Status of Women Action Committee

MARCH NEWSLETTER 1989 Volume 10, Number 2

INSIDE: International Women'~ Day '89 ASWAC's mailing 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. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1988/89 Board Members ASWAC Lethbridge is located in the Women's Resource Annette Aarbo - Edmonton Centre on top of Woolworths, at #202, 325 - 6 Street Noreen Bell-Geekie - Edmonton South, T1 J 2C7. Phone 329-8338. Maria 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- Phyllis Jackson - Bawlf tion and to leave messages. Jean Munn - Calgary Marilyn Seelye - Calgary Jacqueline Preyde - Calgary Anne McGrath - c/o Calgary Office Since January, ASWAC has gratefully received dona- Nancy Miller - Calgary tions from the following wonderful people: rytary-Ann Debbie Foster - Lethbridge Warunkiw, Lorna Keating, Barbara Janzen, Gloria Rita Kolpak - Lethbridge Chalmers, Inga Jesswein, Jennifer Wolfe, Leslie Stewart, Elaine Roberts, Sharon Yasinski. Also, we'd like to send a big thank-you to all the women who volunteered their 1988/89 Regional Representatives time for the Edmonton Women's Building Fundrais\9r on January 28. Elaine Peters - Calgary 285-1214

Addie Miron - Lethbridge The AS WAC Newsletter is produced in Edmonton by the 327-4396 Newsletter Collective, with contributions from across the province. Feedback, input and suggestions in the Lois Soderstrom - Westerose form of ideas for articles. graphics, and especially no- 586-2091 tices of events that are happening in your area would be very much appreciated. Here are the deadlines for Gerry Bailey - Westerose upcoming newsletters: (temporarily out of the country) April/May Newsletter - Deadline: Monday, April 17 Joan White Calf - Camrose (Theme: Motherhood) 672-2210 June Newsletter - Deadline: Monday, June 5 July/August Newsletter - Deadline: Monday, July 24 Kathleen Davies - Edmonton September/October Newsletter-Deadline: Wednesday, 452-8722 September 13

Lori Crocker - lnnisfail The deadline means that the item must be in the Edmon- 227-1141 ton ASWAC office on that day; if items can be sent in earlier, it would be appreciated. Elin Harley Barlem - lnni~fail 227-2927 Thanks to all contributors, and to the Newsmagazine by Alberta Women collective and Nola Erhardt for typeset- *All numbers are home phone numbers. ting and layout, and to Central Web for printing.

The Alberta Status of Women Action Committee grate- fully acknowledges the financial support it receives from Cover illustration courtesy Canadian Union of Postal the Secretary of State Women's Program. Workers (CUPW) ASWAC Newsletter 2 Seminar Held On "Exploding The Myths" by Shelley Scott candidate for Lethbridge-West, featured excerpts from various popu- On Saturday, February 11, a day- spoke next about the subject of lar songs, which she used to illustrate long seminar entitled Feminism: Women and Politics. She pointed out the ideas about love and sex which Exploding the Myths was held in that it was not until 1920 that white are prevalent in our society. Debbie's Lethbridge at the Women's Resource women in got the vote, and discussion covered a wide range of Centre. Co-sponsored by ASWAC- not until 1960 for native women; as a topics, including birth control, sexu- Lethbridge and the New Democrat result, the political system has been ally transmitted diseases, sexual as- Women's Section, the seminar con- developed by and for men, and sault and abuse and pornography. sisted of four workshops and was women have had neither a long his- Debbie told us that while 25 per cent attended by about 25 women. tory of political involvement, nor an ofGrade9and 50 percent of Grade 11 students are sexually active, less than one-third of them are using contra- ceptives regularly, and she discussed the realities in Alberta's health care system that allow this situation to continue. The final workshop of the day was entitled Whose Language? and was led by former ASWAC Board member Terri Ann Marco. Terri Ann stated that language not only reflects reality but also provides a framework and a back-up for e\/erything we do, so It is important to examine it. Her discussion included topics such as: who gets to talk more, who Seminar Participants (Photo by Shelley Scott) interrupts who and who gets to select the topic of conversation; the differ- Pat Chuchryk of the University of opportunity to have our experience ences in the way that men and women Lethbridge Sociology Department represented. Joyce strongly encour- speak; and the way words have had began the day with a workshop aged all women to get more involved their original meanings obscured and entitled No, I Don't Hate Men. Pat in the political process because, she degraded -- words such as hag, talked about the anxieties and fears suggested, if we do not, we are "writ- crone and spinster, that were once some women feel about calling them- ing the powers that be a blank positive and are now being re- selves feminists, and how the state- cheque". claimed. ment, "No, I don't hate men" sums up After lunch, Debbie Foster led a The seminar was an excellent and many hidden assumptions about workshop entitled It's My Body. Deb- comprehensive introduction and how they fear they will be perceived. bie is an ASWAC Board member and exploration of feminism and a real "I -don't hate men" is also a way of sexuality counsellor and her highly learning experience for all the women saying, "I'm not a lesbian", "I'm not innovative and informative workshop in attendance. aggressive", "I like children" and all the other things that women may feel a need to defend themselves against. Co-ordinator Hired Pat took the participants through ASWAC-Lethbridge has hired Rita a very thorough exploration of the J. Kolpak as office co-ordinator for the feelings of anger and hatred and what Lethbridge Women's Resource women can do with those feelings, Centre. Office hours are: Monday and ended with a definition of femi- from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Tuesday, nism that is about loving and accept- Wednesday and Thursday from 1 ing ourselves and each other as p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Regular meetings women. are held every Wednesday night. Call Joyce Green, the New Democrat Rita J. Kolpak (Photo by Shelley Scott) 329-8338 for more Information. 3 March Edition FROM CALGARY: LEAF Extravaganza Gets A Mixed Review

