal and New Democratic party MLA’s to present and discuss CWL resolutions. The delegation consisted of president, Marianna Caldwell, president-elect, Nancy Simms, and myself, Sandra Stajduhar, Resolutions chairperson. Legislation chairperson, Sheila Quinn, helped us in the preparation.

Information on the CWL and the resolutions was prepared and given to the MLA’s beforehand, and included all 2009 resolutions as well as information on some past resolutions still of interest. Briefs, bibliographies and action plans were included. In the oral presentation, specific items of concern, particularly in BC, were highlighted as we asked for ongoing support in resolving issues.

The government was commended on the recent legislation to ban the use of hand held cell phones while driving – the subject of a 2008 resolution. It was requested that more driver education be given, with the emphasis on safety. 2007 statistics on injury collisions show that driver inattention was the major contributing factor – 34.3%. A 2009 resolution asks that a province wide policy be made to govern the use of personal electronic devices in schools and that the policy be widely distributed to both students and parents. We were advised to work with parent and teacher groups to determine specific restrictions to be included in such a policy.

The resolution “Hate Messages” urges the federal government to restrict proceedings on matters of hate solely under the Criminal Code and to repeal section 13 of the Canadian Human Rights Act entitled Hate Messages. BC has similar provisions to section 13 in its BC Human Rights Code under section 7. Criminal Code proceedings require proof of beyond a reasonable doubt, whereas the Canadian Human Rights Act uses the lower civil standard of balance of probabilities. Persons charged under the Criminal Code are entitled to a presumption of innocence, but when a complaint is made under the Human Rights Act, the accused must prove their innocence. As well, the Criminal Code excludes persons who in good faith express or attempt to establish by argument an opinion upon a religious subject. One MLA commented that he would have thought that the Catholic Women’s League would be fighting for the victims of hate messages. It was emphasized that the Catholic Women’s League certainly does not condone hate messages, but urges that they be prosecuted solely under the Criminal Code of Canada.

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Submitted by: Sandra Stajduhar

Hello all,

I hope that your Easter was blessed and that you are all ready now to share the “GOOD NEWS”.  This is more of a ‘note’ instead of a communiqué as I do not have a lot to pass on – but I wanted to wish you well at conventions (Kamloops and Prince George this week).  There is a resolutions supplement to the executive handbook on line (and attached). It is 37 pages, and repeats what is in the resolutions appendix in the P&P. Print only if you think it is necessary.

The government meeting went well, with no surprises. A full report will follow at the convention. Thank you for prayers – my flight was cancelled and rescheduled, but I made it. Very interesting flight to the Island (a few screams were even heard, but not from me!). I was glad to return before the other storms hit.

Resolutions: I am expecting a few resolutions – if they are passed at your diocesan conventions. The process can be overwhelming – but it is interesting and well worth it. Enjoy it – with a lot of prayer! Use your review committee – you don’t have to do it all and the decisions are group ones. Please follow the guidelines and checklist; if a resolution is to be sent to provincial, please send within a week of your convention – with all backup material. A sample submission letter is attached. Please send the resolution by email asap.

Kathy and Beth will be finishing their terms – we have learned together, and the two years have flown. I am glad that you each have a resolution to work on, as that is the only way we really learn. Thank-you and good luck – I hope you will continue on your diocesan councils.

Sheila, Gemma, and Sharon – it seems that I have hardly gotten to know you, but I am very happy with the communiques you have done – I’ve learned from them too. Ideally, it would be great if we could have done workshops together and actually put together a resolution. Thank-you and good luck in the coming year.

I hope to see you at the provincial convention in Richmond – please let me know if you will be there. I would love your help at the resolutions dialogue.

Thank-you for all that you do, and may Our Lady of Good Counsel continue to guide us.

God bless.

Submitted by: Sandra Stajduhar

As the year draws to a close, I wish to take this opportunity to thank you for all that you do as Women of Peace and Hope, and to offer sincere wishes for a blessed Christmas season – followed by a new year of renewed enthusiasm for the work of the League!

Revisions to the National Manual of Policy and Procedure Appendix 1: Resolutions

On November 14th, at the fall meeting of the national executive, policies regarding resolutions were reviewed, revised and updated. The two major changes that will affect the writing of resolutions are (1) clarification of the use of parenthetical references and (2) revision of the Checklist for Reviewing Proposed Resolutions. The approved revisions are attached. The changes are designed to clarify and improve both the process and product of resolutions. Each level of the League will be responsible for passing on the new information and ensuring it is followed.

