Early Guildswomen campaigned and achieved much. Maternity benefits were included in the 1911 National Insurance
Act because of the CWG pressure. At the same time the CWG also campaigned successfully for infant welfare facilities.
The CWG today is still battling for social justice and is constantly monitoring and lobbying on social policy issues.
After World War 1 the CWG actively campaigned for peace and introduced the White Peace Poppy in 1933. These are
widely distributed today and working for world peace is an important part of Guild policy.
The CWG is a democracy of working women and besides making its opinion heard by national and local governments and national
bodies, Guildswomen also enjoy outings and social functions organised by many CWG branches.
HOW DO I FIT IN?
Democracy is the key word in the CWG and democracy starts at the grass roots membership. Guildswomen belong to
a branch who organise their own programme.
In England and Wales there are 9 Regions. Each Region elects a representative for their particular District who
organises events for branches and provides help and support for branches, especially new ones. Co-operation is the keyword
throughout the structure.
Each Region elects a member to serve on the National Executive Committee and the NEC elects each year one of its number
to be President and another to be Vice-President. The terms of office begins at one Annual Congress and ends at the
following Annual Congress. Annual Congress decides on CWG policy. Branches may submit resolutions to be debated
by delegates.
The CWG has a place for all. There is no pressure to stand for any position. If a Guildswoman feels that
she does want to learn about the CWG then she will receive all the support and encouragement possible.