by N. Sophie Sticate Their mime against the background music was hilarious; I wanted to go so badly. It was billed as the Legal it was the most entertaining political response to sexist Education and Action Fund (LEAF) Roadshow; I had music have ever seen. imagined it as the political/feminist extravaganza of the A dramatic monologue was presented by Aritha van year. The cheapest tickets, however, were $30 and I could Herk, a Calgary writer. She was the Grim Reaper: dressed not possibly put a concert that high on my priority list. in black, scythe in hand. At first, I was not impressed. She Then, on a cold and stormy morning, a friend called. She talked about women and art. I thought it was dramatic, but had complimentary tickets; I was ecstatic. in a pretentious fashion; it was certainly all too morbid. I went to the show full of expectations: great music, a I did not immediately understand the message, but my little comedy, friends and a political message with which distaste for the presentation did make me think. She I was almost certain to agree. My expectations were not talked of women, art and poverty. She asked us if we knew borne of experience had never attended a concert like how many women artists die at a young age, and die in this before. poverty -- as we sat there, celebrating culture with a The concert was long; it lasted two and a half hours feminist bent, did we remember reality? At first I was very and it was a mixed revue: singing, comedy, dance, annoyed: afterwards. I felt the performance to have been dramatic monologue and even a rock and roll band. the most compelling political message of the evening. Connie Kaldor hosted the evening and performed the Buffy Ste. Marie was billed as one of the main attrac- opening numbers. Her music and lyrics were very moving tions of the show. She came on stage in a hot pink, and I thought, "Here I go, I'm going to cry all night." Her sequined, mini, mini dress. I didn't mind that; I figure songs reminded me of how it feels to be female in 1989 ... a liberation is largely about choice and she can wear what little joy, a little laughter, a little love, a little tragedy. she wants. A terrific comedy group, the Clichettes, performed Her voice is powerful and moving. I do appreciate the twiqe. They are a "lip sync" group and they satirized two odd love song, but some of her music was disturbing. I do songs: Walk Like A Man and Paul Anka 's Having My Baby. not like songs about "gain' up to Whipple Creek to have a little fun" when the protagonist is male and the fun is his A Woman's Place Bookstore "little girl". On the other hand. she did sing two political songs: and Circle Productions present: one was about the urban native, the other about rape and pillage of native lands. The messages were profound, but Heather Bishop in the context of the overall performance, they were not emphasized. Many people might have thought. "What a in Concert soulful little ballad": they should, however, have been Friday, March 31 inspired with anger at the conditions. Buffy Ste. Marie's performance was not inspiring, and and her cynicism, perhaps only a misunderstanding on my part, came through all too strongly. There were other performances: a bilingual rock and Lucie Blue Tremblay roll band from Saskatchewan: a Japanese drum en- semble from Vancouver; and an amazing dub poet, Lillian in Concert Allen, originally from Jamaica. Much could be said about these performances but this "short" review is getting out Friday, April 21 of hand. The Roadshow was an inspired idea. Cultural presen- Both concerts held at Orpheus tation of political views, and especially of feminist issues, is a terrific way to inspire and motivate. Unfortunately, the Theatre, SAIT, at 7:30 p.m. promotion of LEAF and other issues was under-empha- sized. did not feel particularly inspired to become more Tickets available at a Woman's involved. One of my biggest regrets of the evening was Place Bookstore (1412 Centre St S) the lack of passion for "the cause": it was not presented, and Holomagic (917 17th Ave SW) it was not received . ASWAC Newsletter 4 February 18, 1989: ASWAC BOARD MEETS IN CALGARY Please note: Members are reminded that they are Since Nancy is leaving Lethbridge, we need to pay the welcome to attend board meetings in their area. Upcom- TV station for our commercial ($800 invoice will be forth- ing meetings are: April 1-2, Edmonton; May 27-28, Leth- coming to the Edmonton office) . Nancy will make some bridge; July 8-9, Pigeon Lake; September 9-10, Edmon- master copies to take with her. She will be advanced $40 ton. Don't forget the ASWAC Annual Assembly (AGM), to buy VHS tapes so she can make copies of the commer- October 14-15 in Lethbridge. cial; these will be taken to TV stations to convince them In attendance: Nancy, Maria, Jean, Annette, Shelley, to run the ad as a public service announcement and the Helen, Jackie, Anne, Debbie, Rita (board); Elaine (re- master copies will be used to actually air the commercial. gional rep); Frances Adams (social development officer, Master copies can also be purchased by other women's Secretary of State Women's Program). Missing: Jane, groups to use; the Action Committee on the Noreen. Marilyn, Phyllis. Status of Women (MACSW) has expressed interest. 1) ROUND - Some of the things discussed during the Nancy will be sure to copyright the material. round: Nancy will be moving to Calgary in early March e) Policy Portfolio - Phyllis was not present, but she and Jackie will be moving to Lethbridge. Maria reported has reported that she has been in contact with MACSW. on organizational and funding problems at Changing To- and requested old policy and procedures materials from gether (A Centre for Immigrant Women) . the Edmonton office. 2) BOARD POSITIONS -Jean and Anne will review all Jean will inform Phyllis of what happens in the Bylaw board categories and bylaws and will report at the next Review and Personnel Committee meetings. meeting. f) Assembly Committee - This committee will involve Rita will be a full board member. Rita, and meet sometime before the next board meeting. 3) COMMITTEE REPORTS 4) NATIONAL ACTION COMMITTEE REPORT - a) Women Against Poverty (WAP) -A provincial WAP Anne reported that NAC has had an increase in demands meeting took place February 11; the committee reviewed placed on them, but no increase in funding or fund raising. its role and its recommendations regarding the hearings An Organizational Review Committee is looking at co-ordinator. feminist process and efficiency, how NAC committees Concern was expressed about the time-line of the work (there are about 20) and the relations of member hearings falling during the provincial election campaign. groups to NAC and whether or not they should move to It was decided to go ahead as planned, with possible ad- individual members too. They have regions and regional justments when the election is called. reps, but no structure within the regions. b) Hiring Committee - An ad was sent out for the Recommendations on constitutional amendments hearings co-ordinator position, applications came in, a will take place at the next meeting (March 11-12 in short llst was prepared and two women were interviewed. Montreal). The committee made its recommendations, which were Anne gave a brief summary of what some of the NAC approved by the board. The position was offered to Diane committees are currently working on: Employment and Wazny, and she accepted February 21. the Economy - preparing a women's budget, forming c) Membership Committee - Debbie asked to be coalitions on economic equality. Women and Technol- moved from a full member to a peripheral member. ogy - preparing a brief on clerical work. Education and Anne will write a letter asking those people whose Training - monitoring re-entry programs. Free Trade - membership has lapsed to renew, and also mention fund- monitoring the effect on women and preparing a brief on raising (this task later completed by Jane). Shelley will women as entrepreneurs. Child Care Committee - In- have labels made of all lapsed members and have the stead of fighting Bill C144, they are demanding new letter photocopied, and Jane will do the envelope stuffing. legislation based on what child care lobby advocacy Maria and Shelley will go through old index files of old groups and the National Council on Welfare have advo- members and make a list, then throw out cards. Shelley cated. They are lobbying the new minister, Perrin Beatty, will send a copy of the letter to Rita, so she can use it for and want to hold regional conferences and a national a letter to encourage all ASWAC-Lethbridge members to conference. They want to hear from women Interested in also become provincial members. becoming corresponding members, and want a letter of Annette reported that the Edmonton Telephone Tree support from ASWAC for their funding application. Re- is doing extremely well. productive Rights - working with the Canadian Abortion d) More Than A Label Campaign - The membership Rights Action League to lobby new MPs and women MPs. committee needs to review and reactivate this campaign. The NAC AGM is May 12-15 in and the theme 5 March Edition Is Women For Social Solidarity. the WAP-Edmonton group wants to hire. NAG Is also working with other groups on a program -The new hearings co-ordinator will apply for a grant called Naming The Moment, an exploration of how di- from Oxfam for hearing expenses; $2,500 will also come verse groups can work in coalition. from the general account for her travel expenses. ASWAC-Lethbrldge will look Into becoming a member - Helen is looking at the possibility of holding work- group of NAG. shops on equal pay as a way to raise money. Questions were asked of Anne regarding a national - Cash advances can be provided to those who re- employment equity group, the possibility of NAC moving quest it; a special form will be developed for this purpose. to multi-year funding and more regional organization. - Board meeting expenses can be reimbursed at Anne wants to continue as an Alberta representative of board meetings; all other expense claims must come NAG next year: ASWAC will endorse her self-nomination. through the Edmonton office. 5) PERSONNEL - Helen Is finding that she accumu- $1,000 is left over from last year's Shoptalk Weekend. lates a lot of overtime but finds It hard to take time off; part Shelley will contact other western Status of Women of this will be solved when her position becomes full time groups to see if they want to organize another one and if In the fall. In the meantime, she must be very clear about they need any financial help. The rest of the money can be her priorities and must demand that her decisions about used for board education -- bringing In speakers to board what she can take on be respected. She was encouraged meetings and paying for conference fees. to take off chunks of time during slow periods, and to 7) ALBERTA ADVISORY COUNCIL ON WOMEN'S consider only attending part of each board meeting. ISSUES UPDATE -Helen reported on the Advisory Coun- ASWAC will be providing complete employment cil Action Project's meeting with Minister Responsible for benefits, Including full salary during maternity leave, since Women's Issues Elaine McCoy and their intention to meet this was the original Intent of the Personnel Policy. with Premier . They are also maintaining con- Anne has a short-fall of around $2,924, which will be tact with a network of women's groups. Board members paid to her as a back-to-work bonus. have identified and will approach women to submit their Staff have applied for certification in the Canadian resumes to the Edmonton office; the Project will then Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 3249 (which is submit them as our nominees to the Advisory Council. made up of about 13 people from the Edmonton Learner 8) REGIONAL REPS - There is a budget of $3,663 for Centre, Unlsphere In Medicine Hat and the Development regional rep expenses; Shelley will write to the reps, Educ~tlon Co-ordinating Council of Alberta in Calgary.) asking if they'd like that money divided between them or The three staff will form a bargaining unit, and the collec- left as alump sum they can all submit claims against. The tive agreement with the rest of the board will be the letter will also encourage reps to attend board meetings. Personnel Policy (once it is revised and agreed upon). Elaine Peters and Kathy Davies will organize the first The Idea of unionizing has been discussed since the regional rep meeting. Shoptalk Weekend in May of 1986, when the Sask- 9) MAIL/OFFICE ITEMS - Fiona (our bookkeeper) atchewan Action Committee women talked about their will receive $15 per hour for any hours she works over her experience with unionizing. The main reasons for it are: as maximum of 20 per month; this will retroactively cover the a protective measure, to give the Personnel Policy a more hours she put in for the Budget Committee. Any future binding nature; and as a gesture of solidarity with organ- overtime must be approved by Annette and Shelley. ized workers and the labor union movement. Nancy will We have a pile of outdated resumes in the Edmonton contact the Saskatchewan Action Committee for informa- office; Annette will have them shredded. tion about their experience and have it sent to the Edmon- Shelley reported on an Unlearning Racism workshop ton office; Shelley will forward it to Jean. The Personnel to be held April 28-30. A notice will appear in the newslet- Committee will remain the same (with the possibility that ter and members encouraged to attend. Some members board members not present at this meeting may still wish could be sponsored by ASWAC. (Fee is $20.) to join). The board will work toward a feminist model of Jackie and Debbie reported on recent developments union Involvement and this, and collective process, will be in the struggle for reproductive rights in Alberta. discussed at the next board meeting. 