About CFUW KW
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A community of women who believe in learning, connecting, and making a difference. |
1922 FOUNDED | 200+ MEMBERS | 40+ INTEREST GROUPS |
For more than 100 years, CFUW KW has been a welcoming community of engaged women who believe in learning, connecting, and making a difference. We support the education of women and girls in our community through fundraising, advocacy, and action, while also creating opportunities to give back through local volunteering.
Our members come together to explore ideas, share knowledge, and enjoy a wide variety of interests through more than 40 small groups. Whether it's a book club, a hike, a language group, a game night, or a shared love of gourmet dining, wine tasting, knitting, or crafts, there is a place to belong and a way to be involved.
At CFUW KW, community matters. We work together to support one another, to learn from one another, and to speak up for issues that matter, including education for women and girls, social justice, environmental health, and the future of our communities.
OUR HISTORY
Eleven charter members met on March 16, 1922, and elected author and Kitchener librarian Mabel Dunham as president. The Club held its first regular meeting on April 27 and joined the Canadian Federation of University Women (now known as CFUW) in 1923 as its sixteenth member club.
The Club's dedication to its founding purpose — the advancement and education of women — has remained constant throughout its history. Today, our 200+ members participate in local philanthropic work, regional, provincial, and national advocacy projects, and a rich calendar of social opportunities.
ADVOCACY
We believe in the power of women working together. CFUW KW is committed to advocacy that advances equity, education, and the well-being of women, girls, and communities. Working in alignment with CFUW's national priorities, our advocacy efforts focus on Education, Equity and Social Justice, and Safe & Healthy Communities.
Our work spans the prevention of gender-based violence, the root causes of poverty and homelessness, long-term care and aging in place, quality and equitable public healthcare, and climate action and environmental conservation. Members bring these priorities to life at national and provincial AGMs, where resolutions are debated and passed, supported by resources, ideas, and guidelines from CFUW National and CFUW Ontario Council.
All members are welcome to join the Advocacy Committee, where we bring our experience, enthusiasm, and expertise together to create positive change.
→ Learn more about our advocacy
PHILANTHROPY & VOLUNTEERISM
Our philanthropy is a growing and vibrant part of our club. The Philanthropic Group advances our long-standing commitment to education, equity, and community well-being by:
● Providing members with opportunities to volunteer with projects run by local organizations
- Supporting members who wish to initiate new projects that benefit Waterloo Region
We also raise money through our Annual Used Book Sale and other events to fund scholarships, awards, and bursaries through our Charitable Fund, and to support programs important to our members.
→ Learn more about our philanthropy
EVENTS
Meetings are held monthly, September to May, and feature guest speaker presentations on topics that are diverse, current, educational, and thought-provoking.
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The Annual Used Book Sale — a CFUW KW tradition since 1965 Our first sale priced paperbacks at five cents and hardcovers at twenty-five. Early profits helped women further their education and established the B. Mabel Dunham Award and several bursaries. Today, the sale funds scholarships and bursaries for students at local secondary schools, universities, and colleges. |
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December 6th Vigil — National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women Held each year and open to the public, this solemn event is organized with community agencies and includes speakers, musical interludes for reflection, and the lighting of fourteen candles — one for each of the fourteen women who lost their lives in 1989 at École Polytechnique in Montreal. |
INTEREST GROUPS
Interest Groups provide members with a variety of activities and social interactions — everything from wine tasting, hiking, games, and book clubs to dining, art, French conversation, movies, and adventures, to name a few. Many friendships are formed, local venues are discovered, and new skills are developed.
Have an idea for a new group? Members are welcome to start one by submitting a detailed write-up to the Interest Group Chair for inclusion in the next newsletter — we're always looking for new activities.
→ Learn more about our interest groups
Email: cfuwkw@gmail.com Snail Mail: P.O. Box 376 New Dundee, Ontario, N0B 2E0 |