IODE Canada

WHAT'S NEW

PRESS RELEASES

MESSAGE FROM THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT

Making Connections … the Key to the Future

The Right Honourable Michäelle Jean, former Governor General of Canada, is quoted as saying: “Humanity’s future is inextricably linked to the everyday efforts of women in their communities. It is imperative that we pool our strengths and resources to ensure they are fully empowered to be leaders.”

Canadian history records that, in 1900, one woman made an enormous difference to the scope of humanitarian charitable work in Canada and the British Empire. Margaret Polson Murray was 55 years old when her clear vision, strength and determination began a monumental movement to form the Federation of the Daughters of the Empire, today known as IODE. She was a renowned social reformer and community leader who gathered the strength and resources of women across Canada and the Empire to unite their patriotism with the purpose of prompt and united action during the time of the Boer War.

Mrs. Murray’s greatest contribution, as secretary of the Federation, was during the summer of 1900 when she created a significant, time-consuming body of work. She formulated the foundation of IODE by writing not only a detailed Constitution for the organization outlining its aims and structure, but procedures for meetings, advice on how to form new chapters and suggestions for projects to undertake. By making connections to women and patrons, writing as many as 500 letters a day and sending innumerable cables and postcards, her hard work resulted in enormous growth of the organization, making it the largest federation of women in the British Empire. Margaret Polson Murray was a phenomenal woman who, in a very short time, made an enormous impact and changed the way our society responds to assisting individuals in need in the areas of educational programs, community services and citizenship projects.

“The purpose of a woman's life is to make the best possible contribution to the generation in which she is living”, so said Louise McKinney, one of Canada’s Famous Five.
While the foundation of IODE is clearly defined in writing, our structure is made up of women in chapters who contribute to their communities and support the ideals of our Founder as they volunteer to make a difference to Canadian society.

In order to assure the future of IODE, we must examine the history lesson of Margaret Polson Murray. That is, we need to make connections and seek ambassadors for IODE. This is the key to our future. Each member must promote the fact that IODE is needed in today’s society more than ever, and that, collectively, we must develop strategies to invite women of all ages to join IODE to carry on the legacy of Margaret Polson Murray.
What was true in the early part of the 20th century is certainly true today.

With best regards, yours respectfully,

Ann Dyer, National President

GET INVOLVED

IODE welcomes students and women of all ages to volunteer and help with our projects. Contact us to find out how you can join an IODE chapter or form a new chapter with ten or more of your friends.

IODE Canada is a national women’s charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals through education support, community service and citizenship programs.

WHAT'S NEW

PRESS RELEASES

MESSAGE FROM THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT

Making Connections … the Key to the Future

DONATE

SUPPORT IODE THROUGH AFFINITY PHONE PLAN

JOIN IODE

GET INVOLVED

IODE Canada is a national women’s charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals through education support, community service and citizenship programs.