2008 Annual Report of
B.C. & Yukon Provincial Council
Marianna Caldwell, Provincial President

B.C. & Yukon Provincial Council has 129 parish councils throughout six dioceses. As one diocesan president affirmed, "The Catholic Women's League is a visible presence in all parishes" - a most uplifting observation.

Membership
Membership increased overall, with one diocese reporting the addition of a new parish council. Efforts to meet the challenge to increase membership included a novena for struggling councils with each member encouraged to recruit one new member. Many parish councils welcomed new members by presenting orientation packages and membership pins.

Some parish councils comprised primarily of older members diligently tried to attract new members by scheduling meeting at more accessible times such as Saturday mornings; presenting subjects of interest geared to younger women; spearheading special parish projects that not only included members but other parish women, hoping to strike a rapport and interest in the League; offering child minding services for stay-at-home moms; giving testimonials after masses; sponsoring coffee Sundays; holding membership luncheons and teas and membership drives; and organizing special parish appeals with endorsement and encouragement from the pastor.

Northern councils were faced with enormous economic changes resulting in the loss of jobs forcing families to move out of the area.

Communications
Communication was an integral part of all councils and was accomplished through phoning committees, newsletters, bulletin inserts and e-mails to report CWL news, activities, reports and communiqués. The Canadian League was well-read and informed and inspired some parish councils to enhance their spiritual programs. Access to the provincial and national Web sites offered the opportunity for members to become informed and foster growth in knowledge of the League. In an innovative move, one newly-elected parish council president contacted all council members to introduce herself.

Leadership/Training
Many parish council presidents listed leadership as the most challenging aspect of their term. Finding a president and president-elect and filling executive positions were at the top of the list. Several presidents addressed this challenge by breaking down positions by task, working without a president, sharing responsibilities, developing a spirit of teamwork and sharing leadership roles. Some councils alternated responsible positions monthly and mentored two members concurrently to assume the president's position. Life members were asked to give presentations, mentor and encourage review of the standing committees and policy and procedures to expose and encourage members to accept leadership roles. All encouraged participation at meetings and attendance at conventions.

Promoting the League
In one diocese, all parish councils were issued a set of promotional cards to identify and motivate women who were somewhat reluctant to join. The cards explained how they could be valuable members despite the barriers to their participation.

One copy of the DVD For God and Canada was sent to a bishop to be shared with local spiritual advisors at his Priest Study Days. Parish councils promoted the League at masses and throughout the year, and particularly by working with other organizations within the parish and in the community.

Letters of invitation to establish a CWL council were sent to pastors of parishes without councils but proved futile as in most cases they were not passed on by the parish secretary.

Biggest Challenge
Parish council presidents found their biggest challenges were getting members to assume a leadership role; making the League attractive to younger women; keeping members interested; and recruiting, retaining and increasing membership. Other concerns were keeping up with new technology; learning the president's role; keeping the meetings to one-third business, spiritual, and social respectively; improving attendance at meetings; encouraging members, including chairpersons to become more active; bridging the distance between parishes; and not having enough time.

Greatest Accomplishments
Diocesan council presidents listed a great many accomplishments and successful projects reported by parish councils. Social and special events were held to celebrate significant parish council anniversaries, i.e. 80 (two), 75, 70, 60, 50 and 40 years. Parish councils participated in the 100 th anniversary celebrations for the Archdiocese of Vancouver and the Diocese of Prince George. The Prayer Shawl Ministry instituted to reach out to ill or grieving relatives/friends of members in the parish and community. Electronic communication was improved and there was an increase in membership and members accepting executive positions. A new parish council was established, with the prospect of establishing two more. A council on the verge of disbanding was assisted to find a way to continue. Funds were raised successfully for parishes and other charities. Bursaries were established and programs were designed for seniors. Communication and cooperation among members emphasized the goal to be a membership that cares for and helps one another, and establishes friendships that last a lifetime.

Comments/Suggestions
One suggestion presented was a request for more dialogue between the provincial and diocesan levels to assist in the resolution process.

Provincial comments
With the Olympics being hosted in Vancouver in 2010, the focus was to bring awareness to members and ensure that the event would be free of human trafficking.

A "Leadership Development & Public Speaking Workshop" was presented throughout the province and generated interest and enthusiasm. The workshop was designed for members who wanted to polish their skills, learn to communicate effectively, express themselves confidently and use their talents in positions of leadership. It proved to be a wonderful teaching tool. Keeping the focus on educating members, a communications workshop was presented at each diocesan convention.