10) CONFERENCES - There are a number of confer- 6) BUDGET - The proposed budget for Secretary of ences coming up: Let's Stop Kidding Around in Edmon- State was presented and accepted. We will apply for ton, February 22-25 -- Cathy Reininger will attend; Na- $6,000 from the SEED program to hire two students this tional Child Care Day Care Conference in Winnipeg, April summer, one each in the Edmonton and Calgary offices. 5-8 -- Noreen Bell-Geekie will attend; Women and Mental Although Helen's position becomes full time as of Health in Banff, May 11-13; NAC AGM in Ottawa, May 12- Aprll 1, she can't start working full time hours until at least 14 -- Anne will be attending and Shelley, Helen and Jean October, so we will save about $7,000 over six months; have also expressed interest: Women's Centres Confer- this money can be used to top up SEED staff wages to $8 ence in Blairmore, June 2-4 -- the entire board expressed an hour. This may also be done with the STEP staff person interest in attending. ASWAC Newsletter 6 LETH BRIDGE: IWD Celebrations Varied In 11 Deep South 11 by Rita J. Kolpak musicsungtothetappingofspoons. the dual discrimination and struggles International Women's Day actlvl- A delightful surprise event in our ac- to form a women's group during a "na- tles in the deep south (Lethbridge) tivitles. tional crisis" the government does encompassed many women's Day 2 began with coffee and muf- not allow a group of more than four groups, issues and ideas. We had a fins early in the morning, along with people to meet. Nevertheless, National Film Board (NFB) Studio D displays of all the organizations who women there are still communicating, film festival In light of their 50th anni- sponsored IWD. Our first workshop which is an inspiring thing to hear. versary, and workshops, poetry, the- was Women and Poverty, during The woman from South Africa was atre, wine and song. All women who which a film, For Richer For Poorer, quite surprised to hear how much we attended the events came out feeling was shown. About 30 women partlcl- actually know about South Africa -- a solidarity which often goes unno- pated in the workshop and a great the government censors them so tlced in the everyday struggle. discussion was led by Terri Ann much they have no Idea what the rest ~ We began Friday, March 3 with an Marco. The result of this first work- of the world knows unless, of course, NFB film titled Holding Our Ground, shopwasalistofnamesforaWomen they leave the country. She did state which was about women In the Phil- Against Poverty group. that boycotting South African goods llplnes. The general consensus of We took a lunch break then and will certainly not make blacks more women who viewed the film was that were treated to an International buf- impoverished, as they have very little lt had depressed us. We discussed fet lunch sponsored by the Multicul- wealth as It is. A powerful workshop. women in developing countries in turalWomen'sCentre. Thelunchwas Our third and final workshop was order to figure out what we could do a raging success. on Native Women. A large group of about the atrocities practised against Our next workshop was titled native and non-native women ex- women all over the world, and then South African Women Working for changed thoughts, feelings and sto- we went through a debriefing proc- Social Change, and was led by a ries. Many of the same Issues which ess -- we had a reception in our office. woman from South Africa (whose came out of the workshop on South Later In the evening, we invited name must not be published due to Africa also came into play in this work- some French-Canadian women to the South African consulate's watch- shop. Dual discrimination and pov- join Lis and. were suddenly swept ful eye) . She spoke about what it is erty were key exchanges. away with French-Canadian folk like being a woman in South Africa, Concurrent with workshops was a Studio D film festival, which included The Legacy of Mary McEwan, A Woman's Place, Women Want... and Doctor, Lawyer, Indian Chief. The workshops and films were all proof that women must come to- gether and share information to pass on knowledge, be it of South Africa, the native community, or our own particular community. The work- shops and films were attended by women from all walks of life, and we shared for a moment our own experi- ences. This Is the stuff of which opti- mism is made. Saturday night. we had a celebra- tion. The first half of the evening was filled with women's culture: we en- joyed theatre, poetry and song. opened the evening with a piece wrote about a woman being alienated by her husband, then Linda Harvey Lethbridge Women Show Where They Are (Photo by Terri Ann Marco) and Ann Houlton sang to the beat of a 7 March Edition drumandthestrumofaguitar. Teresa EDMONTON: Hartley, an 84-year-old Columbian poet shared her poetry, in Spanish, after which an interpreter read her Group Braves Cold To March work in English. We presented ASWAC-Leth- by Jane Haslett vigor. She spoke of the experiences bridge "founding mother" plaques to Chanting slogans and singing and concerns of Metis women, their Addie Miron, Ida Horn, Terri Ann Bread and Roses into the snowy air, culture, history and traditions, and Marco and Kathy Willis, and Nancy a large, energetic and very vocal how these women are working to find Miller was presented with an "out- group of women, with families and their own answers to their problems. standing activist" plaque in apprecia- friends, paraded in the streets of The large audience in the YWCA tion of her hard work in Lethbridge, downtown Edmonton Saturday af- gym responded with clapping and and in mourning because she's leav- ternoon, March 11. cheers, and the march began. Ing the city. The bright side of International Following the march was a pot- The final event of the evening was Women's Day: "Women united will luck supper, and later there were Louise Odeland, performing for the never be defeated", balloons and events sponsored by different first time in two years. She performed colorful placards, images of women women's groups and individual her own written work, and was given singing, hugging, speaking out and women. These included a candle such support that she came out again working together, contrasted with dance, Chilean and East Indian danc- for an encore, singing a song she had the dark side of: "No new abortion ing, singing of women's songs. native written in Grade 6 titled Why Was I law", "Pay equity", "Not the church, drumming and last, but definitely not Born A Tree? The crowd went wild! not the state, women must control least, belly-dancing! After the entertainment, the eve- their fate" and images of women liv- International Women's Week fes- ning continued with wine and dance. ing in poverty, abuse and ridicule -- tivities also included a Third World Sponsors of IWD events were: the uneducated, uncelebrated. ignored Film Festival , various socials and NFB, ASWAC-Lethbridge, World and badly disadvantaged by the speakers and women's music! with Citizen's Centre, Multicultural current political agenda in our coun- women deejays on CJSR radio all day Women's Centre, Canadian Federa- try. March 8. tion of University Women, Alberta The struggles and the reasons for There were also concerts by Faith Native Women's Association, Four . the march go on. Nolan and Ferron, a public forum on Worlds Development Project, Sexual A speech by Muriel Stanley- the dangers of privatization and Assault Crisis Centre, New Democrat Venne set the tone for this March workshops on Immigrant Women. Women's Caucus, YWCA, Unifarm Against Racism and sent us all out How to UnlearnRacis.m, Women and andCountryWomenoftheWorldand into the cold with lots of vim and Development and Native Women . A Woman's Place Bookstore. The final event for International Maintenance And Mothering Discussed Women'sWeekwasanallcandidates On International Women's Day In lnnisfail forum March 8. Questions asked of the politicians dealt with child care, by Lori Crocker single mothering, with a talk by a Red violence against women, the wage International Women's Day was Deer lawyer and single mother who gap, reproductive health, the Meech celebrated in Innisfail March 8 with an spoke about trying to get some action Lake Accord and tax fairness. All but enlightening discussion about the on the issue. The assembled group one candidate came out for it, and we maintenance enforcement program. sang feminist songs, supported one had an audience of 44 people. This In the evening, women focused on another and had a good evening. "lack of attendance" was cited in the local paper as indicating that women Medicine Hat Holds IWD Conference are content with their "place". Letters To Discuss Visions For A Better World to the editor have been sent out. (ASWAC-Lethbridge~ is proud by Jane Haslett each given twice, on The Feminiza- that the two constituencies in Leth- A very successful one-day con- tion of Poverty, Women of the World bridge have gender parity in this elec- ference took place in Medicine Hat (A Global View of Women) and tion. Twoofthethreewomenareeven on Saturday, March 11 to celebrate Women and Health Care. ASWAC members -- Joyce Green International Women's Day. The They were very well attended. and and Sylvia Campbell. Congratula- theme was Visions For A Better were followed by a banquet with a tions to you two, and to Rhonda World . story-teller and a singer to end the Rustin as well!) There were three workshops, celebrations. ASWAC Newsletter 8 CALGARY: More Than Ever Before Take To The Streets by Jane Haslett supper, several women singers and Self-esteem, Support Systems for A march took place In Calgary on an a ca pell a group singing very excit- Battered Women, Immigrant March 8, but unlike their counterparts ing African music. Women, AIDS, Information as Power, In other parts of the province, these The rest of the week (March 1 to Feminist Therapy and Legal Serv- lucky marchers basked in warm and 11) featured a very full calendar of ices for Battered women. sunny weather! events, involving many women's International Women's Week Greater numbers than ever before groups. events ended with a Rock Against and many "new faces" turned out to Several film series took place, as Racism, featuring many bands and march for International Women's well as workshops on Sexuality musicians, held both Friday and Sat- Day, then enjoyed celebrations, a Education, Resolving Conflict and urday night. IWD Pot-Luck In Peace River Newsletter Group Is Part Of Ongoing Activities Appreciates Input And Wants More! For Interna- purely personal reasons. This we tional Women ·~ have done on a monthly basis; we IWD has come and gone, and Day in Peace bring supper (pot-luck) to a once again it has brightened our days ~ River the women's member's home and the month's with thoughts of all the women who group plans a pot-luck supper, fol - hostess provides a topic of discus- have worked In sisterhood to change lowed by a film and discussion on sion for the evening. the world for women, children and matters relating to women's issues. For me, being the senior member also men. (One of our members plans to of the group, this has met a real need We have an Important heritage as change the sign on a lavatory door in in my personal life, as lam very active women, and it is a proud day for us our local mall from Girls to Women , in our community, giving much of my when we remember it and celebrate all for IWD.) time and energies to society, and of- it. Our group has felt pressures of ten feeling there are too many de- "having to do" jobs in the community, mands all around. and has done so in the past. How- All good wishes! ever, there was a need expressed Sincerely, from several members to meet for Marie Plaizier

