Moving Forward


At the 1998 Board and Annual General Meetings of CCLOW, we again struggled with what members told us. As a Board, we again used "open-space" technology as a means of listening to the voices within ourselves that compelled us to be honest and confront the critical question of cclow's continued viability. As a result of these deliberations, the board members of cclow took bold steps towards creating the opportunity for a revitalized organization, and passed the following motion:
    Be it resolved, that in consultation with our legal counsel, CCLOW board members focus our energy to:

  • fulfill our current obligations to March 31, 1999, and then to undertake as our additional commitments to:
  • close the national office
  • plan a National Congress
  • facilitate the Congress and through this process agree to accept the outcomes of the Congress, and
  • floow-through on our fiduciary responsibilities to March 31, 2000.

We all understand the seriousness of our decision. However, while everyone wanted the work to continue, it became clear to us that the organization, as it currently functions, was floundering and could not continue. The ongoing reduction of staff has lessened our ability to undertake vital projects and discussions. The changes to funding criteria by Status of Women Canada, our major funder, also influenced our decision to close the National office.

While the process of closing the national office is underway, the work of the organization needs to continue. Therefore, we are focusing our attention on the development, implementation, and evaluation of a National Congress, which will bring together women with an interest in women's education and training. From the Congress, the work of the organization has the potential to be revitalized, reorganized, and reconstituted in ways that will make it possible to keep issues about women's education and training on the agenda. Board members are prepared to guide the development of the Congress and to hand over the responsibilities of the organization to women who see innovative ways to proceed with the work. We are revitalized in our efforts to renew the organization through this mechanism. We are hopeful that some outstanding issues we have attempted to address over the past several years will be moved forward by a new generation of women who can bring greater diversity, energy, and passion to the work.

Creating a New Tradition
We know that CCLOW'S rich history has rooted us in solid ground. Since its conception, CCLOW has been recognized for being a progressive feminist organization that has worked to push the boundaries of traditional research and program delivery. It has made many valuable contributions to women throughout the country as learners and as teachers.

Images of the Goddess

A 24 minute video documentary highlighting portions of the popular production of Images of the Goddess staged at the University of Calgary, January 1996. The performance includes 13 vignettes which illustrates the women's life cycles during the maiden, mid-life, and crone stages. This video is an excellent tool for women educators interested in generating discussion about fine art, educating girls and women, and gender differences.

For information about purchasing, renting, or previewing a copy, contact Barb Murray, University of Calgary; tel: (403) 220-3709, or email: bmurray@aoss.ucalgary.ca

We are passionate about the possibilities that this Congress will hold for our future. It is an opportunity for women to come together who are interested in women's education and training and who are willing to participate in the process of developing a new structure in which to pursue these issues. We invite you to participate in the Congress and join us in "creating a new tradition."

Cheryl Senecal is the President of the Canadian Congress of Learning Opportunities for Women. Cathie Cookson is the President-Elect and Catherine O'Bryan is the Past-President.



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