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Membership

The St. John’s Status of Women Council (SJSOWC) opened in 1972, and was followed in 1973 by the St. John’s Women’s Centre, making it the oldest, member-owned women’s centre in Canada. In the ensuing four decades, we’ve been at the heart of substantive legislative and social change in this province.

But our work is far from done. Today, we are passionate about wage parity, childcare, women in leadership, feminism, anti-violence work, and sex worker rights. If these are passions you share, join us. We need your interest, your voice, your skills, and your passion, if we are to continue to make the world a better place for all of us.

Membership Types

  • Full Member – Waged

    A woman who supports the aims and objectives of SJSOWC (as expressed in the Mission Statement) and pays the annual membership fee may apply to become a Full Member. A Full Member can vote at the SJSOWC Annual General Meeting. If you are unemployed, a senior, or a student, you may apply as unwaged. Otherwise, you qualify as waged. Annual fee: $20  (reoccurring)

    $20.00Add to cart

  • Full Member – Unwaged

    A woman who supports the aims and objectives of SJSOWC (as expressed in the Mission Statement)  and pays the annual membership fee may apply to become a Full Member. A Full Member can vote at the SJSOWC Annual General Meeting. If you are unemployed, a senior, or a student, you may apply as unwaged. Otherwise, you qualify as waged. Annual fee:  $5  (reoccurring)

    $5.00Add to cart

  • Membership – Groups

    An organization that formally agrees with the SJSOWC’s Mission and Values, has demonstrated that it seeks equality for women through direct services, policy, advocacy or other stated means, and pays the $20 annual membership fee may apply to be a Group Member. A Group is restricted from voting at the Annual General Meeting. Annual fee: $20 (reoccurring)

    $20.00Add to cart

  • Supporting Member

    Any other person who supports the aims and objectives of SJSOWC (as expressed in the Mission Statement) and pays the annual membership fee, may apply to be a Supporting Member. A Supporting Member is restricted from voting at the Annual General Meeting. Annual fee: $5  (reoccurring)

    $5.00Add to cart

WHAT MEMBERSHIP MEANS

We all have a vital role to play in the fight for equality, rights, and justice in Newfoundland and Labrador. As a Member of the SJSOWC, you’ll be at the heart of the action as we provide opportunities for you to:

  • Join us at a variety of events
  • Support and help spread awareness of our campaigns
  • Take part in training opportunities
  • Contribute your expertise or time
  • Contribute to our policy positions
  • Be a part of building the women’s movement in this province

We’ll keep you informed on all these opportunities through our Member eNewsletter.

Membership also means you’ll be part of an organization that has created real, significant change in our community. Here are just a few highlights from our last forty years.

Alongside other women’s groups:

  • The Council lobbied and changed the Jury Duty Reform Act, allowing women to sit on juries for the first time.
  • We helped enact the Matrimonial Property Act, legislation that recognized the equal division of property upon separation or divorce. It also ensures that widowed women and men can now inherit the matrimonial home.
  • Upon learning of cuts to funding to the Status of Women council, we occupied the office of the Secretary of State, a protest that then spread across the country.
  • The Council actively promotes participation of women in politics and other leadership positions, including holding learning sessions on how to organize and run campaigns.
  • For the first time in many instances, the Council spoke out and brought media focus to previously taboo issues, including: sexism in education, the workplace, and the media; and, about women’s health and reproductive rights.
  • The Council opened the first transition house in St. John’s for women fleeing domestic violence (now knows as Iris Kirby House), and the first Rape Crisis Centre.
  • Perhaps our greatest achievement was fighting for and ensuring equality was clearly embedded in our Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
  • We created and currently maintain The St. John’s Women’s Centre, Marguerites Place Supportive Housing, and Safe Harbour Outreach Project.

Ready to join us? Apply today! If you have any questions, please email membership@sjwomenscentre.ca or call (709) 753-0220.