Alberta Status of Women Action Committee

JUNE/JULY NEWSLETIER 198 9 Volume 10, Number 4

INSIDE: Women Against Poverty _Public Hearings ASWAC's malling address Is: Box 1573, Edmonton, T5J 2N7. The Edmonton office Is located at 9930-106 Street, on the lower floor with the rest of the Edmonton Women's Building. Phone 421-0306. Ofllce hours are Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1988/89 Board Members ASWAC Lethbrldge is located In the Women's Resource Annette Aarbo - Edmonton Centre on top of Woolworths, at #202, 325 - 6 Street Noreen Bell-Geekle - Edmonton South, T1J 2C7. Phone 329-8338. Marla Seeber - Edmonton Jane Haslett - Edmonton The Calgary ASWAC office Is located In the Old Y Centre Helen Greaves - c/o Edmonton Office for Community Organizations, #303, 223 - 12 Avenue Shelley Scott - c/o Edmonton Office S. W., T2R OG9. Phone 233-0731 for recorded informa­ Jean Munn - CalgapY tion and to leave messages. M~rllyn Seelye - Calgary Jacqueline Preyde - Calgary Anne McGrath - c/o Calgary Office Nancy Miller - Calgary Debbie Foster - Lethbrldge Rita Kolpak - c/o Lethbrldge Office Since April, ASWAC has gratefully received donations from the following wonderful women: Janet Maher. Mary Johnson, Evelyn Stymest, H.L. Murray, Pam Barrett, 1988/89 Regional Representatives Elaine Fllax, Sylvia Waller, Adena Rose, Anne Debbie, Diana Chown, Katharine Hunt, Mutty Mathewson, Debra Elaine Peters - Calgary Shogan and Marilyn Assheton-Smlth. Thank-you! And a 285-1214 special thanks to Denise Purcell, who has been re­ organizing the library in the Edmonton office. Addle Miron - Lethbridge 327-4396

Lois Soderstrom - Westerose 586-2091 The ASWAC Newsletter is produced In Edmonton by the Gerry Balley - Westerose Newsletter Collective, with contributions from across 586-2983 the province. Feedback, Input and suggestions In the form of ideas for articles, graphics, and especially no­ Joan White Calf - Camrose tices of events that are.happening In your area would be 672-6687 very much appreciated.

Kathleen Davies - Edmonton Here are the deadlines for upcoming newsletters: 438-5480 July/August Newsletter - Deadline: Monday, July 17 September/October Newsletter - Deadline: Tuesday, Lori Crocker - lnnisfall September 5 227-1141 The deadline means that the item must be in the Edmon­ Elin Harley Bartem - lnnisfall ton ASWAC office on that day; if items can be sent In 227-2927 earlier. it would be appreciated.

*All numbers are home phone numbers. Thanks to all contributors. and to the Newsmagazine by Alberta Women collective and Nola Erhardt for typeset­ The Alberta Status of Women Action Committee grate­ ting and layout. and to Central Web for printing. fully acknowledges the financial support it receives from the Secretary of State Women's Prqgram. Cover illustration by Sylvia Matishak ASWAC Newsletter 2 . . ..

ASWAC BOARD MEETS IN LETHBR(ij:>GE ' Please note: Members are reminded they are suggested Linda read the Vancouver R~ea-!'ch Centre's come to attend board meetings in their area. Upcoming Women and Economy Kit. meetings are: July 8-9 in Pigeon Lake and September 9- Linda will be working out a time-line for h~ 10 in Edmonton. Don'tforgettheASWACAnnual Assem­ during the next four months. (She has been hired under bly, October 14-15 In Lethbrldge. a Student Temporary Project (STEP) grant.) ' In attendance: Shelley, Helen. Annette, Noreen, Jane. Jean, Anne, Marilyn, Jackie, Nancy, Rita (board); Diane 4) WEN-DO - Debbie Foster sent a letter to the board Shaver Wazny (Women Against Poverty (WAP) hearings requesting we sponsor her for a Wen-Do training course co-ordinator); Linda Cumming (WAP Edmonton re­ In Toronto. Her request was turned down, as It was felt it searcher); Alison Cameron, Terri Ann Marco (community does not fall within our mandate. members). Missing: Maria, Debbie. 5) LETTER FROM GERRY BAILEY-Aletterwassent Saturday, May 27 to the board from Gerry Balley, expressing concerns about ASWAC's membership and structure, Jane will 1) ROUND - Among other topics. it was mentioned write a letter to Gerry in response. tbat Nancy in Calgary and Maria in Edmonton are still trying to get the Feminist: More Than A Label TV commer­ 6) OTHER ITEMS - Anne will be submitting a brief on cial aired. behalf of ASWAC to the Alberta Consumer and Corporate Phyllis Jackson has notified the board that she is Affairs Landlord/Tenant Act Ministerial Advisory Commit­ resigning for personal reasons. Jane will write her a letter tee. The brief will deal with tenancy issues like rent in response. controls, second stage housing, discrimination, sexual harassment, etc. 2) WAP HEARINGS - Diane gave a report on the Anne also suggested we look at applying for special progress of the June hearings; a number of specific funding to update our publication When Your Dollar Is Not matters were also addressed: A Dollar-- The Pay Equity Debate. a) Although none of the presenters are being paid in A course on Strategies for Effective Social Research Is any way, one woman has requested $20 for gas money. It was agreed she would be given the money because of her exceptional circumstances. b) Diane has developed a questionnaire for use at the hearings. The questionnaire will encourage women to become members, and also to Indicate if they are inter­ ested in further involvement with the WAP campaign -- this Information will be added to the computer by the Member- ship Committee. c) ACCESS Network has a good series of videos called About Women. Diane will write and ask if they will donate them to ASWAC. d) Diane will compile a final report at the end of June and present it to the last meeting of the WAP Provincial Committee. If she is around in September, she will con­ tinue to be Involved with the second set of poverty hearings.

