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The Federated Women’s Institutes of Canada – WI Canada (FWIC), is the national organization that provides a united voice for all Women’s Institutes across Canada while advocating for national directives in health, poverty, food safety, environmental preservation and community support.
With Gratitude to The Women’s Institute Who Shaped My Life,
Submitted by Elizabeth Moore, President, Bond Head Women’s Institute and Vice President, Tec We Gwill Women’s Institute
On May 21, 2026, the Simcoe South Kempenfelt District, Women’s Institute held their 124 Annual meeting. As part of the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026 and in keeping with our guest speaker on Bees and Gardening, we set our roll call to the theme: “Bee A Woman Involved. Share an example of a WI member involved in agriculture.”
It was my absolute pleasure to share the following as the response to the Roll Call on behalf of all of the members of the Bond Head Branch.
Over my life, I have had the privilege of seeing many great women involved in agriculture. I was one of the lucky ones… mentored by strong women who lovingly cared for their families by growing vegetables, baking bread, sewing clothing, and, in between, driving the tractor and milking cows. Their absolute understanding that their role was pivotal to ensuring well-being in both their family and the community was truly the backbone of success.
When I saw today's roll call, my mind was flooded with memories of the past. I thought about being raised on a farm and being part of agriculture, I thought of the bee hives on our farm… and I thought of all the incredible women that I was mentored by on the farm who taught me that women could do absolutely anything…. How on earth could I do justice by paying tribute to just one woman in agriculture… and then I thought… What about paying tribute to all the WI women involved in agriculture?
Our Bond Head Branch started in 1902, and though I don’t know for certain… I suspect that most of our members were farmers and involved in agriculture. Fast forward to today, and while some of us have lived on farms… we are all currently not actively farming or involved in agriculture. Or are we….? After googling the definition of agriculture… and seeing the typical definitions of agriculture that we know… I stumbled on one that I thought really fit for today’s theme. It defined agriculture as: the foundational pillar of all society. That's really interesting, I thought… just like the WI… the foundational pillar of community.
And so… to connect our theme of women in agriculture, bees, and to pay tribute to all the women of WI who went before us … I was thinking…
If you look closely at a bustling honeybee hive, you are not just looking at nature's finest architects… You may see the same beautiful characteristics that define who we are as members of the WI. You will see working together for a common goal… and knowing that together we are stronger and can achieve more.
In the bee world, the females make up the vast majority of the colony and cycle through various indoor and outdoor duties. They feed, do hive maintenance, provide climate control in the hive, guard, forage, and basically do all the work to protect and ensure the hive is healthy and strong. Honeybees survive and thrive because they understand a fundamental truth: no single bee can build a hive alone. It requires collective effort, shared vision, and unwavering cooperation. This mirrors the work efforts that we do as WI. We know that together we are stronger than we could be alone. We recognize that we are a group of women with different strengths, ages, and talents. And like the bees, we have a shared vision and a commitment to something bigger than ourselves… that only happens when we work together toward the same cause, to ensure “our hive” …” the community” is healthy and strong.
Bees communicate through a unique dance, sharing information through various rhythms to help the whole group find direction and know the best
location and distance of the food source. It plays a unique role in their achievement and production. Recent research shows that they refine their dance skills through social learning. Similarly, in the WI, we refine our own dance or life skills as we share our knowledge through mentorship, ideas, focus on student achievement, and powerful advocacy campaigns. We lift each other up through inclusion and education, providing a true sense of belonging. We educate our communities and truly believe that we can make a difference.
When we think of impact… a single honeybee produces only a fraction of a teaspoon of honey in her lifetime. Yet working together, a hive produces pounds of sweetness that sustains the community. Similarly, a single WI member can make a difference, but an entire institute can change laws, build dynamic communities, help students succeed, and create lifelong friendships and sisterhood.
So, the next time you see a bee buzzing purposefully in the garden, smile. See her as a sister in arms. Think back to today and remember that we are all women involved in agriculture… foundational pillars in the community, and just like the bees… if we keep buzzing together for the greater good, we can have an impact on each other and our local community, and create positive change for the future. Like the bees… we can make the world a sweeter place to be.
To share the words written in Advice from a Honeybee by Ilan Shamir:
Create a buzz: make an impact … bring passion and energy to what you do.
Stick close to your honey: Nurture your relationships. Just like bees dancing to share directions, be attentive to your community.
