Who we Are:

The Advocacy Committee advances the mission of CFUW Guelph by engaging with policymakers, raising awareness and partnering with local organizations to support women, gender equality and human rights initiatives. Our work builds on CFUW’s national and provincial resolutions and contributes to shaping inclusive and equitable communities.

What we are working on:

CFUW Guelph Resolution 2026 – Disinformation

We are in the process of writing a CFUW Resolution on the serious problem of Public Disinformation. The resolution will be submitted to CFUW to be voted on at the 2026 AGM.

Stay tuned for more information.

International Women’s Day 2026:

Join us for our annual International Women’s Day community celebration, Sunday March 8, 2026 from 11am–1pm at the Guelph Farmer’s Market (2 Gordon St.). 

We’ll be holding Guelph’s annual Women on the Bridge rally, as well as featuring performers, community art collaborations, workshops and more.

This event is brought to you by CFUW Guelph, G-W Women in Crisis, the YMCA-YWCA of Three Rivers and Zonta Guelph. 

It’s generously sponsored by the District 18 Status of Women Committee of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation.

 Snacks and beverages will be provided courtesy of Women That Give and CFUW Guelph. 

Free to attend…all are welcome!

Women in Politics

An issue of concern is the lack of diverse representation in our elected officials. CFUW Guelph promotes increased representation of women and diverse candidates in municipal, provincial and federal governments. We support initiatives that build confidence, skills and networks for women seeking public office.

Defending Democracy: Combating Misinformation and Disinformation:

Our world-the world we know- this world that is so familiar to us-this one we frequently take for granted is facing an existential threat that we ignore at great risk. A great risk-to ourselves-our children – our grandchildren, and generations to come.

We have watched in astonishment as our neighbour the United States has -in 60 days- come close to destroying their democratic institutions. If the judicial wall in the US fails -the country will be completely led by an authoritarian government, and democracy will be lost.

A 2022 report from Freedom House stated that only 20% of the world’s population lives in an actual democracy.

There are many complex factors that contribute to the decline of democracy. One significant factor is the prevalent use of disinformation influencing our thoughts and behaviours -lies and manipulation that flood us-especially through social media platforms.

Social media is all about engagement -how long users have been scrolling, clicking, commenting, and viewing ads. False, racist, violent, extreme posts spread 20 times faster online leading to 200% more engagement and a significant increase in revenue.

Currently efforts by social media to block and remove such malignant information- always inadequate at best -have now been virtually removed.

The Internet- this once marvellous, magical new invention -that promised, and indeed provided -vast libraries of knowledge, has become a system moving into our darkest corners and a true home for disinformation and its negative impact on society.

Challenging the problem of disinformation is complicated. It’s difficult. However, a first step could be considered to be our responsibility as individuals- to analyze what is being presented in all forms of media -to fact check -to check sources -to remain, determined not to spread false information ourselves.

Our CFUW Guelph advocacy group believes this issue is important and wants to develop strategies and resources that might assist each individual to be part of the fight against misinformation. A key pillar of a democracy is a shared understanding of facts. We are not powerless-we can make decisions -we have our voices. The question is what action will each of us take to protect the truth. 

Building on this, it’s important to recognize that the federal election campaign is now underway. With it comes a steady stream of information, opinions, and unfortunately, misinformation and disinformation.

One of the most effective things we can do is take a moment to fact-check what we see and hear.

The goal is simply to stay informed, stay curious and stay connected.

The challenge is real, but so is our collective power — as individuals, and as engaged citizens.

Published in CFUW ‘Club Action Newsletter’ March 28, 2025; and Guelph Mercury Online March 30, 2025

Guaranteed Liveable Basic Income

CFUW Guelph continues to advocate for a Guaranteed Liveable Basic Income for all Canadians, recognizing it as a tool to reduce poverty, support social justice and promote economic stability.

Activities Include:

• Awareness campaigns and public webinars
• Participation in a Fall Guelph Library Display
• Partnership with Basic Income Canada Network, Ontario Basic Income Network, UBI Works
• Engagement with Basic Income Guelph

Gender-Based Equality

Promoting gender-based equality is central to CFUW Guelph’s advocacy. The committee focuses on preventing gender-based violence, raising awareness, and supporting survivors through education, campaigns, and community events.

Community Events in 2025:

• Take Back the Night – Thursday, September 18. 6pm, Marianne’s Park, Guelph
• Draw the Line Event – Saturday, September 20, 10-1pm, Royal City Park, Guelph
• Orange Shirt Day & National Day for Truth and Reconciliation-September 30
• 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence-November 25-December 10

Resolutions

Resolutions are researched and proposed by CFUW clubs, or Provincial or National Boards. They are studied by the clubs, voted on at the club level, amended where necessary, and subsequently approved through a vote, at either the Ontario Council Annual General Meeting or the CFUW Annual General Meeting. 

These democratically adopted resolutions give CFUW National and the Ontario Council legitimacy to lobby and petition the federal or provincial governments on matters of importance to club members. Clubs may also petition their federal (MP), provincial (MPP) and municipal governments to advance the CFUW agenda at the local level.

Within CFUW Guelph, our Advocacy Committee coordinates and /or takes the lead on our club’s advocacy work, which includes participation in the annual review of national resolutions and from time to time, submission of resolutions from our own club.

Over the years, CFUW Guelph has successfully submitted important resolutions on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, and Universal Basic Income.

And Every Year we celebrate International Women’s day!!