90 of 'something'

I'm hotly pursuing '90 of somethings'. I am putting together 90 grab-gift bags for the Women's Gathering (details below). So if anybody has 90 of something that would be a real treat, has some information, or can educated then get it to the United Way building by Friday at close of the day.

It's going to be a really fun day!

The Rural Women Take Action on Poverty Committee is pleased to launch Phase 3 of the Rural Women and Poverty project, a multi year initiative to understand and address the unique issues facing poor women living in rural communities.

The work began in 2001 with a Phase One action research project with poor women and their advocates in Huron, Grey and Bruce Counties and the completion of a report called Rural Women Speak About the Face of Poverty.

Phase Two (2004-2005) was a direct follow up on recommendations from the research project. Women and their advocates came together to create a resource handbook for rural women and rural communities on poverty. The How We Count Handbook, updated in 2006, contains a wealth of resources on poverty, community services, and strategies for women and community members in Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth. Copies are available at the Grey Bruce United Way in Owen Sound and at Women Today of Huron in Goderich.

Phase Three of the Rural Women and Poverty project starts with a Women's Gathering on June 6th at the Wescast Community Centre in Wingham.

The focus of Phase Three is to change community attitudes towards poor rural women. We are planning a number of projects and activities for 2007 and 2008 and want to consult with women and engage them in discussion about plans to address poverty and rural attitudes in Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth.

An invitation and registration form is attached. The following is a brief overview of the Women's Gathering on June 6th

Counting Women In – The Voice of Rural Women in Poverty

A one-day gathering of women who live with poverty and women’s advocates from Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth Counties to develop:

o Leadership for rural women taking action on poverty
o Strategies to change rural community attitudes about women and poverty
o Celebrating women’s expertise and contributions to community and family
o Building networks for action across Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth

The Women’s Gathering will include:

o A great keynote speaker
o Small and large group workshops
o Discussion groups and plans for action
o Music, fun, information, resources
o Good food and good company!

The Women’s Gathering has space for 80 participants from Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth. There is no cost for this event and lunch is provided. Honorariums are available for women needing assistance with childcare and/or transportation costs. Women who need transportation should contact the organizers for assistance.