Mind your own beeswax: Focus on your own lane, your magic, and your specific role in the world.
Work together: lean on your community and lift others up.
Bee yourself: every bee has a purpose. Bring your unique gifts to the table.
Most importantly… always strive every day in every way to be the best version of you with your own unique talents, strengths, and abilities… We are all women in agriculture. Foundational pillars in the community by the investment of the work we do day after day, year after year…women sharing and women caring. Bee involved. Bee kind to both yourself and others, Bee someone worth remembering Bee cause that is the sweetest, best and most important way to Bee.
Submitted by Elizabeth Moore, President, Bond Head Women’s Institute and Vice President, Tec We Gwill Women’s Institute
On May 21, 2026, the Simcoe South Kempenfelt District, Women’s Institute held their 124 Annual meeting. As part of the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026 and in keeping with our guest speaker on Bees and Gardening, we set our roll call to the theme: “Bee A Woman Involved. Share an example of a WI member involved in agriculture.”
It was my absolute pleasure to share the following as the response to the Roll Call on behalf of all of the members of the Bond Head Branch.
Over my life, I have had the privilege of seeing many great women involved in agriculture. I was one of the lucky ones… mentored by strong women who lovingly cared for their families by growing vegetables, baking bread, sewing clothing, and, in between, driving the tractor and milking cows. Their absolute understanding that their role was pivotal to ensuring well-being in both their family and the community was truly the backbone of success.
When I saw today's roll call, my mind was flooded with memories of the past. I thought about being raised on a farm and being part of agriculture, I thought of the bee hives on our farm… and I thought of all the incredible women that I was mentored by on the farm who taught me that women could do absolutely anything…. How on earth could I do justice by paying tribute to just one woman in agriculture… and then I thought… What about paying tribute to all the WI women involved in agriculture?
Our Bond Head Branch started in 1902, and though I don’t know for certain… I suspect that most of our members were farmers and involved in agriculture. Fast forward to today, and while some of us have lived on farms… we are all currently not actively farming or involved in agriculture. Or are we….? After googling the definition of agriculture… and seeing the typical definitions of agriculture that we know… I stumbled on one that I thought really fit for today’s theme. It defined agriculture as: the foundational pillar of all society. That's really interesting, I thought… just like the WI… the foundational pillar of community.
And so… to connect our theme of women in agriculture, bees, and to pay tribute to all the women of WI who went before us … I was thinking…
If you look closely at a bustling honeybee hive, you are not just looking at nature's finest architects… You may see the same beautiful characteristics that define who we are as members of the WI. You will see working together for a common goal… and knowing that together we are stronger and can achieve more.
In the bee world, the females make up the vast majority of the colony and cycle through various indoor and outdoor duties. They feed, do hive maintenance, provide climate control in the hive, guard, forage, and basically do all the work to protect and ensure the hive is healthy and strong. Honeybees survive and thrive because they understand a fundamental truth: no single bee can build a hive alone. It requires collective effort, shared vision, and unwavering cooperation. This mirrors the work efforts that we do as WI. We know that together we are stronger than we could be alone. We recognize that we are a group of women with different strengths, ages, and talents. And like the bees, we have a shared vision and a commitment to something bigger than ourselves… that only happens when we work together toward the same cause, to ensure “our hive” …” the community” is healthy and strong.
Bees communicate through a unique dance, sharing information through various rhythms to help the whole group find direction and know the best
location and distance of the food source. It plays a unique role in their achievement and production. Recent research shows that they refine their dance skills through social learning. Similarly, in the WI, we refine our own dance or life skills as we share our knowledge through mentorship, ideas, focus on student achievement, and powerful advocacy campaigns. We lift each other up through inclusion and education, providing a true sense of belonging. We educate our communities and truly believe that we can make a difference.
When we think of impact… a single honeybee produces only a fraction of a teaspoon of honey in her lifetime. Yet working together, a hive produces pounds of sweetness that sustains the community. Similarly, a single WI member can make a difference, but an entire institute can change laws, build dynamic communities, help students succeed, and create lifelong friendships and sisterhood.
So, the next time you see a bee buzzing purposefully in the garden, smile. See her as a sister in arms. Think back to today and remember that we are all women involved in agriculture… foundational pillars in the community, and just like the bees… if we keep buzzing together for the greater good, we can have an impact on each other and our local community, and create positive change for the future. Like the bees… we can make the world a sweeter place to be.