The study of revised policies and procedures will aid in understanding expectations and facilitate the resolutions process at all levels. Special attention to the revisions to the Checklist for Reviewing Proposed Resolutions is encouraged. It is hoped that the changes will make life easier, not only for the authors of resolutions, but for the reviewers as well.

Federal Government Visit

The government delegation is bound for Ottawa! National President Danielle McNeil-Hessian, National President-elect Velma Harasen, National Chairperson of Legislation Judy Lewis and National Chairperson of Resolutions Barbara Dowding will arrive on Saturday, November 28th with appointments scheduled through to December 1st. Please keep the delegation members in prayer as they bring the message of hope and peace to federal representatives. » Read the rest of this entry »

Submitted by: Sandra Stajduhar

Dear League Sisters and Father Tien,

Welcome back to another CWL year – hopefully full of enthusiasm and good ideas to share with members.  As Women of Peace and Hope, we can show leadership in developing and promoting resolutions that offer hope and encouragement to those in need as we work to make the world a better place.

2009 Resolutions

Although the resolutions are on the website (http://www.cwl.ca/resolutions/year.htm), and will appear in the Fall magazine, I have enclosed the resolutions and issue summaries for your use.  The explanation of the resolutions process details the fate of all the proposed resolutions.  I was both proud and humbled to find that the three resolutions presented at the national convention originated in B.C.  It was an awesome responsibility to defend these resolutions and follow their journey to completion.

To comment on the review process:  Do we recognize the resolution after it has been “reviewed”?  Having now been on both sides of this question – both reviewing and being reviewed – I can appreciate all of the hard work and genuine caring for the fate of the resolutions from committee members.  And I think we have a good system – ‘new’ eyes see the resolution at each level, and everyone brings their knowledge and background to the table – to make it as ‘perfect’ as possible.  I do want to add a word of caution though:  In our zeal to have a ‘professional’ product, worthy of being presented to our country’s leaders, we must not lose sight of the fact that it is just as important that the resolution be easily understood by our members across Canada.

To comment on the resolutions dialogue and debate on the resolution – I loved it!  My prayers before and during the convention kept me focused and able to accept all the comments, criticisms and amendments as sincere concern to make the resolutions the best they could be – truly a “national” effort for “national” resolutions.

As resolutions chairpersons, what is our job now concerning the 2009 resolutions?  Personally, we can follow the action plans.  As chairpersons, we can make sure that the information reaches all councils and that we ourselves understand the resolution, and we can work with the chairperson’s involved to promote action. » Read the rest of this entry »

Submitted by: Sandra Stajduhar

Meeting With Government: March 25, 2009

Four members of the BC & Yukon Provincial Council of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada met with Liberal and New Democratic party MLA’s to present and discuss CWL resolutions. The delegation consisted of Marianna Caldwell, president, Nancy Simms, president-elect, Sheila Quinn, Legislation chairperson, and myself, Sandra Stajduhar, Resolutions chairperson. A report has been sent to and printed in some newspapers – this report has more detail.

Information on the CWL and the resolutions was prepared and given to the MLA’s beforehand, and while the information and the oral presentation were the same in both cases, the two meetings varied. MLA Randy Hawes, Government Whip, introduced us and chaired the meeting with the Liberal caucus. There were about sixteen members present, with others joining us as other meetings concluded – followed by a photo shoot. The meeting with the NDP was an informal table discussion with three MLA’s – Claire Trevena (North Island) critic for women‘s issues, Leonard Krog (Nanaimo) critic for the Attorney General, and Harry Bains (Surrey-Newton), Olympics critic. In both cases, our presentation was received with interest, and questions, comments and suggestions were offered in return. We attended the afternoon question period in the legislature and were introduced and thanked by both parties.

The information package prepared for the MLA’s included all 2008 resolutions as well as two past resolutions still of interest. Briefs, bibliographies and action plans were included. In the oral presentation, specific items of concern, particularly in B.C., were highlighted as we asked for ongoing support in resolving issues. » Read the rest of this entry »

Submitted by: Sandra Stajduhar

A year ago, the resolutions standing committee was brand new to me, and I thank our president Marianna for the confidence she had in me, and for the opportunity to learn something new. And, to sum up the past year, it has been a year of learning – not only learning the “job” of resolutions but the educational value of resolutions.