3) WAP EDMONTON RESEARCHER - Linda Cum­ ming has been hired to do research for the WAP Edmon­ ton Committee; Linda talked about her work so far and the need for another, re-organized fact sheet. The board emphasized that projects undertaken should be ones that don't require a lot of money. We also discussed the philosophical approach and grounding assumptions behind doing research ; Anne Illustration by Leslie Stewart 3 June Edition being offered by Terri Ann will act as a consultant. Mount Royal College It was al~o mentioned that, at all the WAP hearings, In Calgary; we will participants should be encouraged to become members take ~105 from the and/or make donations, and that ASWAC's financial refund we received status be clarified. from the Canadian Mental Health Asso­ 9) LETHBRIDGE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - ciation so Anne can Lethbrldge held an AGM on May 24, which resulted in the take this course. formation of a core co-ordinating committee made up of Rita, Terri Ann, Alison Cameron, Faye Sayko, Shirley 7) BUDGET - Clement and Jackie Preyde. They will be responsible for Annette outlined the communication. administration and finances. Other cuts that have been working groups will be formed to deal with specific made: we applied for projects, and a rep from each working group will meet $130,000 and have with the core group once a month. It was felt that the been given $97, 750. previous grassroots structure had lacked continuity. Cuts have been Lethbrldge wants to continue as part of ASWAC, and made down to will encourage Lethbrldge participants to become $106,000, so an­ ASWAC members through a mallout. other $8,500 needs In the original agreement between Lethbridge and the Illustration by Laslie Stewart to be cut. board, there was no formal discussion of staff, but that We talked about decisions would be made collectively. Perhaps, in the how much surplus we have at this time, and If we want to future, hiring committees for Leth bridge should include a ensure we have this same amount of surplus at this time board rep. next year. Fiona told us we have enough to cover June, Terri Ann talked about the origins of the Lethbridge but expenses for July will have to come from the general group arising out of a desire to decentralize ASWAC, how account. We also discussed the need to have a "global" the "Lethbridge model" was the original method of achiev­ budget, one that will look ahead to the next three years. ing decentralization, and how the opening of a Calgary T errl Ann offered the suggestion that we make the outreach office had been a later method. She explained newsletter self-supporting, selling subscriptions at that the Lethbridge Women's Resource Centre provides around $15 each. services to the community, white ASWAC is the more We went through the Secretary of State budget (the political wing, but thatthe two halves function interdepen­ one that gets submitted but Is not binding), circled all the dently. Items that are not negotiable, and then cut 25 per cent off Lethbridge Is not asking for any funds from the pro­ all other Items. Marilyn and Jean abstained from this vincial budget at present. They will soon be submitting an decision. application to Secretary of State, which will likely Include We then went through our working budget, particu­ a staff position. larly looking at number of staff and staff salaries. We decided to go with two and a half staff positions at the 10) ASWAC ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY - salary level of this present working budget. Helen reported on the Assembly Committee meeting held The budget will be considered as It Is now (adding up on Friday (see following article). to $106,000), plus $5,000 for staff benefits, $3,000 for bookkeeper's salary, $400 for hearings co-ordinator Sunday, May 28 benefits (Canada Pension Plan and Unemployment In­ surance premiums) and $2,464 to top up the STEP 1) PERSONNEL COMMITTEE - Jane talked about position. The Budget Committee will decide how much the Personnel Committee meeting on May 23. The func­ will be cut from all other Items and how much can be tion of the committee will be to look at job descriptions, absorbed by the general account. evaluations, working conditions, grievances, reporting. The Budget Committee Is Annette. Jane ar.id Shelley accountability. salaries and benefits, and time manage­ with Marilyn as a consultant. The Budget Committee will ment. It will be made up of three staff and three volunteer make their recommendations to the next (July) board board members. meeting. A sub-committee of the Personnel Committee will be a Negotiating Committee: they will work out a collective 8) FUNDRAISING - A Fundralslng Committee was agreement to be signed at the July board meeting and struck to prepare a plan for fundralsing activities: Anne. which will serve until the AGM. If. at some time, there were Jackie, Nancy and another Calgary community member. less than two staff, a board member could be selected as ASWAC Newsletter 4 staff advocate. Also, an outside conclllator can be called co-ordinator position, It was stated that board members In If needed. must resign before applying; Marilyn did not apply. This The committee wlll meet In June to work on job de­ was Incorrect however, as the Personnel Policy states scriptions and evaluations. that board members can apply for positions without re­ This wlll be a standing committee and will be written signing, but cannot be present during any discussion of Into the bylaws. the hiring. An error was made. A member of the Budget Committee .should also be on Noreen was originally on the Hiring Committee for the the Personnel Committee. administrative co-ordinator position, as It was constituted The committee was reconstituted as Helen, Anne, at ttie April 1 board meeting. She made her Intention to Shelley, Jean, Jane and Annette; the Negotiating Com­ apply for the position known on April 14 and was replaced mittee Is Helen, Anne, Jean and Jane. on the committee; no discussion of the hiring had taken Nancy got the Personnel Polley of the Saskatchewan place before the 14th and she has been completely ex­ Action Committee; we also have one from the National cluded from all discussions since, so there has been no Action Committee on the Status of Women (NAC) and the conflict of Interest. Development Education Co-ordinating Council of Al­ berta. 2) NATIONAL ACTION COMMITTEE - Helen, Rita The Issue of staff being on the board (as raised In the and Anne reported on their experiences at the NAC AGM. last newsletter) will be dealt with by the committee for the One topic of discussion at the AGM was Increased re­ next board meeting. gional involvement through participation on NAC issue committees and In political actions. Two such actions are: Vacations - June 4 Bake-Off to protest child care cuts. Rita is Helen Is unsure yet of when she Is taking holidays; organizing the sending of baked goods to Michael Wilson probably August. from Lethbridge, Nancy will organize something In Cal­ Anne has 18 days and will take them In July. gary and Noreen Is co-ordinating In Edmonton. Shelley has 15 days, but requested that, since she is - June 5 Welcoming Committee in Edmonton for the leaving soon, she be allowed to take vacation pay Via Rail De-Rail The Budget Train. Shelley and Helen, Instead. Due to budget considerations and other factors, along with a newly-formed coalition on economic justice, It was decided that she will take one week (five days) of are organizing an event for 7 p.m. vacation and receive vacation pay for the other ten days. Women from Calgary will join us, and a support action It was noted that this Is an exceptional circumstance and In Lethbridge may take place. that, In general, staff will be strongly encouraged to take One part of the action will be the building of a quilt; a all their vacation time. quilter on board the train will collect a quilt square from It was noted that the two project co-ordinators should each province depicting one aspect of the budget, and not both be gone will have a finished quilt ready for the final rally In Ottawa from work for long June 12. periods at the same 3) BY-LAWS - Jean told us about changes to the time. bylaws she and Anne are proposing. They will be printed Other Staff Matters in the July newsletter In order to give the membership \ It was noted ·that sufficient notice before the AGM. If, at the July board Bylaws must be passed by a 75 per cent In favor vote. meeting, the Budget Committee was to 4) LE THEATRE PARMINOU - Jackie told us that the recommend any staff Calgary Status of Women Action Committee wants to layoffs, a Parity bring this theatre company to Calgary to do a show; Committee would they're looking for groups to provide funding througli a have to be struck to small loan, which will be paid back either through profits review that decision. from the show or fund raising. Any additional profits would This Is In accordance go to a pay equity workshop. with the Personnel The Calgary board members are having a meeting Polley. soon, and they will discuss ASWAC's participation In this Some things plan. were clarified re­ garding hiring prac­ The next board meeting will be July 8-9 at Gerry tices. During the hir­ Bailey's home in Pigeon Lake. Illustration by Leslie Stewart ing for the hearings 5 June EdHlon Schedule Decided For ASWAC Assembly The Assembly Committee of ASWAC met Friday, May 11:30 - 12 noon -- Wrap-up. 26 at 4 p.m. In Lethbrldge. 12 - 1 p.m. -- Lunch. 1 p.m. -- New board and regional representatives meet. In attendance: Board: .Rita Kolpak, Jackie Preyde, Shelley Scott, Helen Greaves, Anne McGrath; Commu­ At the ASWAC Board Meeting on May 27 and 28, nity Members: Alison Cameron, Shirley Clement; Re­ several points about the assembly were raised: searcher: Linda Cumming. 1. The Insight Women's Film and Video Festival In Helen explained that any Lethbrldge women who Edmonton Is on that same weekend. We changed our would like to be on this committee and/or work with it are dates last year to avoid a conflict; Noreen Bell-Geekle more than welcome. ASWAC wants a very high level of (board member) will write and ask them to change their community Involvement with the assembly. dates. It was agreed we will not change ours. Helen, Shelley and Linda toured the El Rancho prior to the meeting and found that It meets our needs. Subse­ 2. It was suggested we rent a bus to transport women quent to reviewing Information about prices, etc., Helen from Edmonton and further north down to Lethbridge. will book the necessary facilities. 3. Le Theatre Parmlnou, a theatre company from Tentative Schedule for Assembly: Quebec, will be starting an Alberta tour on October 16. We may be able to get them to start on the 14th and Friday. October 13 provide our entertainment for Saturday night.

