A focus on change and transformation was the theme at the Scottish Women’s Institutes Annual General Meeting on Saturday 28th May 2022.
In her address to 160 members, SWI President Anne Kerr explained how COVID has significantly contributed to the decline in membership levels across Scotland, and the importance of making changes to the organisation now if we are to survive for future generations.
Members had the opportunity to ask questions during the online meeting which sparked a lively discussion about the draft strategy currently under consultation with members. We then heard from auditor Kenny McDowell, who presented the 2021 annual accounts and reinforced the strategic concern of membership decline.
To conclude the formal part of the AGM business, Anne announced the trophy winners from the Federation Annual Reports for 2021 as:
We were then delighted to be joined by our guest speaker Pinar Asku from Maryhill Integration Network in Glasgow, who provided a fascinating talk about the community work and creative activities they are doing to ensure much-needed support for asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants. We look forward to exploring potential working with Maryhill Integration Network in Glasgow.
Our newly designed annual general meeting included a membership panel session, led by a group of members from across Scotland's institutes. Each group member gave a 5-minute presentation about their institute's successes, from fundraising applications to sourcing funding and embracing change - a positive end to the event.
We wish to thank all who generously helped make this event possible; our facilitators, speakers, and of course all the members who took the time to attend and participate.
If you missed the event, you could watch the event in full by clicking on the link:
https://youtu.be/KOIzIv4N2hc
Alternatively, if you would like to carry on the conversation, or have any questions, please get in touch by emailing: future@theswi.org.uk and we will get back to you as soon as possible.