December 13, 2013 – Check out the latest news from the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS), including plans for International Women’s Day 2014, new Leaders’ Tips from Catherine Gosselin-Després, a new CS4L Project, Lunch and Learn Events, Celebrations, and more.
1. CAAWS at a Glance
International Women’s Day 2014 – International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8, recognizes the social, political and economic achievements of women while focusing world attention on areas requiring further action. “Inspiring Change” is the 2014 theme, calling on both women and men to challenge the status quo while being vigilant to inspire positive change. CAAWS is confirming plans with several partners to celebrate International Women’s Day with events across the country – stay tuned for more information. How will you be celebrating girls and women in your community?
Awards and Recognition – Applications/nominations are now closed for CAAWS’ Most Influential Women List of 2013, the Women in Sport Encouragement (WISE) Fund, and the Marion Lay “Herstorical” Breakthrough Award. Thank you to everyone who contributed. Honourees and grant recipients will be announced in the new year.
2. New Leaders’ Tips : Catherine Gosselin-Després
As part of CAAWS’ Women and Leadership Network, the Leaders’ Tips series provides advice and insight from women leaders in Canada’s sport and physical activity sector on a variety of issues. This month, Catherine Gosselin-Després, who has played a leadership role in Canada’s synchronized swimming community since 2005, writes about building support for organizational change. Read Catherine’s Tips, and others.
CAAWS’ Women and Leadership Network was created to support the involvement of women leaders in sport and physical activity across the country. The Network has been designed as the go-to place where members can connect, build their skills, share ideas, discuss issues, find solutions and take action.
3. New CS4L Project – Actively Engaging Women and Girls Across Ontario
CAAWS’ new Canadian Sport for Life project is now rolling! With support from the Ontario Sport and Recreation Communities Fund, the project will increase the participation and leadership of women and girls. Building on CAAWS’ publication “Actively Engaging Women and Girls: Addressing the Psycho-Social Factors” (a supplement to the Canadian Sport for Life foundation documents) the project involves a number of strategies to enhance policy, practice, program and service delivery in communities across the province during 2013-2015.
Incentive Grants – Call for Applications
Ten incentive grants are available to Ontario-based organizations interested in addressing the psycho-social factors that impact women and girls’ participation in sport and physical activity through participation, leadership or capacity building projects. Applications will be accepted on February 20th; June 20th, and October 20th. Download the application.
FREE Webinar Series
CAAWS’ “Webinar Wednesdays” series is designed as information sessions for Ontario-based community, regional and provincial sport and physical activity organizations.
*Wednesday, January 22, 2014 Creating Inclusive Environments for Women and Girls
Drawing on findings from CAAWS’ CS4L publication, “Actively Engaging Women and Girls: Addressing the Psycho-Social Factors”, this webinar will review factors that can enhance or limit the participation and leadership of women and girls. The webinar will help service providers to gain a better understanding of how to create positive programs and inclusive environments on the playground, in competitive settings, and around the board table, contributing to the success of all.
*Participation in this webinar is recommended for organizations interested in submitting an application for the CAAWS Incentive Grants (see above). Register for the January 22 webinar
4. CAAWS Lunch and Learn Events – Ottawa ON
CAAWS’ Lunch and Learn events are professional development and networking events that bring together women working and volunteering in Ottawa’s sport and physical activity community. Mark your calendar to ensure you don’t miss the next event on February 5, 2014 – Dina Bell-Laroche, a Partner at the Sport Law and Strategy Group and coach to a U14 girls soccer team, will share her experiences and lessons learned on the field of play as a coach, mentor and leader.
Thank you to Karen O’Neill, CEO Canadian Paralympic Committee, whose presentation on December 4th, inspired participants with personal stories and wise advice. The last two events have sold out – register early! Register for the February 5th event.
Upcoming CAAWS Events
January 29-30, 2014
CAAWS’s presentation about Actively Engaging Women and Girls – Moving Towards Sustained and Embedded Action
Canadian Sport for Life National Summit (CS4L)
Gatineau, QC
February 5, 2014
CAAWS Lunch and Learn with Dina Bell-Laroche
Ottawa, ON
March 8, 2014
International Women’s Day
Various sites-events on Friday March 7, 2014
For more information and other upcoming events visit our calendar
Celebrations
Congratulations to:
– Sharon Bollenbach has been appointed CEO of Special Olympics Canada effective December 16, 2013.
– Chantal Petitclerc, Marion Lay and Donna Spencer have joined Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame’s Honoured Member Selection Committee.
– Jennifer Joyce named to International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Athletes’ Commission
– Karen Newman and Liz Hoffman recognized for their outstanding volunteer contributions to the game of golf by the golf Association of Ontario (GAO)
– Bryna Kopelow and Jennifer Fenton, Leaders of Action Schools! BC, which won a 2013 PHE Canada Health Promoting Schools Champion Award
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