This education begins the moment a member presents a topic for discussion. The discussions, the research and the preparation of a resolution present so much information – which branches off into other topics, and more information. And no matter what level a resolution reaches, this information is shared and people are educated – through discussions in parish councils, sharing with family and friends, or reviewing it as a committee.

If accepted for presentation, then our members at conventions hear of the concern and the reasons behind it. And if a proposed resolution is not accepted, it has still educated many, and perhaps encouraged action on a concern – just not as action on a “resolution”.

Resolutions have been described as gifts to the League, and one member’s concern being given a voice. A resolution truly is a ‘gift’ – open it, use it, share it, and learn from it.

This year, six proposed resolutions were considered – four were accepted at diocesan conventions, one was resubmitted at the provincial level, and one was prepared by the provincial executive – this in response to the opportunity to resubmit a resolution to the national level. All of these resolutions were accepted and have been or will be presented at this convention. Your thoughtful deliberation on the resolutions presented is appreciated.

I thank all of those who members and councils who were involved in forming resolutions – for the ideas, the research and the time and hard work involved. You are truly women of peace and hope – sharing the good news, and your many gifts.

Thank-you to the members of the review committee – for sharing your time and expertise; and thanks also to my many mentors for their patient guidance and practical help.

Submitted by: Sandra Stajduhar

Many blessings on all of you in this Lenten season. This will be a very brief note to update a few items.

GOVERNMENT MEETINGS

We met with both the Liberal and NDP MLA’s on Mar. 25th. It was a very successful meeting and a full report will follow at the convention and be posted on our website.

The national delegation will be meeting with the federal government on March 30th. Continued prayers, please. » Read the rest of this entry »

Submitted by: Sandra Stajduhar

Dear League Sisters and Father Tien,

Prayer for Resolutions Chairpersons
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love, for the gifts You have given us and especially the precious gift of togetherness in The Catholic Women’s League of Canada. Help me to appreciate my journey as chairperson of resolutions, and the various responsibilities during my term of office. Lord, be with us as our Counsellor and our support as we encounter obstacles and setbacks. Help us to work with enthusiasm, patience and understanding, sharing the joy and strength we, as CWL members, can offer each other. May the tasks we share in the resolutions standing committee be a reflection of the love You alone can give. Let Your love touch others through our lives, deeds and actions. This we ask in the name of Jesus, Your Son, through the intercession of Our Lady of Good Counsel.   Amen

After ‘coasting’ along as resolutions chairperson for the last little while – learning I hope and getting the background information – the work is about to begin, and I will keep this prayer in front of me.

From the three annual reports received to date, I have noted two requests.  The first is a list of government contacts – I have enclosed one, and ask that you add local contacts pertinent to your diocese and share these with your parishes.  The second is a request to get information on proposed resolutions out to members “sooner”.  I will comment on this as we review our resolutions procedure later in this communiqué. » Read the rest of this entry »

Submitted by: Sandra Stajduhar

Dear League Sisters and Father Tien,

A brief note to wish all of you a blessed New Year, with the hope that 2009 will truly be a year of peace and hope.  I have received a communiqué from our national chairperson, Barb Dowding, and I quote her introduction:

“To be Women of Peace and Hope, we must first be women who love and are loved.  Remembering who we are in God’s eyes and His plan will enable us to reach out, affect change and help each other believe in ourselves. One of the many aspects of feminine leadership comes in the form of confidence, not necessarily self confidence, but rather the confidence that comes from trusting in God. The quote attributed to Nelson Mandela, “As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fears, our presence automatically liberates others,” reminds me to use Jesus as the ultimate model of leadership. Called to love and be loved in this world, I must lead with my heart, trust my informed intuition (feminine genius?) and make manifest the glory of God. As Women of Peace and Hope, we cross all barriers when we extend a hand, a hand of comfort and welcome, of friendship, understanding and compassion. Resolutions: Shining our lights as Women of Peace and Hope, how blessed are we?”

The entire communiqué will soon be on the national website – please take the time to read it. » Read the rest of this entry »