Registration will be ongoing. Ali Friday events are Committee Requesting ArtWork free and open to the public. 8 to 9:30 p.m. -- Public forum on Feminism and the Family. For 1990 IWD Posters, Brochures 9:30 - 12 midnight-- Social. Potluck desserts, coffee and Edmonton International Women's Day (IWD) Com­ taped music. Possible co-sponsor is Alberta Alcohol and mittee is inviting submissions for poster designs from Drug Abuse Commission. Alberta women artists. Design competition Is to solicit an image to be used Saturday. October 14 for an International Women's Day poster and brochure that will be distributed to women's organizations across 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. -- Breakfast. the province. 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. -- Four concurrent workshops: Native Women and the Criminal Justice System and the Child Entry Procedures and Rules: Welfare Act; Rural Women and Child Care; Immigrant Theme: lmage(s) depicting the spirit of International Women; and The Right Response -- Fighting the New Women's Day, i.e. personal/political struggles; celebra­ Right. tion; crossing economic, class, racial, social barriers; 11:30- 12 noon -- Break. Children have lunch. historical; etc. 12 - 1 p.m. -- Lunch. Size: Finished poster size: 15" X 24" 1-5 p.m. -- Membership meeting (with a 20 minute break). Image size: 15" X 20" -- A 4" blank leader on the 5 - 6:30 p.m. -- Break. Children have dinner, caucus bottom will be left for groups to add information -- the two meeting (registration will include definition of caucus). may be integrated In poster design. National Action Committee on the Status of Women Color: A maximum of three colors will be accepted. regional meeting. Award: A purchase award of $200 will be given for the 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. -- Dinner. winning design. 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. -- Keynote speaker (same speaker as Deadline for Submission: October 21, 1989. Friday). Topic: coalitions. 8:30 -- Multicultural Concert. Send submission to Edmonton IWD Committee, lower floor. 9930 - 106 St., Edmonton. T5J 2N7'. Submis­ Sunday. October 15 sions not selected should be picked up October 22 between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. at the same address. Those 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. -- Breakfast. accompanied by a self-addressed and stamped mailing 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. -- Membership meeting, board and tube will be returned by mail. All unclaimed submissions regional representatives selection. will be destroyed. ASWAC Newsletter 6 Of NAC And AS~ACPlan Closer Relationship by Anne McGrath In the wake of the absolutely dis­ would like to participate In any of What does 'the National Action astrous fedl!ral budget and Its very NAC's committees, please write or Committee on the Status of Women direct attack on core-funded groups call the Alberta regional representa­ (NAC) have to do with women In llke NAC and ASWAC, there was tive at the ASWAC office In Calgary Alberta? plenty of discussion about action to (303, 223-1 Ave. S.W., T2ROG9, 233- NAC Is the largest women's or­ protestthe budget and steps that can 0731) or contact the provincial ganization In Canada. It Is non-gov­ be taken to better co-ordinate our ASWAC office In Edmonton. The for­ ernmental and voluntary. NAC's participation In NAC. mation of this year's committee wlll membership Is composed of Cana­ There was general agreement begin at the NAC executive meeting dian women's groups -- more than that It would be wasteful and unnec­ June 17-19 and, although the list of 500 of them -- representing a total of essary to create an Alberta regional committees may change, last year's more than four mllllon Canadian structure for NAC without exploring were as follows: Employment and the women. This Is both an Incredible the possibility of a closer working Economy; ChHdcare; Survival of the strength and a source of difficulties. relationship between NAC and Planet; Male Violence Against However, despite the obvious ASWAC. Women and Children; Reproductive problems presented by such a di­ It was suggested that th~ ASWAC Rights; Health; Pornography; Prosti­ verse membership, at various times newsletter could devote a page or tution: Rural Women; Women with In the past, NAC has managed to pull two to NAC rather than establishing a Disabilities; Lesbians; Vlslble Minor­ together and organize campaigns separate NAC newsletter In Alberta. ity and Immigrant Women; Constitu­ that contribute significantly to the Also. the ASWAC Annual Assembly tional Accord; Support of Native expression of women's voices In the might be an appropriate opportunity Y'/omen; Housing; Justice; Foreign politics of Canadian society. for future NAC regional meetings. Polley; and Income Security (Pen­ In the context of NAC's vision, If there are Alberta women who sions and Poverty). mandate and reality an organiza­ tional review has been underway for Trains Depart For Ottawa From East And West several years to examine our achievements and weaknesses and As Derail The Budget Campaign Gets Underway contribute to discussion of the fulfill­ On June 4, representatives of a - cutbacks in federal transfer pay- ment of our potential. Part of this Derail The Budget Campaign ments for health and post-secon- discussion has been the role of re­ boarded trains and departed from dary education; gions in the development of the or­ points west and east to arrive In Ot­ - privatization and cuts to the Cana- ganization. tawa June 12. Along the routes, dian Broadcasting Corporation, Via Women in Alberta have represen­ campaign representatives stopped Rail and Canada Post; tation In NAC through the 40 or so at major centres to protest the federal - reductions in federal support for women's groups in this province who budget and meet with local commit­ regional development and develop- are NAC members. As an ASWAC tees and coalitions. ment of native communities; member you are a member of NAC. In Edmonton, a welcoming com­ - cuts to farm programs; Prior to the NAC Annual General mittee met the train Monday, June 5 - cuts to funding of social advocacy Meeting In May there were regional at 7 p.m. in front of the CN Tower. groups; meetings held in Edmonton and Cal­ The group accused the govern­ - cuts to foreign aid; gary which NAC member groups ment of "breaking the social con­ - abandonment of a progressive tax were Invited to attend. Since few tract" by: system; Alberta groups actually sehd dele­ - cutbacks to unemployment insur- - introduction of goods and services gates to the AGM, the regional meet­ ance; tax; and ings were arranged to organize Input - erosion of family allowances and - maintenance of high interest rates. Into the AGM from Alberta. As an old age security; The main speaker at the welcom­ Initial attempt, the meetings were -cutbacks in nationally-funded child ing was Lynn Kaye, president of the very successful. care programs; National Action Committee on the 7 June Edition Status of Women (NAC). Supporting The campaign was sponsored by Special thanks to billeters speakers were Mei Hurtig, Jan Re­ NAG, the Pro-Canada Network, Annette Aarbo, Julie Anne Le Gras imer, Don Altken and representatives Transport 2000 and the newly-form­ and Jim Crowell, and to Shella from ASWAC, Edmonton Working ing local coalition for economic jus­ Dunphy and Michelle Litoski of the Women, the Canadian Union of tice, whose membership currently University of Alberta Women's Postal Workers (CUPW), the Cana­ includes: Edmonton Working Centre, who dropped everything In dian Union of Public Employees Women, ASWAC, CUPW and CUPE. order to pick up and deliver cookies (CUPE) and the PLURA Churches ASWAC would like to thank all the to the train. Association. speakers and people who came to Thanks also to the Edmonton After the Edmonton stop, the train the rally and provided assistance on Learner Centre for lettlng us stuff their moved on to Saskatoon. such short notice. newsletters with our leaflets. No More Bake Sales For Us, Mr. Wilson! On April 27, Finance Minister Lethbridge women who contributed ton, thanks to Noreen Bell-Geekie for Michael Wilson cancelled plans to cookies to the NAC Anti-Budget co-ordinating the send-off on June 4. proceed with a National Child Care Train, and to all the women across Thanks as well to Jocelyn Bathgate Program In Canada. Pleading pov­ the province who sent their cookies and Valda Roberts; because of them, erty, he has broken federal govern­ directlytoMichaelWilson.lnEdmon- we