Staffs WIs debate proposals for change
An important process is underway for Women's Institutes across England, Wales and the islands - the annual debate on which a member's proposal will become the latest in a proud history of campaigns.
Staffordshire Federation of Women's Institutes started their debate at Weston Village Hall last weekend and followed it with one online for those who could not attend in person.
There are four very different proposals to consider this year:
- Let's Talk about Incontinence - the need to evaluate services and treatments
- Bystanders can be Lifesavers - provision of training on CPR and using defibrillators
- Join the Repair Revolution - passing on sewing skills to reduce clothes going to landfill
- Eliminate Landfill of Medication Packaging - enable more recycling of blister packs
WI members will now deliberate the pros and cons of these proposals and cast their individual vote. Once collated, the results of the national vote will start the second phase of the process, when individual WIs will debate whether to support the winning proposal.
The Women's Institute has never shied away from discussing difficult subjects - in recent years it has been instrumental in the setting up of the All-Party Parliamentary Group looking at reducing microplastics from washing clothes.
Staffordshire Federation is to raise awareness of the current national campaign that Dental Health Matters when their tree, decorated with toothbrushes and toothpaste, will be displayed at the Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary's Collegiate Church, Stafford between 4 and 10 December.
For more information on the Women's Institute, visit nfwi.org and for information on Staffordshire Federation of Women's Institutes, go to sfwi.org where there is a link to their Facebook page.
