Women’s Institutes - Audrey Harrison

“Women of any nation have a special part to play

But it is hard to tell it in a simple sort of way.

Good wives and  mothers they must be but that is not enough

For should they not smooth the road for those who find it hard?

Only by understanding can this special set be wrought

Friendship grows through understanding – Friendship can't be bought.

Differences of opinion often keep good friends away

But differences of opinion have often won the day.

Great minds have always thought quite differently to us all

And great minds sometimes come to life in homes both poor and small.

You don't like the life she leads? You do not like her style?

Take time to understand her mind and it will prove worthwhile.

The gathering of the Institutes will then fulfillment show

If only helping us to see and teaching us to know.

That though we each can air our views and each can have our say

To listen to another's thought is often the best way.

Then other thoughts from other minds can help us shape our lives

And so make us better friends, wiser mothers and kinder wives.

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As we all enter into another year of activities, please share this poem of good thoughts and aspirations and may it help to guide our thoughts and activities in the coming months. May all your 2026 deliberations and plans bear fruit and kindly relationships between members and friends throughout the coming months.

Yours For Home and Country, Ruth Fenner, Provincial Historian, British Columbia Women's Institutes