Edmonton YWCA Announces Plans To P,rovide More Affordable Housing The Edmonton YWCA has an- ers requiring affordable housing and nounced plans for providing housing eight women In need of counselling alternatives in two downtown loca- and support services. The highrise tions. Paula Maclean, director of Congratulations to all the women New Program Development ex- organizing around thP, province, and plains, "The YWCA of Edmonton has thanks to those who wrote in about been providing housing since 1907. different and exciting International It's something we 've always done, Women's Day activities. and done well. We're aware of the EDMONTON The ASWAC Newsletter Collec- pressing need for affordable housing tive welcomes news of your activities; in the downtown area and we have sharing our experiences Is a very the expertise to do something about project will accommodate 90 lower- important part of creating our her- it. The two projects are a three-floor, income adults in 63 suites. Rental story. walk-up apartment building and a rates will be based on 25 per cent of (See page two of this newsletter nine-storey l1ighrise. The walk-up the occupants' combined gross an- for more information.) units will be home to 17 single moth- nual income." 9 March Edition IN DRUMHELLER: Newspaper Must Print Apology Open Letter To Getty Following Offensive Comment There are few words that can describe the deep sense of sorrow, outrage and horror that we collectively felt by Shelley Scott when you deemed it appropriate to joke about beating On December 14, 1988, ASWAC was sent a copy of a women and children. Ironically, your joke was made on comment which was printed in the November 16 edition the very day you proposed be designated as Family Day of the Drumheller Mail weekly newspaper. The writer of a (the third Monday of February). column called Roundabout had written: "Did you know The many Albertan women who have experienced that November Is Family Violence Prevention Month, so broken bones, cracked ribs and concussions have a right don't beat up on your old lady in November -- wait for to expect more from their Premier. A government leader December or January." joking about this serious problem causes us to wonder if Several letters of complaint were sent to the Drum- the words about families and violence are just words. We heller Mail from residents of Drumheller: In response, the require leaders who have a real depth of understanding. editor wrote that Roundabout Is a "fun" column and "no commitment and caring. apology will be forthcoming". In May of 1982, federal MP Margaret Mitchell r.ose to ASWAC, along with about nine individuals, filed a ask a question about wife battering In the House of written complaint with the Alberta Press Council. The Commons. She was answered with snickering and laugh- Council forwarded our letters of complaint to the Drum- ter by male MPs from all sides of the House. Following this heller Mail and sent us copies of the paper's reply (it was display the MPs were compelled to publicly apologize to not the apology we demanded). the women of Canada. The Alberta Press Council met in Calgary February 17, Almost seven years later, our Premier has shown a 1989, and found in favor of our complaints. The Council complete lack of regard for the victims of wife and child faulted the newspaper on three levels: for allowing the assault. We demand much more than a half-hearted apol- offensive comment to be put into print in the first place: for ogy riddled with excuses that only serve to prop up the Its unprofessional approach in dealing with the com- idea that it may be acceptable to occasionally joke about plaints; and for its unfortunate portrayal of the scope and these matters. nature of family violence. . We sincerely hope that the Premier will take some time A statement released by the Council states: out from his campaign schedule to educate himself about this issue, consider the depth of the insult he has leveled "If the intent of the Drumheller Mail's Roundabout and apologize fully for adding to the hurt and sorrow column was for humor only, it missed its mark. If the experienced by victims of violence against women and intent was to poke fun at the organizers of Family Vio- children. lence Month, the joke was lame. If the intent was to mock Signed, the victims offamilyviolence, the joke was indefensible." ASWAC, National Action Committee on the Status of Women (NAC), Canadian Abortion Rights Action All member papers of the Alberta Press Council, in- League (CARAL), Legal Education and Action Fund cluding the Drumheller Mail, are bound to print the (LEAF) and the Calgary Women's Health Collective. Council's statement. Letter written by Anne McGrath

