LEADERSHIP COURSES

It is a far cry and a long haul from the first meeting in 1920 of the Provincial Board of Prince Edward Island Women’s Institutes to the ten regular Board meetings of 1979, to say nothing of all the extra committee meetings in between, with heavy agendas that occupy a full working day.

Initially, the executive learned on their own and through experience the techniques required by their positions. With the rapid growth of the organization, it became evident that it was imperative to train future leaders to form a nucleus of well-informed women within the organization. Accordingly, in 1948, Mrs. Helen Herring was appointed Chairman of a committee to arrange for a workshop. All past presidents and the then Board of Directors were invited to meet in the Chamber of the Legislative Assembly, Province House, for instruction in parliamentary procedures, policy making, and working with govern- ment committees. Through discussion groups, demonstrations, and talks, the members present shared their knowledge, and all learned together a most profitable and worthwhile beginning in training for future roles.

In 1952 it became the policy within the Prince Edward Island Women’s Institutes to hold annual training sessions for the officers of the local branches. At each session the duties of the president, secretary and treasurer were outlined. Also included in the sessions were correct business procedures, processing of motions, reporting, accounting and other details within the administrative framework of the branch In- stitute.

First Leadership Course -1948

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