had excellent media coverage. ment promises since 1984 to expand and support the child care system. The Canada Child Care Act (Bill C-144) Is dead and we all rejoice at the demise of this wrong-headed legislation. But no new funding for the child care system is planned to take its place. Child care centres and parents, caregivers and supportiv~ provincial, territorial and municipal governments are being thrust into a deepening financial crisis. We are left with the child care tax measures passed last year which favor high Income earners and will not build a child care system. Apparently, Wilson wants child care centres to hold the bake sales and raffles which for so many years provided the funds to make child care possible. We say, "No!" Wilson can finance the deficit with bake sales if he wants, but we need regular federal funding to expand and develop Canada's child care system. The National Action Committee on the Status of Women's response to this news was to encourage con­ cerned persons to send Wilson cakes, breads and cookies to have his own bake sale. ASWAC members organized Bake Off Actions June 4 in Edmon­ ton, Calgary and Lethbridge. Thanks to all of you who participated! A spe­ cial thanks to Rita Kolpak and the ... ASWAC Newsletter 8 Child Care Conference A Busy Event by Noreen Bell-Geekle care actually had its beginnings in the public and became aware of var­ A National Chlld Care Conference England as early as 1816, in the form ied work patterns, demographics, held In Winnipeg April 5-8 was both of what was called "infant schools". needs of disabled and rural children Interesting and exhausting. The or­ These schools arose from a need for and children In formal daycare facili­ ganizers packed a lot Into the time. infant care, a need that does not ties as well as Informal facilities. allowed an~ were themselves' always seem to be acknowledged by The feeling that theory and prac­ amazed at the response to the pre­ the govemments of today. tice are too different is common conference activities. The session on the National Child within child care circles, '. and the As much as I would have preferred Care Study was informative. Data need for alignment of thes~ through to attend the sessions presented on has been collected from 25,000 fami­ "process and progress" was very water play and toys for daycares, I lies and appears to be very compre­ evident. opted for the "grown up" subjects, hensive. The message that ran through such as Daycare Research, Stan­ A great deal of previous research the whole conference was that the dards: In Search of Quality, Day Care had been done through existing three "A''s: affordability, availability Advocacy, Family Day Care Net­ centres when, in fact, a greater pro­ and accessibility were a moot point working and Research and Practice. portion of children are not cared for in if the quality question was not ad­ Dr. Alan Pence from the University centres. Consequently, this study dressed. of Victoria seemed to be everywhere, began from a different angle, and Society's view of the child care and this Is because of his over-riding piggy-backed on a Labour Force worker is generally restrictive. These belief in the need for quality care for survey. There were some misgivings workers are not viewed as profes­ the children of Canada. about this from the participants in the sional, and this view is internalized The main focus of many of the session, as the Labour Force survey by the worker; consequently crea­ delegates and sessions was the need is mandatory. tivity and quality may be limited. to professionalize child care-givers, However, this is what was done I had a sense that the 1200 to beginning with formal education with and probably because of this, the 1300 people attending this confer­ recognition of same, along with an response to the Child Care Survey ence were committed to the idea of Increase In salaries. The undervalu­ was 93 per cent, an absolutely phe­ child care, and looking for support ing of the job seems to be at the nomenal response percentage. By from each other to carry bn one of I bottom of a lot of the problems. doing this, the researchers were able the most valuable, albeit :underval- It surprised me to hear that day to reach a greater cross-section of ued, roles within our society. r------ASWAC-Lethbrldge Workers Have Exciting Month FOUND: June 5 at Anti-Budget Rally -- a black umbrella. Call 421-0306 to As New Committee Forms, Office Is Vandalized claim it. by Rita J. Kolpak Nevertheless, we are struggling L------We had a very exciting month of along and trying to get things back to May in Lethbrldge. We held our own normal. We luckily have insurance Assault Survivors annual general meeting on May 24, through our glorious provincial of­ the outcome of which was formation fice, and all that was destroyed will Planning Anthology of a Co-ordinating Committee dedi­ either be replaced or repaired. Our A group of Calgary women who cated to re-organizing and reforming main loss was all the organizing are survivors of sexual assault are our group. (See board meeting min­ which was done over the past two interested in putting together an an­ utes, page 4, for more details.) years, and much of our literature was thology of women's writings. Unfortunately, the Co-ordinating either destroyed or covered with If you are a sexual assault survi­ Committee has not had much of a millions of tiny pieces of glass vor or would like to share your po­ chance to meet as our office was shards, making them dangerous to etry. stories, thoughts or any other broken Into and vandalized late in the handle. form of writing that reflects your evening of May 28. All windows were I shall put in my plug now: any experience as a survivor, please smashed, everything was overturned literature, information or donations of send your writings to: The Grape­ and abused, and all our communica­ any kind will be gratefully accepted!!! vine Newsletter at #4026., 918 - 16 tion equipment (i.e. our phone and See page 2 for our address and Avenue, N.W., Calgary, T2M OK3 or answering machine) was violently phone number. Moral support will call Shannon at 284-0922 for more assaulted then murdered. also be very much appreciated. information. 9 June Edition Shedding Oppressive Attitudes Hard Work ASWAC Board member Jackie with social and economic power Preyde recently attended a work- benefit from the oppression of those shop titled Unlearning Racism and without, so much so that through the Al/lance Building -- Leadership centuries such oppression has be­ Training, held in Edmonton. These come part of the lnstltutlonal back­ are her thoughts following the event. ground of our societies. We humans by Jackie Preyde have an alarming tendency to sacri­ This weekend-long workshop on fice others for the sake of benefiting learning to resist and eliminate ra­ ourselves. But we also have a sense cism was a very Intense and emo­ of fairness, and the ability to reason. tional experience. In fact, It was so We can unlear-n our racism, classlsm, Intense I had completely forgotten, anti-Semitism, handlcaplsm, ageism until I re-read a workshop information and homophobia. sheet, that In addition to confronting I know I don't seem to be telling my own racism as a white person, Illustration by Leslie Stewart you about the workshop, but I am. I'm expressing my feelings about my telling you about the ongoing and own oppression as a. woman, and heterosexual, middle-class, able­ lasting effects of what I learned during working on alliance building to resist bodied person and to internalize my a single intense weekend. Through all forms of oppression, I was sup­ oppression as a woman are slim. listening to·the experiences, anger posed to learn how to lead similar The realization that from first and hopes of people as they identi­ workshops. l'mafraldthatforme, this consciousness I was surrounded by fied themselves as members of vari­ seminar was just a beginning. messages, some blatant and some ous groups, I realized that oppres­ Having grown up in a loving, "lib­ subtle, that certain kinds of people sion Is not a people of color Issue, or eral" environment, I believed I had were more worthy and deserving of a women'slssue, ora gay and lesbian somehow magically escaped the respect than others also makes me issue, or a Jewish Issue; It's a human covert, Insidious training which very angry. Why was I taught the Issue. makes us all racist and capable of package of hateful, hurtful lies which We are all capable of oppressing other forms of oppression. This work­ I now have