To share the words written in Advice from a Honeybee by Ilan Shamir:
Create a buzz: make an impact … bring passion and energy to what you do.
Stick close to your honey: Nurture your relationships. Just like bees dancing to share directions, be attentive to your community.
Mind your own beeswax: Focus on your own lane, your magic, and your specific role in the world.
Work together: lean on your community and lift others up.
Bee yourself: every bee has a purpose. Bring your unique gifts to the table.
Most importantly… always strive every day in every way to be the best version of you with your own unique talents, strengths, and abilities… We are all women in agriculture. Foundational pillars in the community by the investment of the work we do day after day, year after year…women sharing and women caring. Bee involved. Bee kind to both yourself and others, Bee someone worth remembering Bee cause that is the sweetest, best and most important way to Bee.
Building Tomorrow Together, Submitted by President Cornwall Confederation Branch, Past President, PEIWI Sheila Gallant
KEEPING THE MOMENTUM
We are stronger together. During my term as President of the PEI Women’s Institute, I had the opportunity to visit many branches across the province for different reasons. Whether it was to present a life-long membership pin, celebrate a branch anniversary, or attend a District Convention, I visited branches with declining membership. I vividly remember the deep concern the ladies in the branch expressed about what their future would look like.
This stands to reason when we consider, for the most part, the average age of Women’s Institute members. As well, many rural areas in our province are not welcoming to new families who are choosing their community in which to live. As membership dwindles in the branch, the workload for the remaining members starts to increase, and it becomes a little harder to keep a viable balance in your bank account. What do you do?
Well, there are a few options. This can include you joining forces with another nearby branch or to “twin” with a nearby branch. I remember suggesting a “branch joining” with one of the PEI branches, and the response I received was “we are so comfortable together – we don’t know the people in the other branch”. Yes, it is difficult to step out of our comfort zone, isn’t it? But why struggle when you can enjoy your meetings? Think about the longevity of our organization. Are we going to allow our branch to dissolve because we are uncomfortable? Joining another branch can provide you with a bigger budget to make a difference in your community, you can have a greater support system in your life, and you can learn new things, etc. The list goes on- the benefits certainly outweigh being uncomfortable. But let’s think about this for a minute – We are all WI members – do you really think another branch of wonderful ladies will make you feel uncomfortable? Twinning with another branch is joining in some of the activities of the other branch. Perhaps you don’t have a budget to have a “meet your new neighbour night”, but a nearby branch that has more members does, and they have such a function. Why not talk to them and ask about having a function for both communities?” Is this not a win-win situation? There are so many more examples.
I talked about partnerships in one of my other articles. Maybe there is another volunteer organization in your community with which you can partner to provide support to the community.
The Women’s Institute organization has been actively supporting women for 129 years. Think about your organization if ever your branch is faced with dwindling membership. What can you do, what steps can you take to make your branch still viable and active in your community without increasing the workload of your current active members?
KEEPING THE MOMENTUM
We are stronger together. During my term as President of the PEI Women’s Institute, I had the opportunity to visit many branches across the province for different reasons. Whether it was to present a life-long membership pin, celebrate a branch anniversary, or attend a District Convention, I visited branches with declining membership. I vividly remember the deep concern the ladies in the branch expressed about what their future would look like.
This stands to reason when we consider, for the most part, the average age of Women’s Institute members. As well, many rural areas in our province are not welcoming to new families who are choosing their community in which to live. As membership dwindles in the branch, the workload for the remaining members starts to increase, and it becomes a little harder to keep a viable balance in your bank account. What do you do?
Well, there are a few options. This can include you joining forces with another nearby branch or to “twin” with a nearby branch. I remember suggesting a “branch joining” with one of the PEI branches, and the response I received was “we are so comfortable together – we don’t know the people in the other branch”. Yes, it is difficult to step out of our comfort zone, isn’t it? But why struggle when you can enjoy your meetings? Think about the longevity of our organization. Are we going to allow our branch to dissolve because we are uncomfortable? Joining another branch can provide you with a bigger budget to make a difference in your community, you can have a greater support system in your life, and you can learn new things, etc. The list goes on- the benefits certainly outweigh being uncomfortable. But let’s think about this for a minute – We are all WI members – do you really think another branch of wonderful ladies will make you feel uncomfortable? Twinning with another branch is joining in some of the activities of the other branch. Perhaps you don’t have a budget to have a “meet your new neighbour night”, but a nearby branch that has more members does, and they have such a function. Why not talk to them and ask about having a function for both communities?” Is this not a win-win situation? There are so many more examples.