ASWAC And Alberta Women Were Involved In Provincial Election ASWAC' s strategy for the provincial election included: * media work, including a press conference March 17. * a phone-around to all Edmonton members, .informing Women's Involvement In the Parties them of any upcoming forums In their ridings. New Democrat -- There are 19 women candidates, con- * ASWAC-Edmonton participated in a forum on women· s stituting 23 per cent of all ND candidates. Issues sponsored by the Business and Professional Liberal -- There are 16 women candidates, constituting 20 Women's Club on March 7; ASWAC-Lethbridge spon- per cent of the total. sored an all candidates forum on March 8; ASWAC- Progressive Conservative -- There are 12 women candi- Calgary co-sponsored a forum on Alberta women and the dates, representing 14 per cent of the total. family in the Forest Lawn riding on March 15. ASWAC extends thanks to Catherine Reininger, who * a mail-out to all members, including a fact sheet on prepared the fact sheet and to the women in every com- women and poverty and suggested questions to ask the munity who worked to put women's issues on the election candidates. agenda. ASWAC Newsletter 10 No Support From PCs For Gays, Lesbians

The Civil Rights Committee of the The failure ofthe PC candidates to Alberta's Individual Rights Protec- Gay and Lesbian Awareness (GALA) Interest themselves in protecting gay tion Act to include sexual orientation Society of Edmonton found no sup- men and lesbians stands in contrast as a prohibited grounds of discrimi- port for sexual orientation legislation with their federal counterparts. who nation. Both times, the Conservative from Progressive Conservative (PC) supported sexual orientation legisla- Government allowed the bills to die. candidates in the provincial election. tion in the majority during the recent The responses of the Liberal can- GALA did find significant support federal election. They also stand con- didates to the poll varied. Although among Liberal candidates, and over- siderably more to the right of average party leader Laurence Decore fa- whelming support from New Demo- Albertans, who in several polls in the vored sexual orientation legislation,