to work hard at unlearn­ each other, as well as ourselves. It shop brought home to me that the ing? has perhaps crossed your mind that chances of my having not learned to I know the answer to that ques­ white, upper/middle class, able-bod­ Internalize my dominance as a white, tion. It's a horrible answer -· those ied, heterosexual, Gentile men are conspicuously absent from my list. Elva Mertick Appointed To Advisory Council I'm never sure of just what to do with by Marg Johnson voice in cabinet. .. lf her voice is in- them. I do know, however, that It Is Tl'\e Honourable Elaine McCoy, sufficient, we will speak loudly and just as wrong to heap blame and Minister Responsible for Women's ask Alberta women to stand up and abuse on them as It Is to let any of their Issues, has announced that Elva speak loudly, till we are too loud to oppressive acts go unchallenged. Mertlck of Calgary has replaced be missed. They are no more responsible for Margaret Leahey as chairperson of - a council that is to be very open to creating oppression in the world than the Alberta Advisory Council on the public are any of us today. Though some Women's Issues. Mertick has been a Mertick also announced her posi­ groups bear their brunt, we are all fed member of the council, and has a tion will be part-time, with an elected the same lies. private practice as a social worker. co-chairperson. To break free of these lies, to un­ She made the following comments In The ASWAC Board submitted to learn our oppressive attitudes and a CBC-Edmonton interview April 23: McCoy these women's names to be behaviors, we must act together: we -strong positions to manoeuvre the considered for the council vacan­ must build alliances, form support council in the forefront of govern- cies: Emily Dryzmala of Calgary. groups, interrupt acts of oppression ment Joyce Green of Lethbridge. Dustine whenever and wherever they occur. -a priority is filling council positions Tucker of Calgary and Christine Most importantly, we must give to -to continue work begun by the Miller of Lethbridge. Phone or write each other what members of all the council your member of the legislative as­ target groups demanded of their al­ -to ensure a viable working relation- sembly, with copies to McCoy, about lies throughout the weekend -- un­ ship with the Minister. She is our filling vacancies as soon as possible. conditional acceptance and respect. ASWAC Newsletter 10 WAP Co-ordinator Busy With Campaign by Diane Shaver Wazny room atthe Recreation Centre at 7:30 challenge our stereotypical assump­ I can hardly believe how time has p.m. (The NFB video No Way Not Me tions about poverty. Very Impor­ passed by! The Women Against was shown to high school students tantly, we need to continue to lobby Poverty summer hearings are just there May 31, with a 40 minute dis­ for changes and raise awareness of around the corner. Places and times cussion following. Representatives the critical state of poverty. It is also of these hearings are advertised in from the Women's Resource Centre necessary that society recognizes this newsletter (see next page). In Canmpre and Canadian Mental that poverty Is something which we all The hearings are Important Health were present.) must deal with, not just specific ASWAC events, so I would encour­ 4) I attended a meeting In Peace River groups, I.e. social services. One age you to try to attend the one near­ with a local women's group and major Issue that kept coming up est your location. A number of some representatives from organiza­ during the course of the day Is how women have been working hard to tions within the community May 3. schools are becoming places where make these hearings possible. As a We had a very enlightening discus­ every need of a child has to be met, result, there will be a variety of pres­ sion on feminization of poverty is­ resulting in an erosion of teaching entations from individuals and or­ sues in the Peace River district. I nfor­ Itself and Increased responslblllty of ganizations within each community. mation gathered from this meeting teachers. In addition, there have been and will be included in the final report to Some new resources are avail­ will be more local events focusing at­ the ASWAC Board. able for general information: tention on the hearings. These are: 5) The Centre for Education In Ed­ 1) No. 6 Alberta Facts, Children in 1) Women's Centres Conference in monton held a workshop entitled Poverty: On the Outside Looking In. Blalrmore, June 2-4 that Included a Poverty and the Schools May 12. Available at Edmonton, Calgary and workshop on the feminization of pov­ ASWAC was well-represented with Lethbrldge offices. erty. Shelley Scott, Noreen Bell-Geekie, 2) The 1989 Poverty Line. One refer­ 2) Radio interviews In LC!_c La Biche Kathy Davies and myself attending. I ence copy available at Edmonton, that started June 3, and discussions took some detailed notes, so if you Calgary and Lethbrldge offices. on women and poverty each day until are interested in finding out more 3) Poverty Profiles. One reference the hearing there. about what was talked about that copy available at Edmonton office. 3) A film evening in CanmoreJune 20. day, the information is available atthe 4) For Richer, For Poorer. Promo­ The National Film Board (NFB) film Edmonton office. tional copy (thanks to Bonnie Thomp­ For Richer, For Poorer will be pre­ Here is a brief summary of the son at the NFB) available for viewing viewed and a discussion will follow. issues that were discussed at that from Edmonton office. This will happen at the conference workshop. First of all, we need to These are not recent, but are of particular interest for their Alberta ASWAC Action Group Forming In Calgary content: by Jackie Preyde will also discuss member involve­ 1) About Women series from AC­ A group of ASWAC members will ment in ASWAC's Poverty Hearings CESS Network: #2 Unpaid and Un- be meeting in Calgary June 29 to Task Force, which will be in Calgary derpaid Women ; #5 The Changing discuss formation of a Calgary Action in September. There will be time at Nature of Paid Work; #6 The Femini- Group. The meeting will focus on the end of the meeting to consider zation of Poverty; # 7 The Politics of ways to have a more active voice in other issues of Interest to the action Aging. Available to educational and women's issues in Calgary. It will be group. government-funded organizations held In Room 1 (basement) at the All ASWAC members living In by mail order. Telephone 1-800-352- W.R. Castell Library (615 Macleod Calgary as well as Calgary women 8293 for more Information. Trail S.E.) from 7:30 p.m. to9:30 p.m. wishing to become members of A more extensive audio/visual The premises are wheelchair acces­ ASWAC are invited. If you've always resource list is presently being com­ sible. wanted to do something with piled on the feminization of poverty. Discussion will take place on ASWAC, coming to this meeting Is As the public hearings draw ASWAC involvement in the annual the way to get started . nearer, I am becoming more and Take Back The Night march organ­ For more information or if you more excited by the idea of women ized by the Calgary Status of Women can't come to this meeting but wish gathering together in the province to Action Committee, and International to be informed of future meetings. talk about feminization of poverty Women's Day events, which are now contact Anne at 233-0731 or Jackie issues. We are going to break the being planned for 1990. The group at 282-8193. silence! See you at the hearihgs. June Edttion 11 Dates For ASWAC Poverty Hearings Set The face of Canadian poverty Time: 7:30 p.m. Shirley Clement, 381-7069 today Is female. There is a group of Speaker: Sylvia Waller, program co­ September 26 -- Red Deer Issues that in combination are known ordinator, Medicine Hat Unlsphere Location: Dawe Centre as "the feminization of poverty". Learner Centre Time: 7:30 p.m. These Issues affect thousands of Contact: Crow's Nest Pass Women's Contact: Trudie Black, 347-2480 Alberta women to varying degrees, Resource Centre, 562-8000 Calgary and without change, poverty will June 12 -- Lac La Biche Contacts: Marilyn Seelye, 235-1339; continue to be the defining fact In Location: Alberta Vocational Col­ Elaine Peters, 285-1214 many women's lives. More and more lege, Room C2-20 Grande Prairie women and children are living in Time: 7:30 p.m. Contact: Helen Greaves, 421-0306 poverty. The facts speak for them­ Speakers: Jackie Virtue, Native Fort McMurray selves: Women's Association; Cathy Reinin­ Contact: Helen Greaves, 421-0306 