Happy Canadian Women's History Month !

CONNECTIONS

OCTOBER 2023

Happy Canadian Women's History Month!!!

Canadian Women's History Month provides a special opportunity to recognize and honour the significant contributions and achievements of women throughout Canadian history. It allows us to reflect upon the tireless efforts of women who have challenged societal norms, broken barriers, and paved the way for progress in various fields. It's a time to remember the fearless leaders, the passionate activists, the groundbreaking scientists, and the unsung heroes who have shaped this country's past and continue to influence its future.

This year's theme, "Celebrating the Diversity of Women," reminds us that the struggle for equality and recognition extends beyond gender; it encompasses a rich tapestry of cultural backgrounds, experiences, and identities. Our history is woven together by women from all walks of life, and by highlighting their diversity, we celebrate the unique and invaluable perspectives they bring to our society.

As we celebrate Canadian Women's History Month, we encourage you to join us in honouring the diverse women who have shaped our country's past and continue to inspire change today. Support our initiatives by donating, attending our events, and staying in touch with our community.

Together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

UPDATES IN AND AROUND OUR COMMUNITY

Social Issues Readings

Message from the Minister of Health and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health – Mental Illness Awareness Week

October is End Poverty Month

Women’s History Month: Set Women’s Accomplishments in Stone

We use our social issues readings section to share articles on current events and analysis on a variety of topics.

Outcomes Survey

Our annual Outcomes Survey has launched, and we'd like to hear from you. If you have participated in any capacity at the Women's Centre this past year, including using services, volunteering, donating, or attending a workshop/event, please complete the survey. For your convenience, we have provided a QR code below.

Your feedback and ideas are essential for planning our future services, events and programs and reporting to our funders. The deadline to complete the survey is October 31.

Tax Clinics

Women’s Centre volunteers can prepare taxes for low-income women. While doing the taxes, volunteers provide information on how to access associated benefits such as:

GST rebate
Canada child tax benefits
provincial child health benefits
assistance with other forms

Drop-in tax clinic dates:

Wednesdays October 18 & 25, 4:30 P.M. - 7 P.M.

Now Offering Criminal Legal Advice

The Women's Centre is now offering criminal legal advice with our free legal advice clinics.

Areas of advice include:

- have been charged with an offence

- police disclosures / personal disclosures

- have placed charges against another party

- regretful complaint

- self-representation

- consequences and responsibilities in a criminal offence

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Meaghan@womenscentrecalgary.org

Legal Information Workshop - Afghan Refugees

We will be hosting and facilitating a legal information workshop on Afghan immigration on Wednesday, October 11 from 5:30 P.M. to 7 P.M. at the Women's Centre.

To register, email Meaghan@womenscentrecalgary.org or drop-in to the Centre

Girls' Afterschool Program Is Back!

The Women’s Centre of Calgary offers FREE afterschool programs for grades 5 to 9. The Girls Programs provides girls, Two Spirit, trans, and non-binary children and youth a safe space to share their knowledge of leadership, activism, and community building. The weekly afterschool programs will be taking place at the Women's Centre (39 4 St NE).

Girl Power (grades 5-6) Wednesdays 4:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M. (starts October 4, 2023)

Girl Force (grades 7-9) Thursdays 4:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M. (starts October 5, 2023)

The programs are free, and the Women's Centre will provide snacks. Bus tickets will be available for participants to attend the program as needed. Register through our website or email youth@womensce ntrecalga ry.org

A Love Letter to Mohkinstsis

Community Zine

A Love Letter to Mokinstsis is a community publication that showcases the stories and artwork of Women’s Centre community members, speaking to their hopes and dreams for a collective and just future. We would like to invite women and gender-diverse people to channel their creativity and join us to contribute to the zine. Whether this might be digital art, photography, poetry, prose, essays, and more, all creative mediums are welcome!

The second workshop will be hosted on October 10, with art supplies and food provided for participants, as well as a lively discussion about community building as a tool of change. The deadline for external submissions for the zine will be October 13.

To register, email Talynn@womenscentrecalgary.org

Community Engagement Sessions

The Women's Centre is working with the Centre for Sexuality to help our organization explore gender inclusivity. We are hosting a series of community conversations so you can learn more about gender inclusion and share your opinion on what we can do to foster belonging at the Centre.

Please join us at the Women's Centre on October 19 and/or October 30 for this conversation facilitated by the Centre for Sexuality.

Click Here To Register. If you have any questions, please contact Talynn@womenscentrecalgary.org

2023 Holiday Toy Room!

We are very excited about our 2023 Holiday Toy Room program! Find this year's official Toy Drive Poster here.

If you are interested in supporting women and their families this year as a volunteer or donor, please contact Linda@womenscentrecalgary.org or Cera@womenscentrecalgary.org or call us at (403) 264-1155.

OCTOBER WORKSHOPS SPOTLIGHT

October Workshops

For a full list of upcoming and ongoing workshops and to register, view our calendar here.

Unleashing Your Creativity | Wednesdays, October 11, 18 & 25, 5 P.M. - 6:30 P.M.

Explore and unleash your creativity as we look into different forms of writing. Join us for an 8-week creative writing workshop with musician, singer, and writer Wendy Walker.

The Modern Embroiderer Workshop | Thursdays, October 12, 19 & 26, 5:30 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.

Join us for weekly hand embroidery classes with Tanya Goertzen. The skills learnt from this workshop can be used to make some fabulous pieces for home décor or jazz up your clothes, accessories and more. We will be working on squares that will be sewn together to make a community embroidery quilt.

Pumpkin Carving | Monday, October 30, 4:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M.

Spooky Season is here! Join the Women’s Centre for an evening of pumpkin carving and trick or treating. Bring your children along and let's have some fun! ALL supplies provided, plus hot chocolate and marshmallows.

Employment Readiness | Mondays, October 16 & 30 4 P.M. - 6:30 P.M.

Come and learn how to build your resume, job search and learn some tips for doing a good interview with one-on-one support.

These free workshops are open to all women-identifying folks.

To register for any of these workshops or get more information, email Nicole@womenscentrecalgary.org (including your name and phone number) or call (403) 264-1155

OPERATING HOURS

The Women's Centre will be open 9:30 A.M. - 7:30 P.M., Monday - Thursday, and Friday 9:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.

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Women's Centre of Calgary www.womenscentrecalgary.org