crat candidates. last few years have shown them- the rest of the candidates were split "We are disappointed," said GALA selves to be supportive of protection almost equally between those in fa- spokesperson Maureen Irwin. "When for lesbians and gay men. vor, and those against, undecided or the political party in power refuses to The New Democrats, in opposi- who did not respond. accept the responsibility for protect- tion, responded with support for gay Still, GALA members are not with- ing all Albertans from discrimination, and lesbian rights. This is in keeping out hope. GALA continues to work on how secure can the rights of any Al- with party policy, and with the history several initiatives, botti on the federal bertan be? Refusing to protect of the New Democrats in the legisla- and provincial levels, as well as gen- society's minorities does not make a ture, who have twice introduced pri- eral educational work on gay and very just campaign platform." vate member's bills to amend lesbian issues. Betkowski Encouraged To Do More Yet

March 17, 1989 guaranteed all Canadians by the lose sight of the fact that no one favors Charter of Rights and Freedoms. abortion as a means of contracep- Nancy Belkowski However, what is important about tion. Minister of Health any such right is that it be equally In addition to insuring equal ac- 103 Legislature Building distributed. Currently. the women of cess to first trimester abortions Edmonton, Alberta rural Alberta have no choice; be- throughout Alberta, the province T5K 2B6 cause of limited access to abortion must also strive to provide women services, they cannot exercise their with the means for avoiding un- Dear Ms Betkowski, fundamental right to determine when wanted pregnancies in the first place. and under what conditions to have More specifically, we think that the The Alberta Status of Women children. province should work to improve sex Action Committee (ASWAC) ap- All Albertan women should have education in the schools. as well as plauds your recent stand on women's access to safe, medically-insured promote contraceptive counselling right to control their bodies and re- abortions within their own communi- for women outside the school sys- productive capacities. We too believe ties. Women should not be forced to tem. that whether or not to seek an abor- deal with the added stress of having We would like more information tion is matter of personal choice. We to raise money and travel long dis- about provincial initiatives in this di- agree with the Supreme Court of tances to Calgary or Edmonton. or to rection. Canada that safeguarding this right to the United States in search of abor- choose Is fundamental to protecting tion services. Jackie Preyde the basic freedom of the person Here, however, we should not ForASWAC 11 March Edition AGTAGREES: Response Requested Letter About Dial-A-Porn Gets Positive Response On Women's Petition March 6, 1989 January 4, 1989 contributes to the unequal position of women in our society. As a gesture of Elaine J. McCoy, Minister Respon- Alberta Government Telephones support and respect for its female sible for Women's Issues Pierre Lacroix, Product Manager employees and custo'mers, we ask 104 Legislature Building Switched Voices Service that AGT reply to our letter and guar- Edmonton, Alberta 20D - 100 Street antee in writing that no such Dial-A- T5K2B6 Edmonton, Alberta Porn services will be made available. T5J ON5 Thank you for your attention to Dear Ms McCoy, this matter. We look forward to receiv- Dear Mr. Lacroix, ing your reply. We are writing in support of a petition addressed to you from The Alberta Status of Women Shelley Scott immigrant women of Alberta, dated Action Committee (ASWAC) is a pro- ForASWAC February 24, 1989. This petition is in vincial organization dedicated to im- response to the throne speech of proving the status of women in Al - berta. We would like to voice our February 27, 1989 opinion on the Dial-A-Porn service provided to Albertans by Alberta Dear Ms Scott: Government Telephones (AGT) through your 900 service, previously RE : "900 - ADULT MESSAGE" SERV- available from the United States. ICE We understand this service was discontinued in March of 1988, due to Thank-you for your recent letter changes in U.S. legislation. We fur- regarding "900 Adult Message" serv- February 17, 1989. While the throne ther understand that AGT is planning ice. The government and Alberta speech covered many important ar- to introduce its own 900 services, and Government Telephones (AGT) eas of concern to women, the specific has not yet decided whether or not to share your concerns on this issue. concerns of immigrant women were allow locally made Dial-A-Porn mes- I have been advised by AGT, and not addressed. sages to be a part of this service. I am pleased to inform you that there Immigrant women have identified The Alberta Status of Women Ac- are no plans to introduce "adult mes- three priority issues: access to lan- tion Committee would like to make it sage" service in either a "900" or "976" guage training; support for immigrant known that we strongly oppose the format. women's groups and centres; and provision of any such service on any Further, United States-based counselling and orientation program- basis whatsoever. "adult message'' lines. previously ming to address the long-term settle- Dial-A-Porn messages are akin to accessible in Alberta through Ameri- ment needs of immigrant women. hate literature about women and can Telephone and Telegraph The Alberta Status of Women propagate untrue and dangerous (AT &T) , have been removed from Action Committee fully supports misinformation about human sexual- service. This is as a result of recent immigrant women in their demand to ity. changes to AT &T information service have these priority issues addressed. We are sure that AGT does not policies. We trust that you will be respond- wish to be associated with material By copy of this letter. I have asked ing to this petition shortly and will be that degrades their customers and the presidlmt of AGT, Mr. Hal Neld- contacting immigrant women's ner, to respond in further detail to groups in order to communicate what your concerns. steps will be taken to meet their Again, thank-you for advising demands. your government of your views on ASWAC would also appreciate this matter. being informed of your response, and we look forward to hearing from Yours truly, you. Leslie G. Young Minister, Technology, Research Shelley Scoot and Telecommunications ForASWAC ASWAC Newsletter 12 Working Together To Transform The Planet

