CONNECTIONS
MAY 2021
Our Annual General Meeting
Will Take Place Online via Zoom.
Join us on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 from 6:00 - 7:00 P.M. for updates from the Women's Centre, vote for Board Members, and meet our new Executive Director, Bodil (Bo) Masterson. Then stick around after the formal meeting to help us celebrate Susan and wish her a happy retirement.

Please register to secure your spot. Registration is now open to any woman-identifying individual with a connection to the Women’s Centre (volunteers, donors, community members, etc.). To register please read the Women’s Centre statement of principles and sign up on our website.
UPDATES IN AND AROUND OUR COMMUNITY
Update on the Women's Centre Re-Opening

Hi everyone.

As you probably heard we had a COVID outbreak at the Women’s Centre. Nine of us tested positive, all are recovering. AHS and OHS have been to the Centre to do an assessment of our space and protocols. While they were generally very happy with what we were doing there were some recommendations for small changes which we will certainly follow through on.

But we have made the decision to stay closed to in person services until more in our community have had the opportunity to get vaccinated and the variant spreads are more under control. We will be working toward a safe reopening as soon as possible.

In the meantime, we are available by phone and online for remote supports, to assist with referrals, taxes and legal advice clinics and are offering a wide range of workshops.

If you have donations to drop off, you are still able, but we will need to coordinate a day and time. Please contact us before dropping off.

Check out events on our website, call us and leave a message at 403-264-1155, or email us at info@womenscentrecalgary.org.

Thank you for your patience and support. Stay safe. And we look forward to seeing you all in person again soon.
Jane's Walk 2021

Walking has become the perfect pandemic activity for many. Jane's Walk will take place May 7-9.

For full details and maps please visit the Jane's Walk website.
Vibrant Communities Calgary Would Like Your Input

Calgary’s municipal election creates an opportunity to encourage action on reducing poverty. In advance of the upcoming municipal election, VCC is working with the Canadian Poverty Institute to do an informal survey to gather personal experiences and observations of poverty in each ward. The survey is open to everyone.

The survey link is here. The survey is open until May 14.
CFUW Annual General Meeting

Canadian Federation of University Women -
Calgary North CFUW invites you to our
Annual General Meeting With Guest Speaker

Guest Speaker Shaun Hunter “Calgary Through The Eyes of Writers”

Thursday, May 20, 2021
7:00 P.M. via Zoom

This event is open to the public.

To register, please call
Alicia at 403-241-0963
The Women’s Centre Offers Peer Support and Employment Help Online
Join us online every week starting May 3, 2021:

Mondays 1-3pm
Wednesdays 5-7pm 
Thursdays 10am-12pm 

No need to sign up. To find the link, just visit womenscentrecalgary.org/calendar and look for Online Peer and Employment Support at the day and time you are interested in.

What can women access online?

  • A safer, women-only space to connect and chat with other women and volunteers - join to say hello and have a virtual coffee or tea with other women. 
  • Up to 30 minutes of peer support in a breakout room where you can access information and referrals for food, clothing, furniture and more.  
  • Up to 30 minutes of employment support in a breakout room with a skilled volunteer who can help review resumes, assist with job searching, practice interview skills, and more 

Once you click the link above and answer a couple of questions, a host volunteer will welcome you in and help get you set up with whatever you are looking for.

Do you have questions about getting online with us? Email allison@womenscentrecalgary.org or call 403-264-1155.
National MMIWG2S Awareness Day
Join us Wednesday May 5, 1:00-2:30 P.M. for a coffee and chat to learn about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People. We will also be sharing our plan to take action and raise awareness for MMIWG2S.

This event will be held online via Zoom and is open to all who identify as women. To register please visit our website.
Family Law Workshop: Understanding Your Rights in Division of Property
Join us online Monday May 17, 6:00-8:00 P.M. for a Family Law Workshop led by a volunteer lawyer to understand your rights. For more information and to register please visit our website.
Real Talk with Sagesse About Domestic Violence
This online session is open to all women who want to learn from Sagesse about how to talk to others about domestic violence. Learning how to talk about domestic violence isn’t fancy or complicated. It is just a real moment between two people and it isn’t about trying to fix things. It’s about empowering change and bringing people together. In this session you will gain practical, hands-on skills. There will be two sessions held, one for volunteers and one for the public. Details and registration links below:
Girls Programs Grades 4 - 9
The Girls Programs provide girls-only safe spaces where they can learn and share knowledge about leadership, activism and community building. The online programs are free and supplies are provided.

Please email Era@womenscentrecalgary.org for more information or to register.
MAY WORKSHOPS
May Workshops
For a full list of upcoming workshops and to register, view our calendar here.

All of our workshops are held online via Zoom and are open to all who identify as a woman.
Learn about the history of the Women’s Centre, the Peer Model, and why we do what we do. This workshop is required for anyone to volunteer at the Women’s Centre and will be held online via Zoom.
These are conversation groups for women to practice English for daily life. These programs are free virtual drop-in programs for any English level and no testing is involved. Please register at the above links to access the weekly classes. 
We invite you to join this weekly yoga class hosted by the Women’s Centre virtually. Perfect for all abilities. Participate in self-care. Focus on slowly moving into basic yoga postures while using your breath, which enables you to be present and mindful. You will leave the class with increased vitality and a fostered connection to yourself.
Connect for a Zumba class! It is all about the party! Dance, shake and groove in a fun dance-style aerobics class that is designed for everyone regardless of fitness levels.
The purpose of this workshop is to understand what active diversity is, and to spend some time discussing barriers that women who use the Centre are often facing. Learn how the Women’s Centre works to celebrate diversity and fight oppression, both in our individual interactions and in broader society.
Learn about women’s poverty in Calgary and Alberta, and the various ways in which poverty shows up at the Women’s Centre. Discover how the Women’s Centre addresses poverty through its unique peer model and three strategic areas: get assistance, connect with others and work for change.
Join Women Lead YYC for an interactive coaching session and recognize the strength that lies within you.

2020 reminded us how vulnerable, yet powerful, women are when major shocks impact our world. Learn how coaching connects us to our own purpose, passion and power. This workshop is open to Women Lead YYC alumnae only.
Want to know what’s under your car hood? Come and learn some basic mechanic skills, including training and tips to keep you safe on the road.
Join us monthly to learn about the practice of Qi Gong meditation using breathing, visualization, simple body movements and sound to help balance energy. This gentle moving meditation is a grounding practice that promotes focus, calmness and peace of mind. This practice is easy to learn and can be done by everyone, at any age and fitness level. It can be practiced standing, seated or even lying down.
Join us online to make your own watercolour greeting cards! Get your creative flow going with this fun and easy activity while chatting and connecting with other women. To access a pre-made supply kit from the Women’s Centre please email RSVP@womenscentrecalgary.org. Deadline to request a supply kit is May 12, 2021.
Join us online and bring your questions! We will answer questions and share our experiences, as well as address myths and facts about the employment journey.
Women's Centre of Calgary www.womenscentrecalgary.org