Why we need union women's committees
Women's Committees can help set a direction on important issues for your union, and ensure that "your" issues remain on the union's agenda. It is also an important avenue to provide information to the membership in general on topics that may affect everyone, but that specifically affect your women members.
How Do I Start a Women's Committee?
Depending on the structure of your union, in general it is best to build support among the membership for a resolution or motion to go your Executive, Board or Council.
To begin, ask yourself some questions:
- Does my provincial or national union have a Women's Committee? If yes, ask someone from that Committee to assist in organizing locally.
- If your union does not have a women's committee throughout its structure, are other women interesting in helping your organize one?
- Are there members of your Executive/Council/Board who will support and assist you in this process?
- Do you know anyone from other unions who have women's committees? If yes, ask them how they were established within those other unions.
When you are ready to go ahead, again depending on your structure, a motion could be forwarded to your leadership. The motion can be as simple as calling for the union to form a Women's Committee, or could further to include some general terms of reference for the Committee. If your union is structured into locals, perhaps beginning at the local level is a good start. Once established, you could move on to proposing a provincial committee or national committee.
Many unions already have established Women's Committees. They are a good resource for information, assistance and guidance in working through your own union's structures.
And remember that the Federation's Women's Department is always here and ready to help.
When strong women get together, it's amazing what can happen!!
Where Can I Get Information For My Women's Committee?
It's important for the members of your Committee to feel up-to-date and excited about their work. Keeping up on the latest issues and news makes a big difference. But participating in actions, conferences and events with other union women really creates that sense of action and sisterhood.
It's fun to get involved, and meeting other union women gives us the opportunity to share our gains, our challenges and our setbacks. A challenge you may be experiencing now could be what another Sister got resolved just last week!
Bring in guest speakers. Many Sisters from your national or international union, other locals, other affiliates, central organizations such as the Federation and the Canadian Labour Congress, or women's advocacy groups would be pleased to bring their message to your Committee. If you want a speaker on a specific topic, check with other union women or the Federation to find out whom to ask. We'd be glad to recommend someone to you.
In addition, your union gets regular information and updates from the Federation office. Issues specific to women are generally sent out through our e-newsletter and also at present through our bi-weekly general mail.
If you don't have quick access to that mail, put yourself on our mailing list for the e-news updates.
And if you do have provincial or national Women's Committees, keep in touch with the representatives on those Committees for updates, information and upcoming events.
Whatever you do, don't give up! Many women have faced the challenges you are facing today in getting started, and would be more than happy to assist you in establishing a presence for women within your union.
