CONNECTIONS FEBRUARY 2021
A MESSAGE FROM SUSAN
Hi everyone. I have news. I’m retiring. Not tomorrow, but at the end of April. And the search is on for a new Executive Director.

I’ve been here so long that we have no organizational experience in hiring an ED. So in the Women’s Centre way, we established a very thorough process. Notice was given. A board committee was formed. Research was done and information gathered. A stakeholder survey was conducted and reported to board and staff. A framework for an ED job description was developed. A hiring process was approved. And thanks to a Women and Gender Equality Canada grant, DHR International has been contracted to lead our executive search.

Here’s the link to the position profile.

It’s a great job, with a wonderful team, doing meaningful work, with lots of community support. Take a look and see if it’s for you.
UPDATES IN AND AROUND OUR COMMUNITY
Please note our February hours for in-person and phone services

We are open Mondays - Thursdays from 9:30 A.M. - 6:00 P.M. for in-person appointments or phone supports. Please call us at 403-264-1155 and we can schedule your visit or assist with food bank referrals and other over the phone supports.

We are also continuing to offer options for women to connect and learn online with our February workshops and programs, listed throughout this newsletter, or you can visit our website for more details. We look forward to connecting with you soon!


Hours of Operation

Mondays
9:30 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.
Tuesdays
9:30 A.M. - 6:00P.M.
Wednesdays
9:30 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.
Thursdays
9:30 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.

Closed on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays as well as statutory holidays.
Current WC Volunteer Opportunities

For details or to apply to any of our volunteer positions please email our Basic Needs Coordinator, Allison, or visit our website.

Benefits Navigator
Each year the Women’s Centre works with volunteers to assist low income women with
completing their tax returns and helping them to understand the different government programs
they may qualify for. Training will be provided.

Family Law Volunteer Lawyers
The Women’s Centre Legal Advice Clinic offers one-time free
30 minutes of legal advice from volunteer lawyers to women in a safe, supportive and
confidential space.

Peer Support
Peer support is the core service of the Centre and provided by volunteers who are supported by the Women's Centre staff. This is non-judgmental support with whatever women are looking for, and could include providing referrals, information, or a listening ear.

Tax Volunteer
Each year the Women’s Centre works with volunteers to assist low income women with
completing their tax returns and helping them to understand the different government programs
they may qualify for.
Shaw Birdies for Kids
Once again, we are lucky to be participating in Shaw Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink as a charity partner. Each year, the Shaw Charity Classic crowns one golf champion and over 200 charity winners. If you can, donate to our girls’ programs before August 15 and have your donation matched up to 50%.

Click here to visit the donations page. Please share widely. We appreciate your support!
Meet our Winter Practicum Students
New on the blog:

Meet our winter practicum students, Meaghan (left), Lindie (centre), Amanda (right)!

We are very excited for them to join the team this winter. If you're in the Centre please feel free to say 'hello'!
Indigenous Culture and Dance
Celebrate and learn about Indigenous culture and dance with Jackie Wabasca

Tuesday, February 17, 2021 online from 6:00-7:00 P.M. Join us to learn from Jackie Wabasca, about the Indigenous culture and meanings behind the traditional dance and regalia. The celebration will include a performance by Jackie and Q&A session.

This workshop is open to women-identifying individuals only and will be held via Zoom. To register email RSVP@womenscentrecalgary.org, visit our website, or call 403-264-1155.
Gender, Care Work and the Impacts of the Pandemic on Women
Our Social Issues Discussions return this February, with a conversation about gender, care work, and the unequal impacts of the pandemic.

The pandemic has exposed and deepened inequalities in our society and threatens to roll back decades of progress towards gender equality. At the same time, not all women and gender-diverse people have experienced the pandemic in the same way, and racialized and Indigenous communities, lower-income workers, and caregivers, for example, continue to face distinct struggles.

Join us online on Wednesday, February 24, 6:00 - 7:30 P.M. for a discussion of how diverse women—with a particular focus on women from communities experiencing marginalization—have been “frontlined and sidelined” by the pandemic.

To register please visit our website, or contact us by email: rsvp@womenscentrecalgary.org, or by phone 403-264-1155.
Safety in the Outdoors
Join us Tuesday, March 2, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (ONLINE) for a workshop on safety in the outdoors, led by an experienced hiking instructor. This workshop will explore these tips:

• Staying warm in the winter
• How to safely enjoy the wild, including in urban wild areas
• Accessible outdoor spots

This workshop is open to women-identifying individuals only and will be held via Zoom. To register email RSVP@womenscentrecalgary.org, visit our website, or call 403-264-1155.
Girls Programs Take Registration Throughout the Year
The Girls Programs provide girls-only, safe spaces where they can learn and share knowledge about leadership, activism and community building. We facilitate various activities that include music, crafts, dancing, discussions and, most importantly, girls-led sessions that allow girls to exercise their leadership skills. Topics will include gender stereotypes, reconciliation, current events, social activism, mental health, fitness and other themes girls are most interested in.
 
The programs are absolutely free! Please contact era@womencentrecalgary.org for registration.
 
*Due to rising Covid-19 concerns in Alberta, all in-person programs will be held online from January to March. We hope to move back to in-person by April. Any events held in-person will follow up to date Alberta Health Guidelines.
Thank You For Your Help to Make Toy Room 2020 a Reality
ICYMI: We've posted a blog recap of our Holiday Toy Room program and a thank you to our donors and toy drive organizers.

Read on our website how we navigated providing gifts for women and their families.

And thank you to the donors, toy drive organizers, partners, volunteers, staff and everyone who helped make sure this program could run safely during the pandemic.
FEBRUARY WORKSHOPS
February Workshops
For a full list of upcoming workshops and to register, view our calendar here. All of our workshops are held online.
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.
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 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.
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. 
Save the Date!
Indigenous Beading Workshops Online Wednesdays March 3 & 10
More details to be announced. Stay tuned to our website and newsletter for updates.


Get your creative flow moving with this fun and easy art activity where you’ll learn some great tips and tricks about collaging and create your own masterpiece. Choose any theme you’d like! Animals, friends, nature, social issues, or no theme at all. It’s up to you! A list of suggested supplies that you might find at home are listed below. To pick up a pre-made supply kit from the Women’s Centre please email Monique.

Join us 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. This workshop will be held online via Zoom and is open to women-identifying individuals only. For more information, please email Monique.

This employment workshop is the second of three workshops supporting women with employment. The third workshop will cover interview skills. This workshop will be held on Zoom and is open to women-identifying individuals only. For more information, please email Monique.
Women's Centre of Calgary www.womenscentrecalgary.org