I talked about partnerships in one of my other articles. Maybe there is another volunteer organization in your community with which you can partner to provide support to the community.
The Women’s Institute organization has been actively supporting women for 129 years. Think about your organization if ever your branch is faced with dwindling membership. What can you do, what steps can you take to make your branch still viable and active in your community without increasing the workload of your current active members?
Building Tomorrow Together, Submitted by President Cornwall Confederation Branch, Past President, PEIWI Sheila Gallant
KEEPING THE MOMENTUM
We are stronger together. During my term as President of the PEI Women’s Institute, I had the opportunity to visit many branches across the province for different reasons. Whether it was to present a life-long membership pin, celebrate a branch anniversary, or attend a District Convention, I visited branches with declining membership. I vividly remember the deep concern the ladies in the branch expressed about what their future would look like.
This stands to reason when we consider, for the most part, the average age of Women’s Institute members. As well, many rural areas in our province are not welcoming to new families who are choosing their community in which to live. As membership dwindles in the branch, the workload for the remaining members starts to increase, and it becomes a little harder to keep a viable balance in your bank account. What do you do?
Well, there are a few options. This can include you joining forces with another nearby branch or to “twin” with a nearby branch. I remember suggesting a “branch joining” with one of the PEI branches, and the response I received was “we are so comfortable together – we don’t know the people in the other branch”. Yes, it is difficult to step out of our comfort zone, isn’t it? But why struggle when you can enjoy your meetings? Think about the longevity of our organization. Are we going to allow our branch to dissolve because we are uncomfortable? Joining another branch can provide you with a bigger budget to make a difference in your community, you can have a greater support system in your life, and you can learn new things, etc. The list goes on- the benefits certainly outweigh being uncomfortable. But let’s think about this for a minute – We are all WI members – do you really think another branch of wonderful ladies will make you feel uncomfortable? Twinning with another branch is joining in some of the activities of the other branch. Perhaps you don’t have a budget to have a “meet your new neighbour night”, but a nearby branch that has more members does, and they have such a function. Why not talk to them and ask about having a function for both communities?” Is this not a win-win situation? There are so many more examples.
I talked about partnerships in one of my other articles. Maybe there is another volunteer organization in your community with which you can partner to provide support to the community.
The Women’s Institute organization has been actively supporting women for 129 years. Think about your organization if ever your branch is faced with dwindling membership. What can you do, what steps can you take to make your branch still viable and active in your community without increasing the workload of your current active members?
KEEPING THE MOMENTUM
We are stronger together. During my term as President of the PEI Women’s Institute, I had the opportunity to visit many branches across the province for different reasons. Whether it was to present a life-long membership pin, celebrate a branch anniversary, or attend a District Convention, I visited branches with declining membership. I vividly remember the deep concern the ladies in the branch expressed about what their future would look like.
This stands to reason when we consider, for the most part, the average age of Women’s Institute members. As well, many rural areas in our province are not welcoming to new families who are choosing their community in which to live. As membership dwindles in the branch, the workload for the remaining members starts to increase, and it becomes a little harder to keep a viable balance in your bank account. What do you do?
Well, there are a few options. This can include you joining forces with another nearby branch or to “twin” with a nearby branch. I remember suggesting a “branch joining” with one of the PEI branches, and the response I received was “we are so comfortable together – we don’t know the people in the other branch”. Yes, it is difficult to step out of our comfort zone, isn’t it? But why struggle when you can enjoy your meetings? Think about the longevity of our organization. Are we going to allow our branch to dissolve because we are uncomfortable? Joining another branch can provide you with a bigger budget to make a difference in your community, you can have a greater support system in your life, and you can learn new things, etc. The list goes on- the benefits certainly outweigh being uncomfortable. But let’s think about this for a minute – We are all WI members – do you really think another branch of wonderful ladies will make you feel uncomfortable? Twinning with another branch is joining in some of the activities of the other branch. Perhaps you don’t have a budget to have a “meet your new neighbour night”, but a nearby branch that has more members does, and they have such a function. Why not talk to them and ask about having a function for both communities?” Is this not a win-win situation? There are so many more examples.
