Rooted in the past...

For more than 110 years, Women's Institute (WI) Members have actively worked together for the betterment of Members' families, homes and communities. Their original focus - domestic science education - quickly expanded to include personal growth opportunities, government lobbying and health and community wellness initiatives.

The Federated Women's Institutes of Ontario (FWIO) was organized in 1919 giving Branch Members a stronger voice as a united group. Since then, FWIO's educational programs and social events have created new opportunities for rural and urban women, locally and provincially.

Looking to the future...

Today, FWIO focuses on high-quality education and support programs and services to:

• assist and encourage women to become more knowledgeable and active citizens

• promote and develop integral family life skills

• discover, stimulate and develop leadership

• identify and resolve diverse needs in communities.

The ROSE Program

Become a Member of FWIO and become a part of rural Ontario sharing education. The ROSE (rural ontario sharing education) Program, a province-wide initiative, provides Members and rural communities in Ontario with vital health and social service information featuring the resources and programs of FWIO's Partners.

The ROSE Program will help to:

• enhance personal skills and knowledge

• improve the status of women and their families

• increase awareness of important health and social issues

• provide resources for the prevention and treatment of disease and health related problems.

Membership gives you great opportunities

While the ROSE Program works toward a healthy physical and mental environment, membership with FWIO also enables you to:

• create programs that strengthen families and communities
• share fun and friendship at regular meetings
• advocate for change through resolutions, briefs and letters to key influencers
• identify and act on local, national and global issues
• develop and hone leadership skills at workshops and demonstrations
• interpret and record local history in Tweedsmuir History Books
• do much, much more.

Along with the fellowship and educational opportunities and resources, FWIO Members receive the organization's newsletter, Home & Country ROSE Garden, have full voting privileges and can participate in workshops and other provincial events. FWIO offers Members access to the Hospitality Homes Program, as well as a variety of scholarships to assist both Members and students in furthering their education.

Be Active! Be Involved! Be a Member!

For more information on becoming a Member click here.

To join the Women's Institute today click here.