Coming up - a new theme!

As I write this editorial (January 7, 2000) Ottawa has yet to have a real snowstorm this winter. Last year, too, was unusually mild. Is this a product of global warming or nature’s way of welcoming the new millenium? We have survived the New Year celebrations and, despite all the warnings about Y2K calamities, still have water, electricity, and peace in the streets. However, Ottawa’s party-town reputation is in tatters. A flood of critical letters about the Capital’s modest millenium celebration has made it very clear that, when it comes to national chest thumping, whose is biggest is very important... to some of us.

I rarely make New Year’s Resolutions because, in my lifetime, I have taken the art of procrastination to exceptional heights. However, this year, I have a resolution I know I will keep. Whenever I log on to the Internet, I will make my first stop the United Nation’s Hunger Site www.thehungersite.com. When you visit the site, you feed someone! It really is that simple. Corporate sponsors supply the food and the daily number of people fed is governed by the number of “hits” on the Web site. You can go once every day, all year round. I hope the person who thought this up is properly fêted for this fabulous idea. Please take the time to bookmark this site and try to make it part of your daily routine as well.

The past year has been one filled with achievements for MAW. The When Women Count Resource Manual was completed and launched thanks to the hardwork of many MAWs, but in particular, Lisa Zanyk and Sonya Nigam. Evelyn Drescher continued to be our “point-woman” for policy development, media relations and liaison with other organizations. The Whitby Chapter staged an excellent workshop (described in detail elsewhere in this issue) which provided an opportunity for many of our far-flung members to meet face-to-face. Our $5 gift subscription campaign helped us reach many new people - who we all hope will stay with us when those gifts are up for renewal. For those who don’t know, Homebase is produced entirely by volunteers and the membership fee of $25 is used to print and mail Homebase and to support outreach efforts such as workshops and the Web site.

To start the new century (or at the least the new year) we have developed a survey to help guide the Steering Committee. Building on a questionnaire originally developed by Lorraine Underell-Mason we have taken this opportunity to seek your input and help with respect to the many different tasks that must be performed if MAW is to thrive. We hope you’ll be inspired to play a direct role (however large or small) in the adventure that is MAW.

Upcoming Theme

Once again, Lisa Zanyk, inspired by VKT threads, has come up with another excellent theme for Homebase. After reading a posting by Grace Johnston (one of the original MAWs, actively participating since Issue #2 and now back to attending editorial meetings), Lisa wrote to me: “I think we’d get a hoard of articles and drawings if we solicited for a theme on grandmothers and mothers - you know, the women who brought me where I am today, or the women who came before me, or remarkable ordinary women - ooh, I like that one - who were our grandmothers...” We’re confident your interest will be piqued by this topic and that we will receive a hoard of articles and drawings. Please see the submission guidelines or email me directly at homebase@mothersarewomen.com for more information.

Cheers,

Lisa Menard

E-mail: homebase@mothersarewomen.com