''As a society. we have the people, the resources and the skills required have been Operation Solidarity iri to develop an alternative economic and social future. What is required is the British Columbia, the Alberta Coali- social imagination, moral courage and political will to chart a new course. tion for Universal Health Care and the To move in this direction, however, it is essential that people coalesce Pro-Canada Network. There have together around a common social and economic vision. The merging public been many more attempts at coali- debate over Canada's social policy future provides an occasion to begin tions that have failed in some re- this coalition building process." spects, but succeeded in laying the From A Time To Stand Together -A Time For Social Solidarity (A Dec- groundwork for the future. As well, laration on Social and Economic Policy Directions for Canada by Members there are many other thriving coali- of Popular Sector Groups) hereinafter referred to as the Social Solidarity tions on specific issues that are oper- Document. ating now. Coalition work, for all its rewards by Anne McGrath the past few years and we have many and potential for significant social The women's movement is one of · lessons to learn from our experi- change, has several difficulties which the largest and most significant social ·ences in these coalitions. Since this must be overcome. As women, we forces in this country. We have organ- method of organizing is fairly recent, often find it difficult to work with rep- ized and struggled for social and successful coalitions are not neces- resentatives of groups that are op- economic change to improve the sarily judged so because they "won" posed to particularly important as- status of women. Our organizing has something. In some cases coalitions pects of our program. For instance, taken a variety of forms. Some of our can be successful because of the som,e churches take a very different groups have focused on a single is- contribution they have made to the position on reproductive choice than sue such as reproductive choice, politicization of large numbers of women's groups. It may also be diffi- ending violence, child care and oth- people and the impact they make in cult to work with groups whose struc- ers. Some groups have organized educating one popular sector about tures are more hierarchical than our around multi-issue agendas. ASWAC another. For instance, women's own and whose representatives may is one of those groups. Although we groups and labor groups have a be insensitive to women's perspec- tend to concentrate on priority issues great deal to learn from and about tives on inclusive language, the value we take into account and make con- each other. Much of this education is placed on women's work, etc. These nections between and among the taking place in coalition work. Some divisions can exist not only between multiplicity of issues facing women. of the more influential examples of women's and other groups but also As women organizing for change coalitions in recent Canadian history among all the other groups (church, we have experienced successes and defeats. Some of our hard-won victo- ries are under renewed attack. The New Right and their allies have stepped up their campaign to reverse women's rights. We must analyze our history and decide on new courses of action that build on our strengths as a movement. Part of that lesson, I believe. isthat we are strong and successful when we are united on issues, committed to action and willing to find allies and work with them. Our ability to make changes in society that reflect women's interests will be determined by our ability to be a strong, united force in coalition with other groups. We have witnessed a growth in the phenomenon of "coalition politics" in 13 March Edition labor. student, aboriginal, environ- ing similarities between red-baiting lion item on the agenda first. Then mental, farm, disabled, immigrant, and homophobia and analyze the deal with the structure, terms of refer- people of color, seniors, lesbians and impact of homophobia in fostering ence, etc. gays, poor, unemployed and others disunity within our movement. who are not part of the top ten per ASWAC is clearly committed to 7. Structure can be pretty loose if cent of our society that controls the working in coalitions to promote ac- people are like-minded. wealth and power). Our society is tion in our Women Against Poverty developed in such a way as to pro- campaign. In dong this we are not 8. Use the coalition as a chance to mote and strengthen these divisions. only taking action on important so- make issues relevant to all sectors Our job is to learn how to overcome cial and economic issues, we are (i.e. women can speak on labor is- them. The Social Solidarity Docu- also 'politicizing ourselves and oth- sues, labor can speak on poverty). ment points out that government and ers. We are building a "culture of 9. Coalitions have to operate on consensus (learned from the women's movement).

10. If there's a contentious issue that splits the coalition, throw it back to the member groups to act on indi- vidually.

11 . Don't be afraid of losing con- trol or being forced into doing some- thing you don't want to do. Only the group can implement the actions of the coalition. corporations have strategized to ac- resistance". Jean Swanson from the centuate the differences between B.C. coalition, End Legislated Pov- 12. Do things for each other. these popular groups: erty, spoke about the importance of "These divisive strategies, in coalition building at ASWAC's annual 13. Make participation in coalition turn, have been reinforced by·ide- assembly. Here is the list of rules she events, decisions and fundraising ologies that promote selfishness, presented for successful coalitions: occasions accessible to all. This greed, individualism, racism, sexism means physically accessible, it and anti-union sentiments. In the 1. Delegates should have a clear means provision of child care and midst of all this many voluntary or- idea of their responsibilities and re- transportation money, and setting ganizations and people of good will port both ways. admission fees at a certain amount have been manipulated and co- "or whatever you can afford" . . opted by these divisive strategies." 2. Groups should make their ex- Another recurring divisive strat- pectations about the coalitions clear Our experience over the next few egy is "red-baiting" (McCarthyism, and share them. years will help us develop this list anti-communism). Despite the fact further and strengthen our ability to that McCarthyism almost destroyed 3. There should be discussion make change that will benefit women. most active social and political or- and recognition of the basic struc- The Social Solidarity Document ganizations in the 1950s, it can still be tural differences between unions and states: an effective tool to dismantle contem- community groups. "We believe this is a time to stand porary groups. Accusations of hid- together! It is a time for the victims of den left-wing agendas can arouse 4. We need to recognize and re- the current socio-economic crisis to suspicion, mistrustand hinder efforts spect the different ways member unite together in a common struggle to appeal to the government and cor- groups have of operating. for social and economic justice in porations at the expense of our own this country. For an injury to one is an legitimate demands. We have a great 5. Coalition members shouldn't injury to all!" deal to learn in this country about the get so absorbed in the excitement of Our vision of a just. caring and legacy of red -baiting and its role in coalition activities that they ignore equal society will only be realized if immobilizing important forces for their own groups. we can develop our own movement change. and work together to transform our We can also take note of the strik- 6. Do things together. Put the ac- world for human needs. ASWAC Newsletter 14 happentngshappentngshappentngs

March 17 - Edmonton Women's April B - A Feminist Isolation Dr. Phyllis Chesler, Freda Paltiel and Music Collective presents a Spring Brunch will be held at the home of Dr. Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson. There Equinox Women's Dance, 8:30 p.m. Eunice Olsen, 5335 - 37A Street in will be approximately 35 workshops to 1 a.m. at the Riverdale Community lnnisfail. Women are invited to come as well as six study groups. For more Hall (9231 - 100 Avenue). Cost is $7, and talk about any good feminist Information. contact: The Canadian with a sliding scale. All women are books they have read lately; lunch Mental Health Association, Attention: welcome. (Dances are also planned will be provided. Phone Eunice at Karen McFarlane, 9th floor, 10050 - for June 10, September3 and Decem- 227-4453 or Lori Crocker at 227 -1141 112 Street, Edmonton, T5K2J1 or call ber 9.) for further details. 482-6091 .

