Connections  |  December 2017    
Every Woman's Place for Support, Connections and Community.
Help Us Stock Our Toy Room!

We are less than one week away from our Toy Room opening! Last year, we gave out over 3,500 gifts and are anticipating similar numbers this year. We are in great need of toys for ages 8 - 11 and gift cards for teens. 

Are you stuck on gift ideas? 
Around the Web
 
We Need Your Bags!
 
As we get closer to the holiday season, many women will turn to the Centre for support with their basic needs. We are in great need of bags to pack emergency food hampers (plastic and reusable). 

Please, save your plastic bags after grocery shopping or buying gifts for your loved ones and bring them down to the Women's Centre.

Call out for Volunteers
 
We currently have a lot of volunteer opportunities open for both women and men. 

Please check our website or the position descriptions below for more information. 

Take Action During the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence
 
16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence is a global campaign intended to bring awareness and challenge violence against women. The campaign, which runs every year, began on November 25 with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against women and wraps up on December 10 with Human Rights Day.

At the Women's Centre, the Work for Change team developed a 16 Days of Activism flip book to assist with ideas and actions for activism. Read the suggestions for all 16 days on our website. 

Girl Program Updates and What's Coming Up for 2018
 
This fall has been an exciting one for girl programs at the Women's Centre! With the successful launch of our junior high program, Girl Force, we now have programs for girls in grades 5-12, and the energy all these young people bring into the Women's Centre is something special. 

We are looking forward to moving into 2018 with plans for a girl-led conference in the works, and continuing to offer programming that responds to girls' needs and abilities. 

While our programs finish for the holidays on the dates below, we encourage new participants to join us in January!

Girl Power After School finishes Thursday, December 14 and will start again Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Girl Force finishes Tuesday, December 12 and will start again Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Girl Up finishes Monday, December 18 and will start again Monday, January 8, 2018

Contact Alexe or Sarah to sign up!

Please Support Our Important Work




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Introducing Women Lead YYC -  A Space Where Women Work For Change
In partnership with Community Development Learning Initiative, we are excited to announce Women Lead YYC , a five-week leadership program designed to equip women with the skills and connections necessary to work for change in their communities.

The program starts January 15, 2018, runs every Monday from 5:30-8:00pm and is open to any woman who is looking to build community, connect with others, and build on her skills. 

If you are interested in participating in this program, please write a short (200 - 400 word) email or cover letter detailing your background and interest in participating in this program, along with a current copy of your resume. Submit this package with the email header: "Women Lead YYC Application," to info@womenscentrecalgary.org. Application deadline: 5:00 pm, Monday December 11, 2017.

Details on the program are also available on our website, or through our blog. 
Thank You Volunteers for Your Continued Support

We recognize the work and dedication of the over 750 volunteers who deliver our programs. Through their skills, hard work, expertise, time and willingness to give back we are able to build a supportive and empowered community of women in Calgary.

Read more here about the amazing work of our volunteers. 
Upcoming Workshops 
 
Our workshops are free and open to all women. View and register for the December workshops online  here. 

Beginner Yoga | Wednesday, December 6, 6:00-7:30 pm
This class will be an introduction class for anyone new to yoga to learn simple and relaxing stretches. No previous yoga experience is necessary.

We're making greeting cards! Create a collection of cards to spread some cheer over the holidays. Examples will be available for inspiration, and all supplies will be provided. 

January Social Issues Discussion: Anti-Racism 101: Get Empowered to Confront Racism | Wednesday January 3, 6:00-8:00pm
Begin the New Year with new knowledge and tools to deal with racism that you may experience.  Become more empowered to confront and respond more effectively to both those you may know (family members, friends, co-workers...) or complete strangers who challenge us with racist comments, insinuations, jokes, jibes or dares, whatever form the racism takes.

Brenda Johnston is a Human Rights Educator with the Alberta Civil Liberties Research Council and one of the contributors to the online anti-racism resource CARED (Calgary Anti-Racism Education). She will take you through a highly informative and interactive session to help you in the future in navigating your way, more easily, through situations where racism is happening to you or others around you . 

Our Vision: Women Supporting Communities, Communities Supporting Women.