I talked about partnerships in one of my other articles. Maybe there is another volunteer organization in your community with which you can partner to provide support to the community.
The Women’s Institute organization has been actively supporting women for 129 years. Think about your organization if ever your branch is faced with dwindling membership. What can you do, what steps can you take to make your branch still viable and active in your community without increasing the workload of your current active members?
From the President’s desk…
About a month ago, 350 people, including 103 Canadians, gathered in Ottawa for the 31st ACWW World Conference. This issue contains many of the highlights and pictures from the world conference. Canadians were thrilled to watch Marie Kenny as she was installed as the next ACWW World President. We know Marie will do a fantastic job! We also welcome Anne Innes as the new ACWW Canada Area President. She is well qualified for this new position. We look forward to working with both women in their new roles.
This time of year, also marks the AGM and convention season for many of the provincial WI organizations as well as FWIC. As our time in Ottawa reminded us, this is always a meaningful time for Women’s Institutes members. Whether these gatherings take place in person, virtually, or in a hybrid format, they continue to give members an important opportunity to reconnect, renew relationships, and stay engaged in the work we share. Amid busy schedules and competing priorities, conventions and annual general meetings give us a chance to pause, come together, and focus on what matters most: our members, our purpose, and the direction we are taking as an organization.
AGMs and conventions also bring people together in ways that are both practical and inspiring. They create space to share ideas, learn from one another, and explore new ways of responding to the opportunities and challenges ahead. They remind us that none of us carries this work alone. Every conversation, presentation, and connection helps strengthen the sense of community that supports and advances our work. These gatherings allow us to hear different perspectives, celebrate achievements, and gain fresh insights that can shape how we lead, collaborate, and serve in the months ahead. They are not only opportunities for discussion, but also moments of renewal that help us return to our branches with greater clarity, confidence, and commitment.
Most importantly, AGMs and conventions remind us why our WI work matters. They reaffirm the value of coming together, listening well, and contributing to something larger than ourselves. They leave us not only informed but also encouraged and inspired to keep building connections, supporting one another, and advancing our shared goals. As we move through this AGM and convention season, I hope each gathering leaves members with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper appreciation for the role each of us plays in promoting the work of the Women’s Institutes. When we come together with openness, energy, and commitment, we strengthen not only our relationships but also the future of our organization.
Till next time,
Lynn
About a month ago, 350 people, including 103 Canadians, gathered in Ottawa for the 31st ACWW World Conference. This issue contains many of the highlights and pictures from the world conference. Canadians were thrilled to watch Marie Kenny as she was installed as the next ACWW World President. We know Marie will do a fantastic job! We also welcome Anne Innes as the new ACWW Canada Area President. She is well qualified for this new position. We look forward to working with both women in their new roles.
This time of year, also marks the AGM and convention season for many of the provincial WI organizations as well as FWIC. As our time in Ottawa reminded us, this is always a meaningful time for Women’s Institutes members. Whether these gatherings take place in person, virtually, or in a hybrid format, they continue to give members an important opportunity to reconnect, renew relationships, and stay engaged in the work we share. Amid busy schedules and competing priorities, conventions and annual general meetings give us a chance to pause, come together, and focus on what matters most: our members, our purpose, and the direction we are taking as an organization.
AGMs and conventions also bring people together in ways that are both practical and inspiring. They create space to share ideas, learn from one another, and explore new ways of responding to the opportunities and challenges ahead. They remind us that none of us carries this work alone. Every conversation, presentation, and connection helps strengthen the sense of community that supports and advances our work. These gatherings allow us to hear different perspectives, celebrate achievements, and gain fresh insights that can shape how we lead, collaborate, and serve in the months ahead. They are not only opportunities for discussion, but also moments of renewal that help us return to our branches with greater clarity, confidence, and commitment.
Most importantly, AGMs and conventions remind us why our WI work matters. They reaffirm the value of coming together, listening well, and contributing to something larger than ourselves. They leave us not only informed but also encouraged and inspired to keep building connections, supporting one another, and advancing our shared goals. As we move through this AGM and convention season, I hope each gathering leaves members with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper appreciation for the role each of us plays in promoting the work of the Women’s Institutes. When we come together with openness, energy, and commitment, we strengthen not only our relationships but also the future of our organization.
Till next time,
Lynn
