Self-teaching

Over the last six months the Lower Mainland network has been working at several levels to establish activities and structures to support CCLOW's goals. In considering the ways we could validate women's experiences, theorize and popularize solutions, and join with others in advocacy, we decided to begin with educating ourselves. We recognized that our active members are already over-committed and therefore the process must be nurturing. Realizing, as well, that we could learn from each other, we have created a program of story-telling and recording. Each program is focused on a different theme, for example, role models and good and bad learning experiences; time is allowed for sharing and discussion. The process has been rich, rewarding and exciting. Along with developing programs to educate ourselves, we are engaged in creating an organizational structure that is supportive, allows for participation at several levels, avoids hierarchy and avoids the appointment of one individual as leader. We are identifying critical tasks and creating a work- book of procedures. We have also been having fun. Last summer we had a mask making workshop and recently got together to decorate our masks and to create some improvisation and street theatre around women's learning issues.

Approaches to lobbying

Victoria CCLOW members meet bi-monthly. There was a relatively large turnout at the January meeting during which participants agreed that future activities would focus on approaches to lobbying (including, as a prerequisite, defining the scope of the local network); adult basic education; information exchange and developing a resource centre and a vision of training for women. Working groups meet regularly. CCLOW in the Victoria area is developing and working to establish a formal network.

ONTARIO REPORT

by Janice McLean

CCLOW meets Ontario Women's Directorate Staff

Our contacts with the provincial government continue to expand. In February, Dawn Elliot of the mini-executive and I met with five staff of the Ontario Women's Directorate and a representative from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities. We discussed the implementation of "For Adults Only," the Wright Report on continuing education and learned that an interministerial committee is analyzing responses to it and will report to deputy ministers (who will decide whether this analysis is to be published). We were very disappointed that there were no signs of the fundamental changes recommended concerning funding, structure and services at educational institutions. These must take place to meet the needs of adult learners.

We asked about reducing sexism 'in girls' education and learned of Ministry of Education initiatives to reduce sexism in curriculum materials and presentation methods as well as the "Open Doors" and "Pathmaker" programs to encourage high school girls to consider non- traditional careers. The resistance of some male principals continue to be a block.

The officials encouraged CCLOW members to consider developing community-based projects benefiting women which would qualify for the Ontario Women's Directorate grants program; it is anticipated there will be $700,000 in grants in the coming year.

Also in February, Dawn and I responded to a questionnaire from the Steering Committee of the Canada/Ontario Apprenticeship Study. We identified barriers to women's participation and actions needed to assist more women to secure employment as apprentices.

Our contacts with the Women's Directorate resulted in a request by the Ministry of Skills Development for a CCLOW representative to sit on a Provincial Trades Updating Advisory Committee, and Susan Haw of West End Machining has agreed to participate.

In January I represented CCLOW at the National Council of Women's public representation of its brief to the government. Of Jake Epp they asked that midwifery be recognized and pensions for homemakers included in CPP/QPP. Women's Program funding and criteria were discussed with Secretary of State, David Crombie, and the Council took the stand that the fluctuating policies of REAL Women do not support the advancement of women, and that funding should go to national organizations committed to the Charter of Rights. Support for language training for immigrant women was requested. With the Minister of Labour, the Council stressed the need for benefits for part-time workers.