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Prince Edward District Women's Institute |
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The preventable death of an infant son led one anguished mother to realize that women needed access to greater knowledge to improve their skills in the arts of homemaking and child care led to the formation of the first Women's Institute (WI) Branch in 1897 at Stoney Creek, Ontario. The idea spread and lecturers toured Ontario to share information and the encourage the organization of additional Branches. In 1908 several WI Branches were established in Prince Edward County and the Prince Edward District Women's Institute was formed to link the Branches and coordinate their work within the County. Since then, Women's Institute (WI) members have actively worked together for the betterment of member's families, homes and communities. Their original focus - domestic science education - quickly expanded to include personal growth opportunities, health and community wellness initiatives, and government lobbying.
Provincially, we are part of the Federated Women's Institutes of Ontario (FWIO) which was organized in 1919 to give Branch members a stronger voice as a united group. FWIO's educational programs and social events have created new opportunities for rural and urban women, locally and provincially. Nationally we are members of the Federated Women's Institutes of Canada (FWIC) formed in 19199 to coordinate the work of the provincial groups and to allow them to speak with one voice for needed reforms and to initiate nationwide programs.
On an international level we are members of the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) formed in 1933, to join world-wide Women's Institutes and other similar women's groups with common aims and objectives.
Motto: "For Home and Country"
These four words outline the purpose of the organization.
"Home" is the first priority, assisting women to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to meet the demands of home, family and work.
"Country" starts with the community of which the organization forms a part, and extends throughout the nation and into the international field.
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Last Updated: August 2010