August 2001

What Is Manitoba Women’S Institute (MWI)?

MWI is a provincial rural women’s organization dedicated to personal development, family, agriculture, rural development and community action - locally  and globally under the motto "FOR HOME AND COUNTRY." It is strictly non-partisan and non-sectarian in every phase of its work and operates for the equal good of all citizens.

In MWI there is a place for every woman. At a time when many organizations seem to develop around a specific interest, MWI remains true to its original mandate – to welcome all women regardless of their ethnic, religious, political or educational background. The only "special interest" of MWI is to improve the lives of women and in turn, their families and their communities.

Women of all ages, from all walks of life and from all regions of the province are involved in MWI. Members have the opportunity to exchange ideas with women whose life experience may be the same or very different from their own. By meeting women from a variety of backgrounds, MWI members learn to appreciate different points of view.

Membership in Manitoba Women’s Institute brings with it affiliation with the national Federated Women’s Institute of Canada (FWIC)  and the international Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW).

How is MWI organized?

MWI functions under an umbrella structure. The MWI Provincial Board serves to co-ordinate the activities of the organization on a provincial scale and to link with other provincial, national and international organizations. Six regional boards are responsible for the activities within their regions and for assisting with communication between the provincial board and the membership. Local branches serve members in their local communities or local geographic areas.

Individual memberships are now also available in the organization.

MWI operates under an act of the Manitoba Legislature, the Women’s Institute Act of 1930. Under its Constitution and Bylaws its purpose is:

• to unite all members and coordinate its work throughout the province,
• to express its members’ view on matters of provincial, national and international importance,
• to cooperate with the Province to improve educational, social and economic conditions in the province,
• to develop better informed, more responsible citizens and
• to provide official representation in the Federated Women’s Institutes of Canada (FWIC) and the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW).

MWI is administered by the Provincial Board of Directors consisting of the President, President-elect, a representative from each of the regions of the province, two Directors-at-large, a representative of the Faculty of Human Ecology, University of Manitoba, a representative of the Home Economics Section, Manitoba Agriculture and two government-appointed Directors. Six geographical regions of the province are governed by the regional constitution and bylaws and administered by a regional board whose purpose is to coordinate and plan projects that support the work of the members in the region and to promote province-wide unity within MWI. Within regions, members organize into local branches to enable them to work together more effectively at the grassroots level.

Membership in MWI is upon application and payment of a membership fee which currently is $36.00 annually. This application may be made at the local, regional or provincial level. Regardless of the level at which application is made, all are members of MWI, and have a vote in the business of the organization.

Advocacy. Since its beginnings in 1910 in Morris, Manitoba, MWI has been an advocate for the recognition of women’s capabilities. Members can take the skills learned through MWI and apply them to their communities. MWI members are encouraged "to make a difference" in their communities by working for positive change. Advocacy is a recognized strength of MWI. We find we can accomplish change more effectively by working together rather than individually.

Resolutions. Policies of the organization and issues supported by MWI are developed through resolutions presented by local branches, regions or individual members to the MWI’s annual meeting. Those adopted become standing policy and MWI’s policy positions are forwarded to the appropriate government agencies, legislators or companies. Historically, resolutions have been in areas such as health, education and culture, farm women and children, safety, environmental protection and a wide range of consumer concerns.

Personal development. Today’s fast pace and multi-demands on women’s time can sometimes result in stress and emotional isolation. Through membership in MWI, women find they are not alone. MWI programs are designed to help bring balance to members’ lives.

A key part of MWI is its emphasis on personal development. Membership in MWI offers the opportunity to develop self-confidence and leadership skills by participating in conferences and special skills development workshops. Members are encouraged to put what they learn into action by working on the organization's committees and regional or provincial boards. For members with interest in a particular issue, there are often opportunities to represent MWI in other organizations or coalitions with which MWI partners, such as the Provincial Council of Women, Health Reform, Keystone Agricultural Producers and Agriculture in the Classroom.

Networking. One of the strengths of MWI is its well-established network. Whether one is looking for help with an idea, support for an issue or a contact across the Province, in Canada or around the world, it can usually be found through MWI.