BRAMPTON-MISSISSAUGA CHAPTER
2010 Report

 The GTA West Chapter began 2010 with approximately ten paid members. Members attended meetings, workshops, family socials and events organized by neighboring chapters and community organizations. However, in the second half of the year, several members left and our activities decreased markedly.

MUSLIM MARRIAGE CONTRACT KIT
The GTA West Chapter held a successful Muslim Marriage Contract workshop on Sunday, May 16, 2010 at the Mississauga Valley Community Center. The workshop was led by Adeela Qureshi and emceed by Zorida Shaw. Several members did excellent work as facilitators. Attendance was good and most guests gave positive remarks about the workshop and they left with a better understanding of Muslim marriage contracts. 

MUSLIM WOMEN IN BUSINESS
This was a major project planned for the spring of 2010. Our goal was to showcase enterprising Muslim women in small businesses with the objective of educating and motivating them. It was an excellent concept but due to unforeseen circumstances, the project had to be postponed to a later date.

NETWORKING
I had the honor of entertaining Janet Bauer, a visiting professor from Trinity College, Connecticut. Janet was working on a research project focusing on the activities of Muslim women?s organizations around the world. She voiced an interest in the activities of CCMW chapters. Fortunately, we were invited by Zanifa Ali to attend the London Chapter Potluck Meeting in May 2010. Everyone enjoyed an evening of great food and an interesting time sharing experiences with the professor.

In June 2010, chapter members attended the Afro Festival in Waterloo at the invitation of Saadia Gassim and Falahat Sheikh of the Waterloo Wellington Chapter. It was a fun cultural afternoon watching folk dances and sampling food from various parts of Africa.

Chapter members also participated in events held by REHMA Community Services, Noor Cultural Centre, Afghan Women Association and the Iranian Women association.

FUTURE PLANS
Our chapter name will be changed to Brampton-Mississauga Chapter beginning March 25, 2011. Our first priority is to increase membership and to make sure that the Muslim Women in Business project becomes a reality in 2011. We also plan to organize smaller social events where we will feature members involved in plays and storytelling. Finally, will continue networking and collaborating with neighboring chapters, community organizations and Islamic centers.

Asmah Kasim Elliott, President
Brampton-Mississauga Chapter
(Formerly GTA West Chapter)                                                                                                     March 25, 2011

The GTA West Chapter was established in November 2006 at the CCMW Conference / AGM in Gatineau, Quebec by Asmah Elliot. Up until January 2009, it was known as the Brampton Chapter, however over the years it has become apparent that there is increasing interest beyond Brampton. In order to encompass and serve areas in addition to Brampton, Georgetown, Caledon and Bolton, the Chapter changed its name to CCMW GTA West.

The Chapter currently has approximately 10 dedicated executive members, who meet regularly and ensure that services are developed for GTA west. In 2010 the focus of the group is to aggressively reach out and work in tandem with organizations in the community, as well as undertake a concerted effort to understand the requirements and challenges faced by Muslim women. These efforts will help define and in turn develop services aligned to their particular needs. For more information on the activities of the chapter, please see the 2009 annual report.

Another goal of the chapter this year is to expand its membership base and as such we are always accepting new members who will help in providing services to women and become active participants in community activities. Please contact us if you are interested in joining CCMW GTA West.

2009 has been a very productive year for our Chapter with changes beginning with presidents and the chapter name.  Through regular monthly meetings and social events, his year also saw an increase in membership attendance and participation, greater team collaboration as well as enthusiasm to build a stronger and dedicated group.

The year began with a transition from founding President Asmah Kassim-Elliot to recommended new President Adeela Qureshi.  Next, in order to reach out and provide services to more women, the name of the chapter also changed the Brampton Chapter to the GTA West Chapter.

The year also started with a brainstorming session, where the chapter members decided on goals for the next few years, to align with the National Board.  These goals included:

• Increasing awareness of CCMW and our chapter

• Hosting social events

• Creating a repository of services for women to access

• Increasing participation and membership

• Raising funds for the chapter

The chapter has met many of its goals and is working hard on achieving the remaining goals over the next few years.  The CCMW GTA West Chapter accomplished the following goals this year.

• Increased awareness through creating a presence on Facebook, where events and meetings are publicized.

• Holding monthly meetings for team involvement and to create a social atmosphere.

• Organizing and holding two social events for members and those interested in CCMW.  A workshop on ?Stress and Mental Health? was organized and held in June 2009 and an Eid Dinner in October 2009.

In addition to holding events, socializing and increasing awareness, the CCMW GTA West Chapter has also supported many causes and attended events held by other chapters.  Some of the events attended by our chapter have been a dinner for Gaza, Rehma Tea, Women in Leadership High Tea.  Many team members also showed support through attending the High Tea by the Waterloo Chapter. 

With the increase of member participation and to make CCMW GTA West reach all its goals over the next few years, the chapter will hold elections for the following roles.

• President

• Treasurer

• Secretary

• Communications Officer

• Event Planner

• 3 Executive members

A dedicated team that has worked hard to make this year a success.   With more executive members and continued passion for success, this team will most likely ensure that all goals for this chapter are achieved in the upcoming years.  The team will also make improvements and enhancements as to provide empowerment to women in Canada, in alignment with the CCMW National goals. 

Adeela Qureshi

November 26, 2009