EDUCATION & HEALTH COMMUNIQUES

Chair of the Standing Committee (2010-2011): Pam De Luca

Greetings Sisters in the League:

Let me begin by introducing myself to those who I did not get to meet at the Provincial Convention this summer. I have been a CWL member since 1997. I am a charter member of St. Thomas More Council in Edmonton and have held President-elect (charter position), president, and Community Life positions. At the Diocesan level I served two terms: Spiritual Development Chairperson and Community Life Chairperson. I served one term as a Field worker for the diocesan council. I was appointed to the Education & Health position at the provincial level in January 2010. I am married with two married children and three adorable grandchildren. I work part-time as a retired registered nurse.

September brings us to new beginnings of service in the League. September is also Ovarian Cancer Month. This is a good time to review Resolution 2004.09 Ovarian Cancer or contact the national Ovarian Cancer association <www.ovariancanada.org> at 1-866-591-6622 to order “ Listen to the Whispers” a 60 minute educational film program about Ovarian cancer. Perhaps the diocesan council can purchase this film and circulate it to the councils.

Once again the issue of euthanasia has reared its head in Quebec. Perhaps you would like to review Resolution 2007.03 Hospice Palliative Care: An Integral Component of the Canadian Health Care System. This issue will NOT disappear even if the Bill was defeated. We must be vigilant.

There are two articles in the Winter 2010 issue of The Canadian League magazine that I highly suggest you read and perhaps act on. The first is written by Velma H. (our new National president) and Cecile M. called “Report of the Coady Study Tour.” It gives real insight into the benefits of our support of this program.

The next article is “An Open Letter to CWL Members” written by Debra L. regarding the Buy-A-Net malaria prevention program. This program was introduced to the League in 2007. It has made huge inroads into the prevention of malaria in Africa. Perhaps these two programs could serve as a charitable focus .

Congratulations to the CWL members of the Calgary Diocese regarding the appointment of the first ever professor for St. Mary’s CWL Chair. What a huge undertaking this has been and will continue to be in the future, I'm sure.

I am happy to report 18 new schools have been opened in the province. If you wish to be kept abreast of the Educational status in our province go to Government of Alberta Education <www.education.alberta.ca> or go to Government of Alberta Inspiring Education <www.inspiringeducation.alberta.ca> to obtain an online copy of the Educational Steering Committee Report, which was released in June 2010 by Education Minister Dave Hancock.

Past National President Marie C. brought forward information regarding a program called “Cleaning for a Reason.” It is a program that offers free housecleaning to women currently undergoing cancer treatment. I checked this out with the Cancer Society here in Edmonton and they concurred that this program is legit. For more information you may contact this program via <www.cleaningforareason.org> or call toll free 1-877-337-3348 for information in your area.

For those interested in learning more about what is going on in our health care system go to Alberta Health and Wellness at <www.health.alberta.ca>. It will give you the latest communications from the health minister and other useful information.

For those interested in obtaining better computer skills you can contact “Know It Sooner Computer Training” by  e-mailing <info@knowitsooner.com> to inquire about programs near you. This is an Edmonton-based organization, but I believe that Joanne S. may be willing to conduct a course or two at a facility near you. Some of the courses available in Edmonton this fall are: Home Budgeting with Excel; Windows File Management; Excel & Word Level 1; Power point Level 1; Seniors Introduction & Intermediate. They also have Webinars. To register go to their website. One on One training is also available.
-Pam

CWL members in the Province of Alberta are eager and willing participants in the Education and Health of their membership and the general public, through their involvement in community schools, trustees on the Catholic School Boards; volunteering in various organizations -- in local schools, hospitals, senior residences.

Councils from across the province have been active in the promotion of Education of students from kindergarten to post-secondary grades by financial and prayerful assistance. They have given scholarships, bursaries and awards. One diocese reports the distribution of $10,710.00 in scholarships and bursaries. As one report stated, this is a “way to keep the profile” of CWL “among the young.” Councils have assisted with providing hot lunches, volunteered in classrooms, provided educational materials and participated in fundraising. Of special interest to some is the Jean Forest Leadership Academy and St. Mary’s chair. They have given awards for Christian Action, Religious Studies; and participated in programs such as Education as a Second Language to help immigrants and foreign priests learn English.

Members have educated themselves through post-secondary programs, both at schools or online in various fields such as pastoral care, liturgical studies, bible studies, computer skills, pharmacy education and upgrading in the medical fields. Members are encouraged to access funding from the CWL bursary to assist with financial needs.

Health care issues such as H1N1 were foremost this year but diabetes, stroke and heart attack prevention; healthy eating and exercise were also common themes. BillC-384 was widely reported as an interest and action-provoking issue. Members assisted as volunteers at flu clinics, blood donor clinics and breast health clinics. They volunteered in palliative care facilities, senior residences; and gave assistance to pregnant teens. Education and Health guest speakers; handouts, videos and presentations were employed by councils to spread the message of healthy living. Letters were written regarding BillC-384 and also to thank the Premier of the province for his support of Catholic Education.

CWL members were in the forefront of environmental issues by stressing recycling, reusing and reducing waste materials.

At the conclusion of this report, special recognition must be given to a member of St Joseph’s College Council at the University of Alberta in Edmonton ... Angela Espejo. This young nursing student went to Ghana as one of six students in an inter-professional course on Global Citizenship. Her report on the trip will be posted on the next e-newsletter in a “Member Speaks” segment. It is an inspiration to all who are advocates of Education & Health and what it means to be a CWL member.