CALGARY – The British Columbia Women’s Institute is looking for new blood.
With membership hovering slightly below 2,000, the organization is looking at creative ways to bring in new members.
The 115 branches are being encouraged to actively promote themselves in their communities, said longtime institute member Jean Johnson of Grand Forks.
The promotions will showcase the advantages of the women’s institute by showing how women can be involved in social issues, take courses to build confidence and leadership skills, as well as create friendships.
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BCWI started in 1909 in rural areas and small towns of the province. In the past, most women in rural communities were aware of the institute and its place in their community. Many women moving into new districts sought the local group and joined. Membership promotion and retention was not an issue then, said Johnson.
Today, many women work outside the home and have a wider choice of service clubs and volunteer organizations to join. They are busier with children’s activities and schools, leaving little time for themselves and a WI membership.
“There are so many things that can take a woman’s time, employment out of the home, activities that the schools demand. There’s just so many more choices,” said Johnson.
The women’s institute promotes itself as an educational outlet for women that gives them a public forum on a variety of issues such as education, health care, domestic violence, rural child care, seniors’ care, the environment and rural concerns.