One in five Canadian women ger; Women Against Poverty-Ed­ Edmonton are poor. monton Contact: Helen Greaves, 421-0306. *More than one million Canadian Contact: Vi Sykes, 623-7963 children live in poverty. June 14 -- Fairview ASWAC gratefully ackriowledges *Women still earn only an aver- Location: Fairview College, Animal the assistance of the Secretary of age of 60 cents for every dollar a man Science Lecture Theatre State Women's Program, Alberta Vo­ earns. Time: 7:30 p.m. cational College, Crow's Nest Pass The wage gap between women Speaker: Cathy Reininger, Women Provincial Building, Fairview College, and men is increasing. Against Poverty-Edmonton Policemen's Creek Drop-In Centre, * Two-thirds of all minimum wage Contact: Janet Preston, 835-2120 Wetaskiwin United Church, Medicine earners are women. June 21 -- Canmore Hat Public Library, Dawe Centre and *Of women 65 and older, 71.7 Location: Policemen's Creek Drop-in the many volunteers who have con­ per cent are poor. Centre tributed both labor and finances to Social Services food allow- Time: 7:30 p.m. this project. ances to cover food for a child is Speaker: Norma Farquharson As women we must work together below nutritional requirements. Contact: Gillian Metcalf, 678-2779 to ensure our stories are told and find Food banks have become a June 22 -- Wetaskiwin ways to end the cycle of poverty. We permanent institution (disguising Location: Wetaskiwin United Church believe all women, regardless of the need for housing, unemploy- Time: 7:30 p.m. present economic circumstances, ment and wage reform). Speakers: Nancy Kotani, Boyle are affected by and vulnerable to the (Sources: Statistics Canada, Street Co-op inner city worker; Cathy feminization of poverty. Women who Canadian Council on Social Devel- Reininger, Women Against Poverty­ have no reason to believe they should opment, Edmonton Social Planning Edmonton be concerned for their economic fu­ Council, National Council on Wel- Contacts: Gerry Bailey (Westerose), ture may suddenly, without warning, fare, Calgary Health Services.) 586-2983; Joan White Calf (Cam­ find themselves impoverished. There will be two rounds of rose), 672-6687. Women together, working with other Women Against Poverty hearings. concerned groups, can create last­ One set will be completed in June and SEPTEMBER SCHEDULE ing change. another in September. Panels and A Task Force will travel to several The point of the ASWAC Poverty Task Forces will tour the province and. larger Alberta centres in September Hearings is to bring women from report publicly In October at the to complete the hearings process. across Alberta together to break the ASWAC Annual General Meeting. Details are not firm for some, but they silence of women's poverty. These will be published by mid-summer. hearings will provide a forum for indi­ JUNE SCHEDULE September 21 -- Medicine Hat vidual women and groups to voice The June hearings will include a Location: Medicine Hat Public Li­ their concerns and tell their stories. brief keynote speech to begin the brary We will use this information to pres­ evening, thena panel including repre- Time : 7:30 p.m. sure the government for meaningful sentation from ASWAC and the local Contacts: Elizabeth Fielding. 527- changes in public policy. and to cre­ community will hear submissions. 6943; Shirley McEachen, 526-8184 ate public awareness of the need for June 6 -- Crow's Nest Pass September 22 Lethbridge such changes. Speaking out is the Location: High School Library Contacts: Rita Kolpak, 329-8338; first step to ending poverty. ASWAC Newsletter 12 . Conference Delights And Overwhelms by Anna Pellatt the psychiatric guidebook to identifying and defining "Mental health for women will come when we declare mental health disorders. It establishes the standard for that man, as woman's god on earth, is dead... We may mental health practice. The basic problem with the DSM never live to see the Promised Land. But without tl1at Ill, Caplan noted, is that it Identifies normal rea.;tlons to declaration, we will never leave Egypt." the craziness in women's lives as illness rather than Phyllis Chesler focusing on root causes and issues. "Womenneedasovereignterritory, aplaceto.shelter Women are judged to be crazy for suffering from thewomenandchildreninthissocietyfromviolenceand symptoms of abuse, but their abusers are considered to the threat of violence. We need a sanctuary for women, be sane. Gender bias is rampant in the manual. As Caplan a place where we can be safe from our own internalized noted, "You don't hear any talk of a macho personality self-hatred." disorder." . Phyllis Chesler The American Psychiatric Association's focus Is on I love Phyllis Chesler. Her presence and presentation establishing categories for PMS and "self-defeating" on Radical Feminism and Mental Health were the high- personality disorders. lights of the Women and Mental Health Conference held The most controversial presentation was made by in Banff May 11 - 14. She talked about the fact that nothing Jeffrey Masson, based on his latest work Against Ther- has changed and everything has changed in the mental apy: Emotional Tyranny and the Myth of Psychological healthfieldslnceshewroteWomenandMadnessin1972. Healing. Masson argued strongly against therapy as a The mental health profession, she argued, continues "to mechanismforemotionalhealing. He noted that potential mirror or support the institution of marriage, and to for abuse in any therapy relationship Is great because reinforce our belief in private, individual solutions" when distribution of power is inherently unequal between thera­ what's needed is revolutionary feminist change. The pist and patient. He lumped feminist therapy in with other emergence of feminist theory and therapy forms of traditional therapy and was chal- has brought positive and significant change, lenged by many women on this point. she noted, identifying madness in the eco- This was not an easy conference to at- nor. ·le, political and social context in which tend. Sharing meals and space with 754 women live their lives rather than in women people was often quite overwhelming, as themselves. - . was the content and quantity of 111format1on Herthoughtswereechoedlnmanywork- discussed. Things seemed to run at an ex- shops and keynote addresses at this mega- tremeiy high emotional level all weekend. conference organized by members of the The conference organizers deserve a Canadian Mental Health Association's great deal of credit for pulling everything (CMHA) Alberta North Region. together. The conference was extremely The conference was huge in numbers -- well-organized and the quality of presenta- approximately 750 women and five men tions consistently high. However, I would attended -- and huge In scope. There were echo the criticisms raised by the Consumer five keynote presentations and 38 workshop Participation Study Group regarding the sessions dealing with Issues as far ranging presence and participation of women who as pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS), lnstitu- have experienced the mental health system tlonallzation, eating disorders, self-esteem, Illustration by Leslie Stewart in involuntary, intrusive ways: this was a lesbian awareness and racism-sexism. conference by practitioners mainly for other Susan Penfold's keynote presentation was excellent. practitioners. There really was no forum available for She described the historical development of psychiatric women to share their first-hand experiences In dealing thought and practice In relation to women, noting that with the mental health system. psychiatry has played a major role in the subjugation of The other criticism I have is with the location and cost. women throughout most of this century. Banff and specifically the Banff Springs Hotel -- is simply "Tradltiondl psychiatry and the women's movement not a venue accessible to many women. The cost was remain miles apart." she stated. Feminism argues for prohibitive. As one conference presenternoted, the $150 social change as a way to heal women's lives while registration fee would cover monthly transportation, food psychiatry reflects and reinforces the status quo. and clothing costs for a woman living in poverty. This point was made clearly in Paula Caplan's work- (Quotes in this article were taken from the record of shop presentation Calling Normal Women Crazy The woceedings from the conference, an excellent account DSM Ill. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) is of the conference, available from the CMtfA for $39.95.) 13 June Edition .-

