Summer Speaker Series - Session 4

2020 is the 100th anniversary of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada (CWL).  The CWL’s national convention/AGM was to be held in August 2020.  However, with the onset of the COVID19 virus restrictions, all levels of CWL conventions/AGMs were cancelled.  The National Council of the CWL was proactive in using technology to engage several of the National convention speakers to give their presentations as webinars.  The webinars are called the Summer Speaker Series.  Well over 1,500 people from across Canada and from several other countries tuned in to the webinars.  Today, I share with you some of my notes from the fourth session.

The Catholic Women's League of Canada is a national service organization of women who are members of the Roman Catholic Church, who work together to promote Catholic values and to carry out volunteer and charitable work. In 2020 the CWL has about 75,000 members in over 1,000 parish councils across Canada. The CWL is one of the largest women’s organizations in Canada promoting awareness and responding to political and social issues that affect all Canadians.  While today, approximately 75,000 women make up the CWL, the organization once boasted a membership of over 100,000 women.  For some years now, the national leadership team along with its members have been discerning the steady decline in membership and resistance of members to take on leadership roles.  Across Canada, many other non-profit groups and associations are facing the same membership crises.  In an attempt to stem the decline in membership and to fine tune the organization, the leadership team decided to plan strategically for the future.  A plan was unveiled in August 2018. 
In the fourth session of the Summer Speaker Series, August 14, 2020, Fran Lucas, National President-Elect and Chairperson of Organization spoke on the topic: "The League of the Future: Part III."

With a ‘Star Wars’ theme opening, Lucas reviewed the mission, the core principles and the purpose of the CWL.  The mission is “The Catholic Women's League of Canada calls its members to grow in faith, and to witness to the love of God through ministry and service.”  Its core purpose is to unite Catholic women to grow in faith, and to promote social justice through service to the church, Canada and the world.  Core values are:  faith – following Catholic teaching; service – local, national and international; and social justice – active involvement in society.
We were encouraged to pray the Prayer for Renewal developed by Sr. Susan Scott at all our council meetings. [See end of this article for copy of prayer.]  Ms. Lucas focused on Goal 4 – Addressing Critical Issues with help from the leads for this particular goal, Sharon Cieben and Lisa Henry.  The objectives are:

1. To validate options in structure and meetings
2. Participation / lack of engagement / disparity in engagement / competition for time
3. Perception of the League / marketing / promotion
4. Lack of training of members / resistance to taking on leadership roles
5. Use of technology / communication methods and tools
   
   

Today’s message focused on Objective 2.  The strategy associated with this objective was:  G4.B1 – leave no member behind and affirm by making members feel welcomed, needed and wanted.  Ms. Cieben reported on the Welcome Program Toolkit which had been developed which will be released in September 2020.  The program is intended to let women know that ‘we’re glad’ they are with us whether newly registered members or long-time members.  It has a member information form and an orientation aspect educating members on our mission, values, resolutions, etc.  It includes a focus on companionship – how to be connected.  We were reminded of the African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.”  We want to go far.

Ms. Henry spoke on Goal 4:A1 – simplify procedures and reporting processes.  The Reorganization group is looking at the following actions:

1. Reducing the number of standing committees from the eight we presently have (Community Life, Communications, Education and Health, Legislation, Organization, Resolutions, and Spiritual Development) to three which will be aligned with our core values of Faith, Service, and Social Justice.  This will be voted on by members through an instructed vote.
2. Examine current levels of the League streamlining executive officers at all levels and creating distinctive roles for each level.  Again, this will be voted on by members through an instructed vote.
3. Enhance the role of standing committee chairpersons from a reporting role to rotating the meeting program among them.
   
   

The group dealing with perception of the League / marketing / promotion has hired Clark Marketing and Communication which is working to:

• Market The League as an association showcasing the strength of Catholic women, grounded in faith, ready and willing to act. G4.C2
• Position The League as an organization for all Catholic women that encourages and supports their role and responsibility in the church and society.
• Transform name, brand and image to reflect current trends and the envisioned future.
  
  

Some of the initiatives being worked on include:
      Building a foundation – having a new section on the CWL website dealing with social media and marketing contact with a uniform brand presence and a new social media program.
      Ten Storytelling vignettes and a 100th Anniversary video with achievements, milestones and resolutions that have had an impact on our society.
      Focus on connecting:  Why join?  If you only knew!  Progressive thinkers, positive images, and a one-stop shop for faith, social justice and service.


We were given a peek at what is coming up next:
Goal 2:  Increase members’ knowledge of Catholic social teaching – G2.A2 – Empower members by providing educational opportunities to learn more about Catholic social teaching.
Goal 3:  League Misconceptions – G3.A1 – Address misconceptions about The League.
Goal 3:  Encourage Diversity – G3.A2 – Embrace diverse cultures and ages.
Goals 3:  Toolkits – G3.B1 – Create ready-made adaptable toolkits for use in parishes.
Goal 3:  Spiritual Formation – G3.C3 – Focus on the spiritual and social aspects in councils.
Goal 1:  Increase the capacity and efficiency of leadership – G1.D3 – Capitalize on members’ willingness to take on short-term leadership responsibilities.
 
Ms. Lucas concluded with the comment:  “WE NEED YOU!”  She encouraged us to sign up to complete the surveys that are sent out, to participate in focus groups, to complete questionnaires, and to volunteer for working groups. [Sign up by e-mailing clerk@cwl.ca and stating your intention to participate.]

CWL Prayer for Renewal
God of new beginnings, ever faithful God, we thank you for your constant care for
the women of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada.
We have sought to serve you in faith by service to your people.
Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and with the help of Our Lady of Good Counsel,
we continue to discern Your call to seek justice and build Your Kingdom on earth each day.
We ask your guidance as we plan the evolution of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada.
Grant us wisdom, the grace of discernment, and strength.
May each of us open her heart and mind to your will and welcome the new life you bring to the League.
We ask this through Jesus, Your beloved Son and Our Lord, Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever.  AMEN.  – Sr. Susan Scott, CAF