Building Inclusive CFUW OC Clubs: A Practical Action Guide

How do we ensure our CFUW Ontario Council Clubs are truly welcoming, accessible, and representative of the vibrant communities we serve across Ontario?

As our Clubs continue to advocate for women's rights, education, and social justice, expanding our outreach to women of diverse cultural, ethnic, and racial backgrounds, age groups, and abilities remains a vital priority. To support Club executive teams, membership chairs, and program committees, Ontario Council has created a comprehensive Club Diversity and Inclusion Action Guide.

Key highlights covered in the new guide include:

• Community Outreach & Partnerships: Showing up at local community events, inviting diverse businesswomen to present at monthly meetings, and utilizing public library spaces.

• Youth Engagement: Providing community service hour opportunities for high school students and inviting them and their families to year-end club events.

• Universal Accessibility: Ensuring physical meeting locations are fully accessible and proactively accommodating Deaf, hard-of-hearing, blind, and low-vision participants.

• Civic Advocacy: Supporting female political candidates on a non-partisan basis and building strong relationships with local women’s shelters.