Club changes focus over past 50 years
Elizabeth Bordeaux, Florence Sully and Linda Coyle hope young, educated women will join the Canadian Federation of University Women.
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Updated: June 30, 2009 1:27 PM
When Florence Sully, 90, joined the local chapter of the Canadian Federation of University Women in 1959 – its inaugural year – the club offered a chance to leave her young children at home and interact with other educated women.
The 32 members of the time jokingly called it "the tea and cookies club," because of its strong social aspect.
Now, however, the focus has changed.
Fifty years later – with more than 120 members – the club has a much more serious tone.
Along with advocacy groups that are active in fields such as public affairs, education and the environment, the chapter is dedicated to giving back to the community.
It does so through its One to One program, in which volunteers read to students at local elementary schools, and its annual giveaway of scholarships to Surrey and White Rock women entering their third year or higher of university.
As all the members have a degree, Gwen Arnold, member of five years, said they know how important education is.
"Education is the key to world peace. It is the key to the betterment of the world. If we can, in any way, raise the standards of any person, we're improving their lives."
While the club always had its hand in social issues (it staffed a family planning clinic in the '60s that offered the birth control pill to unmarried, underage women – a controversial initiative that some members disapproved of) it currently has a voice on the national and international stage as well.
CFUW is involved in national affairs and the International Federation of University Women has a global influence, with representatives in the United Nations.
"We're not a political group... but we advocate change, and we advocate change to benefit everyone, not just to benefit our group," Arnold said.
The club also has a lighter, fun side, with close to 30 interest groups that focus on everything from books and films to cycling and golf.
"I think it's an opportunity to engage in activities in which I have an interest in, and interact with people who have similar interests and values," said Linda Coyle, vice-president emerita of Kwantlen Polytechnic University and the newest member of the club.
Sully, one of just two charter members still active in the local chapter, has not only watched the club evolve and expand, but has also noticed a change in women's education.
When she graduated university, it was uncommon for women to have a degree; she suspects just two others from her high school class went on to earn one.
Elizabeth Bordeaux, who has also noticed the change since joining the local chapter 45 years ago, said the club's challenge is to now attract the next generation.
Coyle agrees, noting CFUW's role in international issues may attract a younger crowd.
"The young people of today are a lot more active in community and global issues," she said. "They would be interested in making a difference globally, and that's part of the message that needs to get out."
As the club struggles to create a higher profile in the community, Arnold said some women may not know that there is more to the club than just socializing.
"It's different from when Florence joined. Now the young women tend to be working. We need to attract them not just for tea and cookies, we need to attract them on an intellectual basis.
"We're trying to broaden our wings."
To let people know they're here, and to celebrate 50 years in the community, Bordeaux said the club – the longest established and largest CFUW chapter in the area – has been having displays in local libraries, and will host a community concert at the Wheelhouse Theatre this October featuring Elektra Women's Choir.
"We're trying to get our word out to the public that we're here and we'd love to have you come out and join us."
For more information, visit www.cfuw-wrsurrey.org
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