Engendering Change: Women's Rights in a Developing World November 11, 2006

The 2006 Regional Assembly will be held the weekend of November 11th & 12th in the loft (third floor) of the Albert Community Centre (610 Clarence Avenue South) in Saskatoon. The entire program is open to all Oxfam Canada members, volunteers and supporters in Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

This year you will be able to participate in interactive workshops conducted by Oxfam Canada staff members and those of our partner organizations. The principal focus throughout the weekend will be upon the new strategic direction that is being articulated by Oxfam Canada and which will serve to guide overseas programs and campaigns in Canada alike. Oxfam Canada is proud to adopt women’s rights as our thematic focus. In adopting this theme, our objective is to empower women so that they have the capacity, tools and legislation to promote and defend their rights.

We hope that you will join with us to learn more about Oxfam Canada and to provide your input into the shaping of our direction for the years ahead and in particular for the upcoming year. It will be a great opportunity for you to meet Oxfam Canada personnel, your fellow Oxfam members and volunteers, gain further insights into Oxfam's overseas programming and national campaign work, and contribute in a meaningful way to building the organization's future.

Here are a few examples of the activities we have planned for you:

• A presentation on Oxfam's focus on the rights of women by our Executive Director, Robert Fox and opportunities to provide feedback to him and our Board of Directors

• Interactive workshops on HIV/AIDS, Gender Equality and Development facilitated by experts in these fields

• Workshops on administering effective fundraising initiatives, along with tips on how to organize an Oxfam campaign or event in your community


• Updates from Oxfam staff and volunteer groups on campaigns, educational outreach and fundraising activities in the region

• An unveiling of exciting and user-friendly web-based activist tools

Members will also have the opportunity to elect representatives to our Regional Steering Committee, elect delegates for the upcoming National Assembly in Ottawa (May 11 -13th 2007), or even run in these elections yourself! Additional elections information is enclosed for your review; some regarding elections that will occur at the Regional Assembly, and other information pertaining to elections which will take place in early 2007. For those supporters who have not yet registered as members, you can register at the Assembly. For more information about membership, please contact [email protected] .

Enclosed is a registration form that we ask you to return to us via regular post, fax, or email by October 27th. Limited travel subsidies are available to enable members to participate. If you require a subsidy or any other assistance, please indicate so on your registration form. If you have any questions regarding the Regional Assembly, registrations, or elections, please contact Deanna Ogle at (306) 242-4097 or email [email protected] . Additional information about Regional Assembly activities will be sent to participants and posted on Oxfam's website in the coming weeks. Please see the enclosed draft agenda for further details.

Whether you are interested in Oxfam Canada governance, on-the-ground overseas programs or our Canadian campaigns, and whether you are new to the organization or a long term supporter, please join us at this year's Regional Assembly to help make Oxfam a stronger and more vibrant organization. We need your support to continue to make an impact in our work to build lasting solutions to global poverty and injustice.

Official Website: http://oxfam.ca/