March 30 - Mark your calendars! April 21-22 - The seventh annual ln- June 2-4 - The Third Women's · DES: An Uncertain Legacy, a Na- terAction: Women in the sos con- Centres Conference will be held at tional Film Board, Studio D documen- ference will be held at Sir Winston the Pass Powderkeg Ski Lodge in the tary will air Thursday, March 30 on Churchill High School. Calgary. Con- Crowsnest Pass. The Crowsnest CBC. Checkyournewspaperfortime. ference includes 22 mini-workshops Pass Women's Resource Centre is discussing topics such as: current planning a stimulating weekend of March 31, April 1-3 - A national con- women's issues; business and finan- workshops, entertainment and a ference titled Beyond Survival: cial management; personal develop- chance to get together with other Women, Addiction and Identity is ment; and communication skills. Call women from Alberta, the Northwest being held in Toronto. The confer- Arlene McKay or Pat Hansen at 229- Territories and the Kootenays to talk ence will explore the intersecting di- 3327, Local 420 or 428. about common interests. Objectives mensions of early childhood trauma, are: to try to clarify the role of violence against women and addic- women's centres in the community, tive coping mechanisms. Call (416) to discuss their relationship with the 658-1752 for more Information. April 28-30 - A workshop titled women's movement and to affirm our Unlearning Racism and Alliance belief in ourselves. For more informa- April 1 - Women Unlimited presents Building - Leadership Training tion. phone Linda (collect) at 562- Heather Bishop In Concert at the is being held for people of color 8000. Edmonton Provincial Museum at 8 . and allies at St. Stephen's College p.m. Tlcketsare$15 ($101owincome) on the cam- June 11-July 1 Maenad Productions and are available at the Bagel Tree pus in Edmonton. Workshop Theatre Society begins their 1989/90 Dell ( 10347 - 82 Avenue) and Com- leader is Celeste George from the season with 13th God, By Rose mon Woman Books (8724 - 109 Alliance of Women Against Ra- Scollard, at the Pumphouse Theatre Street). cism (AWARE) in Vancouver. The in Calgary. Maenad (pronounced My- workshop will last about 12 hours, Nad) promotes the orgiastic and vi- April 4 - The Calgary Women's Health spread over three days, and regis- sionary concerns of women through Coffectlve Is sending out a call to any tration fee is $20. For more infor- exciting and original theatre. Long- women interested in working on a mation. contact Don Smith at 424- range plans include a Goddess Festi- Directory of Physicians in the city; 2475 or Dale Taylor at 482-7942. val fort he summer of 1990; Maenad is this will be the first working meeting. seeking goddess experts, dancers. Phone Rhonda at 290-6677 (9a.m. to mask workers, writers, etc. For more 5 p.m.) for more details about this information about Maenad. or to exciting project. May 11-14 A conference titled support their work by buying a Women and Mental Health: A so- membership, call 245-2491 . April 5 -The Edmonton Local Council cial, Economic and Political Per- of Women is holding their Annual spective is being held at the Banff June 15-18 - A conference titled Meeting and Lunch at the Chateau Springs Hotel. The conference will Mental Wellness: Making it a Real- Lacombe. Registration is $2, lunch is deal with the issue of women and ity is being held at the Palliser Hotel in $10. Call June Carter at 434-1340 or mental health from a variety of per- Calgary. Fee is $150, with a sliding Florence Romanchuk at 483-5309 for spectives. Keynote speakers are: Dr. scale. Call Barb Ferguson at 283- more information. Susan Penfold, Dr. Paula J. Caplan, 7591 for more information.

15 March Edition The Alberta Status of Women ') Action Committee Box 1573 ROWELL Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2N7

Fashionable Feminist T-Shirts Available

Thanks to the creative efforts of Valda Roberts, the Edmonton office presently has three beautiful T-shirt designs available for sale.

* Feminist More Than A Label - Red and black lettering on light brown T-shirt (a nice shade of brown!) Available in medium, large and extra large.

*Women Against Poverty/Femmes Contre La Pouvrete - Black and red bilingual design, created especiallyforthe 1988Assembly by Suli Williams. White T-shirt with design on front and "ASWAC" on back. Available in medium, large and extra large (in limited quantities).

* I'm Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired! - Shocking pink lettering and graphic of a woman's face, on a bright blue T-shirt. Available in medium, large and extra large.

All T-shirts are 50 per cent cotton/50 per cent polyester. Cost is $10 if you are low income, and $15 If you are not, plus $1 postage. Phone the Edmonton office at 421-0306 or write Box 1573, Edmonton, T5J 2N7, and specify which design you want, how many and what size. Limited quantities are also available from the Lethbridge office; phC?ne 329-8338.

Those 1>eo1>le who had not renewed their membership since 19K7 or earlier were taken off' the membership list as of March I, 1989. They have since been sent a letter, asking them to renew their membershi1>. It' someone you know lms not recei\'ed thl'ir usual cop~· of this newsletter, please have them phone the Edmonton office -- it may be due to the fact that their membership has expired. For those of' yon with an "88'' on )·om· mailing label, it is past time to renew for 1989. Please remember that your membershi1> fees and donations are an important 1mrt of ASWAC's income. Membershi1>: ------Name:---~------New D Renewal D Address: Donation: ------Legal Defence Fund: ------

Postal Code: ------*Sugcstcd lll<'lllhcrsllip fl'C is $10, /1111we11il/ accept Phone: ------(homel whatever you ca11 <~Ifvrd.

Please make clm1ues out to: ASW AC. Box 1573. Edmonton, Alberta. T5J 2N7

ASWAC Newsletter 16