2011 Annual Report – International Relations
International Relations Standing Committee
Velma Harasen, Chairperson
2011 Annual Report
The National Council of Catholic Women’s (NCCW) annual convention, with the theme Campaign for Human Dignity – Love in Action, was held in Chicago, Illinois. The convention began with a special healing retreat focussing on our relationship with Mary and her love for us. There were a number of speakers and workshops dealing with the theme. The NCCW representative to the United Nations Augusta Van Duzen and World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations (WUCWO) Vice-President for North America Maribeth Stewart both presented reports.
The WUCWO Web site was upgraded and a regional office was opened in Ghana. WUCWO Treasurer General Joann Hillebrand reported having in excess of $600,000 in the working fund as the result of a large bequest and over $100,000 profit from the general assembly in Jerusalem. There is over $120,000 in the U.S. Endowment Fund and up to $38,000 is received annually from the Canadian Endowment Fund.
Luba Kowalchyk of the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League of Canada continued as Canada’s representative to WUCWO. She submitted reports as well as an article for The Canadian League. WUCWO monthly newsletters were posted on the national Web site.
The League submitted the names of two nominees to serve as members of Canada’s delegation to the 55th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, neither of whom were accepted.