Our Network

Council Structure

There are several ways for you to become involved in Council work:
– join an existing Council close to where you live
– join as an individual member of NCWC
– form a Study Group, if there are not sufficient numbers of members to form a local Council.

Generally, Local Councils of Women and Study Groups focus on local issues, and Provincial Councils of Women focus on provincial issues. Both provincial and local councils carry the same voting strength at National Council meetings.
There are governance documents, such as the Constitution, By-Laws, Standing Rules, and a Procedures manual, which are regularly reviewed and updated.

The Board of Directors are nominated and elected by the grass roots members and consist of 8 members – President, Past President, Vice Presidents, and Treasurer.

Convenors of committees are also nominated and selected from the grass roots. There are several committees, each with its own Convenor. Examples of these committees include Seniors, Children and Youth, Health, Social Development, Public Safety, and Environment.

There are also Administrative Committees such as Archives, Constitution, Resolutions, and Finance. Additional Special Committees may be set up at any time according to need, such as participation in Campaign 2000, a Canada wide Committee focusing on alleviating child poverty.

Another important aspect of Council is the membership of Nationally Organized Societies (NOS). National Organizations that include both men and women may join the National Council of Women, but generally a woman represents that organization on Council.

Provincial Councils of Women

To be recognized by the National Council of Women of Canada, the group must consist of a minimum of three organizations, have filed an official application to the NCWC President, and have been approved by the full voting membership at the Annual General Meeting.

Each Provincial Council of Women is a member of the NCWC Voting Body, receiving a weighted vote of 10, through either the Council President or her designate. PCWs are responsible for matters involving legislation under provincial jurisdiction, assisting in organizing new Local Councils of Women, and supporting NCWC projects within the province. PCWs are autonomous in dealing with provincial matters within the framework of the Constitution.

PCWs receive regular Council mailings, the Annual Report, and the ‘News from National’. PCWs will be asked to submit a report of their activities to the NCWC for the Annual Report and are encouraged to submit items to the NCWC office for distribution to the Council mailing list.

Provincial Councils of Women speak on behalf of Local Councils of Women and the provincial voluntary organizations that are affiliated with them.

Information About Local Councils of Women

Local Councils of Women (LCW) are made of local organizations and individual members. They are involved in local projects and national issues through their work with the Conveners of the NCWC Committees and the Resolution process. Most hold monthly meetings and offer a wide variety of interesting and educational programs.

Each LCW is a member of the NCWC voting body, receiving a weighted vote of 10, through either the Council President or her designate

LCWs receive regular Council mailings, the Resolutions Package, the Nomination and Election Package, Notice of the Annual Conference and AGM, and the ‘News from National’. They carry out the work of NCWC in their areas and are autonomous in dealing with local issues in the framework of the NCWC Constitution. They can make direct approaches to MLAs or MPs in their area on matters of local concern. Local Councils may establish committees that usually parallel the national committees. Convenors of local committees are encouraged to contact and work with the national Convenors on areas of mutual concern and to involve themselves in the national committees’ work.

To form a Local Council of Women, at least three organizations signify their intent, and they contact the Membership Convenor who shall review with them the outline in the Procedures Manual for joining or federating with the NCWC. Upon completion of this process, the President, at the next Annual Meeting, shall acknowledge and welcome the new Federate member. In provinces where there are Provincial Councils of Women, the NCWC Membership Convenor shall keep them informed.

Nationally Organized Societies (NOSs)

Nationally Organized Societies (NOS) are national organizations of women, or women and men, which have members in various parts of Canada, whose work is national in scope, and whose objectives are in harmony with those of the Council. If you are interested in learning more about how your organization can join, please contact the NCWC President at presncwc@gmail.com.

Provincial (PCW) & Local (LCW) Councils of Women

Nationally Organized Societies, Federates/Affiliates

International Council of Women (ICW)

U.N Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW)