In May, I had the opportunity to attend YWCA Canada's Annual Members Meeting (AMM) alongside YWCA Toronto’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Heather McGregor, fellow board members, and directors, hosted by YWCA Quebec. This year’s AMM showcased a powerful display of leadership in action and left me with a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.
Here is a glimpse into what stood out for me:
The theme, “Thriving Together: Local Solutions for National Impact,” perfectly captured the spirit of the gathering. We heard from YWCA member associations across the country, each doing impactful work in their local communities, and we engaged in thoughtful panel discussions focused on key topics such as Reconciliation through relationship building, innovative housing solutions, and child care. It was particularly insightful to learn how member associations are integrating land-based learning, Indigenous cultural programming, and decolonization practices into their services. We explored the bold approaches to shelter and affordable housing being led by YWCA member associations across the country and were left with new ideas and considerations. And, we reaffirmed the critical importance of accessible, affordable child care, not only as a tool for economic empowerment but also as a means of advancing gender justice and preventing gender-based violence. Each of these panels really demonstrated how our services take critical and interconnected paths towards achieving gender equity.
The keynote address by Léa Clermont-Dion, Canadian author and television and radio host, was deeply moving. She shared her personal journey within Canada’s feminist movement and her advocacy for gender equity, social justice, and the fight against sexual assault and cyberviolence. We were given a sneak peek of her upcoming film, Backlash, Misogyny in the Digital Age, on cyberviolence and heard about her ongoing efforts to combat online hate and support women and girls. Her story powerfully illustrated how “the personal is political.”
The Recognition Awards Dinner was a joyful and heartwarming celebration. YWCA staff members received certificates and awards for their years of service, and we honoured the powerful legacies of two CEOs, including our very own Heather McGregor. CEOs from across the movement gave touching speeches, reflecting on Heather’s contributions, dedication, and the impact she has made throughout her years of service to the YWCA movement. She received her well-deserved flowers in a room filled with love, gratitude, and celebration.
Beyond the regular business of the meeting, we also enjoyed a scenic tour of Quebec City aboard a double-decker bus, which made the experience even more special. Led by a knowledgeable tour guide, we learned about the history and beauty of Quebec City. On the first day, we were also able to tour part of YWCA Quebec and explore their beautiful facility. There, we learned that YWCA Quebec has tremendous support from local volunteers to operate many of its programs and services, including their social enterprise – Ecoboutique – a thrift-style consignment store.
Overall, I truly enjoyed my AMM experience. I learned so much about the depth and breadth of the YWCA’s work, and I left feeling incredibly proud to serve on YWCA Toronto’s Board of Directors. This experience deepened my commitment to YWCA’s mission, and I remain dedicated to advancing equity, rights and freedoms, and wellbeing for women, girls and gender diverse people. It is a privilege to be part of such a transformative and inspiring movement.
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Aniska Graver serves on YWCA Toronto’s Board of Directors. Aniska Graver is a public policy professional with more than four years of experience working with municipal and provincial governments. She has extensive experience in research and policy analysis, particularly in the areas of gender equity.