CWL faces recruitment problems

By Frank Flegel

SWIFT CURRENT, Sask. — Members of the Regina Archdiocesan CWL attending the 87th annual convention in Swift Current April 25 - 26 discussed the problem of recruiting members to leadership positions. That it is a continuing issue among most councils became obvious when archdiocesan president Mary Bybliw asked how many councils have that problem and almost every hand among the 250 members shot up. It was also noted that two positions on the archdiocesan executive were vacant.

The agenda called for a presentation by three councils on the notion of co-chairs as one solution and it carried over to what else could be done.

Lottie Wihak of St. Henry’s Council from Qu’Appelle-Melville described what they had done after their council came to a standstill six years ago. Everyone approached had the usual reasons not to serve so the council tried putting two people in one position. Sharing worked and continues to work after four years.

There was a generation difference between Wihak and her co-chair, she said, but that wasn’t a problem. “We became friends. She blossomed. It was a positive experience.”

Several other councils spoke up during the discussion, most expressing a positive experience of sharing the senior leadership position. One council said there were a few problems in their experience but it worked out. “It gives a potential candidate time to learn.”

Others suggested they do whatever it takes to make things work. “We alternated meetings in each others home,” said one member, describing how they conducted their meetings and shared responsibilities. That discussion led to a discussion on recruiting new members.

National president-elect Velma Harasen of Regina suggested emphasizing the good things the CWL does. “Be positive and that will get new members,” she said.

Others suggested emphasizing the fun the members have in working together and living the faith. Bybliw said the CWL has a reputation of being an organization of older women but when she asked if members consider themselves old she received a rousing “No” in response.

Harasen said the CWL nationally now has 96,850 members, including 6,000 new members. However, 8,000 did not renew. Saskatchewan has 8,041 members, including 365 who are new, but 499 did not renew their memberships. An incentive program is being developed that should encourage more effort in recruiting new members, Harasen said.

All executive members remain in place for the second year of their two-year commitment.