The WI has a long history of campaigning on a wide range of issues that matter to women and their communities. Over the past 100 years, WI members have campaigned to empower and support women within society, exerting their individual and collective influence; brought a series of controversial issues into the public domain; and brought about many changes in legislation and government policy. These national campaigns, called ‘resolutions’ are voted on by all WI members each year.
At a local level, WIs are encouraged to support groups and charities that are important to their communities.
Resolution selection results announcement
The 2022/23 Resolution selection results are in!
Between November and February, every WI member had the chance to have their say on the shortlist and the resolution they would like to see go forward to the Annual Meeting on 25 May.
The results of the 2023 resolution shortlist selection are:
This year over 93,000 selections were cast.
The NFWI Board of Trustees has agreed to put forward the top (one) resolution to the Annual Meeting in June.
The wording of the resolution is as follows:
Clean rivers for people and wildlife
Water quality in our rivers is shameful. Legally, designated bathing waters must be regularly monitored for pollution. The NFWI urges its members, the wider public, local authorities and Government to make, support and promote applications for official designated bathing sites on appropriate stretches of rivers in their area. This will be as instrumental to the clean up of rivers as it has been for water quality improvement at coastal beaches.
What happens next?
Members now have the opportunity to learn more about the issues, and to discuss the resolution in their WIs before deciding how their Link delegate should vote at the Annual Meeting.
WIs and federations are also encouraged to hold discussion events to allow members to consider how they wish their delegate to vote. The NFWI will also be hosting a discussion event in April, you can read more and register here.
How does my WI cast our vote?
All WIs get one vote– for or against the resolution.
WIs may choose to give their link delegate discretion to decide how to vote after hearing the speakers and the debate at the Annual Meeting. Please ensure your WI makes it clear to your link delegate whether you are granting her discretion.
Federation Representatives and link delegates attending in-person will cast physical paper votes during the voting session. Federation Representatives and link delegates attending virtually will cast electronic votes via Electionbuddy during the voting session. Both physical voting papers and electronic voting links will be shared with Federation. Representatives and link delegates in advance of the meeting. No votes may be cast before or after the meeting
Download the full resolutions process timetable for 2022/23 here.
Sarah Merriman, President
March 2023