Women's Centres Conference A Success by Trish Brayne understand the terms and communi­ source Centre. From the Lethbridge Herald cate," Cooper said. "You can't make Black said she sees women's Although women are inching their decisions unless you know what your centres meeting needs within com­ way along the long road toward values are. Identifying values is criti­ munities. "But first you have to find equality there is still a formidable dis­ cal.'' out what needs are not being met and tance to go before they and men are In Blairmore the CNP Women's where you as women can fill th9 regarded equally by society. Centre has been established about gaps," Black said. This was a consensus reached five years. Lee McVickar. board Eight of a 12-member group often during a weekend conference chairperson, said the centre, staffed called the Raging Grannies from Vic­ called Women Together, sponsored by one paid employee, depends toria, B.C. provided entertainment by the Crowsnest Pass (CNP) heavily on its volunteers. They work Saturday. The women established Women's Centre. as counsellors, on call through a 24- the group in 1987 when they banded The event was held at the Pass hour crisis line, and in a clothes bank together to protest nudear prolifera­ Powderkeg Ski Lodge In Blalrmore run from the centre. tion. Their message is spread and drew about 68 women from McVickar said she was pleased through song and poetry. northern, central and southern Al­ with attendance at the conference, Other speakers were Val McMil­ berta. the third of its kind in Alberta. The first lan, director of Family Services, Leth­ Speakers Included Joyce Green. was in Edmonton. the second last bridge Community College, on self recent New Democrat (ND) candi­ year in Canmore. The fourth may or esteem; Rita Thompson, Canadian date for Lethbridge West. Green may not take place next year. de­ Mental Health Association, Calgary; challenged more women to become pending on whether or not an Alberta Debbie Foster and Tamara Atkinson Involved In politics. women's centre is prepared to host of Lethbridge, on women and pov­ "Just a few of us work (in politics)," it. erty; Julia Menyk of Alberta Women's said Green. "And other women say, Attending the Blairmore event Secretariat, on sexual stereotyping in "Gosh, it's good you're doing that." was a contingent from Red Deer. media and education; Margaret But, It's too easy to advocate that role including Trudy Black, director of the Webb. PhD, on health and wellness of and then turn around and damn those Central Alberta Outreach Society in women; Terri Ann Marco of ASWAC­ women when they can't change the Red Deer. Lethbridge on government policy world. Black took part in a forum Sunday its impact on women; Rita Kolpak. "Everything is political. There are with Sheryl Masters-Mrazek, director also of ASWAC-Lethbridge; and politics in domestic relationships. of the Lethbridge YWCA. Also on the Linda Goold, president of the ND Who controls the money and the panel was Sharon Niemeyer, board Women's Caucus on Political In­ choices family units make? Who member of the CNP Women's Re- volvement of Women. performs the majority of the unpaid, undervalued work? "There are politics in education, in YW Presents Awards To Women At Gala Dinner health care, In financial systems, In Six very deserving women and Culture technologies. There are politics in one special group of women were Dr. Elsie McFarland - Athletics, women's resource centres." honored with a YWCA Tribute to Recreation and Fitness Green said there Is no way women Women Award May 1o at a gala din­ Linda Duncan- Business, Labor, can avoid having their lives touched ner held at Edmonton's Westin Ho­ Professions and Technology by politics. Their only choice. she tel. Mary Adam Morrison Davis - said, is how they affect these politics. Mistress of Ceremonies was Community Service "Even the decision to withdraw is Madame Justice Joanne B. Veit and Mary Burlie - Health. Social Sci­ a political decision," Green said. the guest speaker was Sharon ence and Social Services Diana Cooper, of Lethbridge Wood, the first North American Marjorie Bowker - Public Affairs Community Services, led women woman to conquer Mount Everest. and Communication through the steps of identifying the The recipients were chosen from The Edmonton Grads - Special needs and values of women's centres a field of 28 nominees in six catego-· Award -- from the conceptual stage to their ries. in addition this year. a special The recipients received a beauti­ practical application. award was given to a group of very ful tri-color pin made of 18 karat gold, "But, if we're going to make deserving women. And they are .. . green gold and silver designed by women's centres work, we have to Margaret Perry Flynn - Arts and local jewelry designer Ian Medland. ASWAC Newsletter 14 ha:p:pentngshap:pentngshappentngs

June 11-July 1 - Maenad Productions GALA Civil Rights. are Isolated and to provide them with Theatre Society presents 13th God, June 18 - Workshop on racism. ongoing support. For more informa­ by Rose Scollard at the Pumphouse June 19 - Forum on legal Issues. tion, call Tanis Doe a: t'.92-4291 Theatre In Calgary. An irreverent in-. June 20 - Public lecture on gay litera­ (Voice or TDD) or write her at 25B vestigatlon 111to the source and na..:' ture by Dr. Philip Knight at Common Brown St., Stony Plain, TOE 2GO. ture of feminine creativity. A time­ Woman Books (8724 - 109 St.) fol­ warped mythic comedy uslr:ig dance, lowed by a wine and cheese. Time: Oct. 12-15 - Insight '89, the second music and mayhem to dazzle and 7:30 p.m. annual women's film and video festi­ beguile. For information, call 245- June 21 - Variety Night sponsored by val Is calling for submissions. They 2491. Gay and Lesbian Youth Group. are looking for work that provides June 22 - Public lecture on gay art. regional perspectives of Canadian June 15-18 - The Canadian Mental Wine and cheese sponsored by women or which offer insight Into the Health Association Alberta South Womonspace at the Women's Build­ lives of "marglnall~ed" women from Central Region, Is holding its annual ing (9930 - 106 St.). ethnic, cultural or social minorities. conference at the Palllser Hotel in June 23 - Film Night. Last year's festival attracted more Calgary. Entitled Mental Wellness: June 24 - Wellness Workshop. Dance than 700 participants to more than 50 Making it a RealHy, the conference at Bonnie Doon Community League films and video screenings. Phone features 16 workshops, Including a Hall, sponsored by the Gay and Anne L.:ynagh, publicist, at 424-0724 panel discussion on women's Issues. Lesbian Community Centre. for more information. For more information, call Barb June 25 - Picnic, croquet match and Ferguson at 283-7591 . scavenger hunt in Victoria Park Oct. 20-21 -Alberta Hospital Associa­ June 26 - Public lecture on tion and Royal Alexandra Hospitals June 15 - Salvadorean Women's Edmonton's gay history. presents Wellness For Women: Union, Salvadorean Social Services June27- BarbequeanddanceatThe Help Yourself! at the Edmonton and Salvadorean Cultural Associa­ Roost. Convention Centre. Speaker will be tion are holding a workshop for Call Barb Lauber at 435-4966 (h) June Callwood. There will bea choice women titled Problems of Latin or 425-9600 (w) for more Information. of three of ten concurrent sessions. American Women in Canada, start­ Cost Is $55, Including lunch and re­ ing at 7 p.m. at the Edmonton freshment breaks. For more Informa­ Women's Building, 9930 -106 St. Call June 17 - Regional Rep meeting in tion or to register, call 423-1776, Ext. 425-3519 for more Information. lnnisfail. Phone Elin Barfem at 227- 408 or write Education Services, Al­ 2927 for details. Next regional rep berta Hospital Association, 10009 - June 16 - Lynn Lavner and David meeting is August 17 in Westerose. 108 St., Edmonton, T5J 3C5. Sereda in Concert at the Provincial Museum Theatre in Edmonton, 8 pm. July 6 - Salvadorean Women's Un­ Tickets available at Common Woman ion, Salvadorean Social Services Comings and Goings Books (8724 -109 St.) or Fritz That's and Salvadorean Cultural Associa­ ASWAC would like to welcome It Cafe (9843 - 110 St.). tion are holding a workshop for Linda Cumming, who has been hired women titled Development of the by Women Against Poverty-Edmon­ June 17 - Lynn Lavner and David Modern Latin American Woman, ton as a researcher. Linda will be Sereda In Concert at the Orpheus starting at 7 p.m. at the Edmonton working In the Edmonton office until Theatre at the Southern Alberta Insti­ Women's Building, 9930 - 106 St. Call mid-September. We would like to say tute of Technology in Calgary. Tick­ 425-3519 for more information. goodbye and thank-you to Diane ets available at A Woman's Place Shaver Wazny, our Women Against Bookstore (1412 Centre St. S) and Sept. 15-17 - Alberta Womenshine Poverty provincial hearing·s co-ordi­ Holomaglc (917 -17 Ave. S.W.) . '89 will be a provincial forum for all nator. Diane's contract position will women with disabilities. Forum top­ be over at the end of June. ics will include families, self-esl•·•P.m, Also, a fond farewell to Monica Gay and Lesbian Awareness relationships, assertiveness. access Walker, who has left her position with (GALA) '89 Events in Edmonton to the women's movement, others. Edmonton Working Women, and a June 17 - Fundralsing barbeque with There will also be an attempt to reach fond hello to Mary Hickmore, whowlll Svend Robinson, sponsored by out to women with disabilities who be filling the position for the summer. 15 June Edition The Alberta Status of Womeri' . Action Committee YORK Box 1573 NELLIE LANGFORD ROWELL RM FOUNDERS COLLEGE Edmonton, Alberta TSJ 2N7 KEELE ST DOWNSVIEW, ONTARIO

The largest feminist organization In Alberta, with three offices (In Edmonton, Calgary and Lethbridge), and a 13-year 11herstory11 of lobbying, educating and organizing on women's Issues.

Phone for membership information, or for details on our current priority campaign: Women Against Poverty.

For those of you with an "88" on your mailing label, it is past time to renew for 1989. Please remember that your membershit> fees and donations are an Important part of ASWAC's income. Membership: ------New D Renewal Addres~: ------Donation: ------Legal Del'ence Fund: ------Postul Code: ------"'Su~ested members/tip feeis $10, but we will accept Phone: (home) (work) wllatei•c•r you ca11 afford.

Please make cbelJUes out to: ASW AC, Box 157.3, Edmonton, Alberta, TSJ 2N7

ASWAC Newsletter 16