Chat from the Chair
Dear Fellow Members,
It is the time of the year when we look towards our Institute Annual meetings in May.
Sadly, we have Institutes with a good membership that are forced to suspend because they cannot get the officers to stand. Every Institute must have its 3 officers - President, Treasurer and Secretary - to remain open.
The Membership Support Team thought that it may be the right time to arrange a meeting with members to explain just what these roles involve, to allay any fears you may have. It really is not as onerous as you may think. For example, the Treasurer does not need to complete a spreadsheet electronically; in addition we now have the support of the Federation IFE team. The President’s role can be shared, all officers’ roles can be shared. Delegation is key. Being President means addressing your members at your monthly meetings but remember you are amongst friends, like-minded women, sharing information. I calm myself when I am about to address members at the Federation Annual meeting by telling myself I am amongst friends, because I am. Some I know, others I am yet to meet.
We are members of a wonderful, National organisation. An organisation that has been in existence in this country for 115 years in September. The main purpose of the Women’s Institute organisation is:
- To advance the education of women and girls for the public benefit in all areas including (without limitation): (i) local, national and international issues of political and social important; (ii) music, drama and other cultural subjects; and (iii) all branches of agriculture, crafts, home economics, science, health and social welfare
- To promote sustainable development for the public benefit by: (i) educating people in the preservation, conservation and protection of the environment and the prudent use of natural resources; and (ii) promoting sustainable means of achieving economic growth and regeneration
- To advance health for the public benefit; and
- To advance citizenship for the public benefit by the promotion of civic responsibility and volunteering
Some of the jargon national use may sound a little dated but the ethos of the WI has a real meaning to women everywhere. We can, and do, make a real difference. We are empowering and you are part of this wonderful organisation.
The Members Support Team have arranged a meeting for members entitled “What does your WI mean to you?” - we will explore how a WI is run, covering the roles of President, Treasurer and Secretary.
We are urging members to attend who do not hold an officer role now or may not be on the committee, because we want to explain and encourage members to step forward to join their WI’s committee, aspire to be a member of the committee and take an officer role.
We want to hear from you what, if anything, you find daunting, how we can support you, listen and learn from fellow members. Equally if you are an officer or a committee member, come along and share with others. Meet the friends you have not yet met.
It will be a sharing morning, to be held on Tuesday 1st April 10.30 am to 12 noon at Marford Hall in Wheathampstead.
We don’t want Institutes with good memberships to have to suspend, we want to help you to stay open - to continue to offer friendship, education or whatever your Institute gives to you for many years to come.
Please join us on TUESDAY 1st APRIL 2025. I look forward to being with you on that morning. Please email office.herts.wi@gmail.com to book your place.