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Volunteer Opportunities
We are committed to bringing engaging and productive volunteer opportunities to our members. Please see your member portal for role descriptions and the application process. If there is something you would like to do but don't see it on the list please reach out to the Executive Director.
Join our affiliate the Humanism Association of Toronto as they mark Darwin Day on Saturday, February 10th at 11:00 EST for 'Does Coffee Cause Cancer? And 8 More Myths About the Food We Eat.' Presented by Dr. Christopher Labos. Join Here
Are you confused about why food headlines seem to flip-flop all the time? The answer is partly silly, partly mathematical, and wholly engrossing. This is a story about why food headlines are wrong. It’s a story about why researchers can sometimes make mistakes, and why you should be skeptical about that next news story that claims that chocolate is now health food.
HIV IN 2024 - WHAT IS THE STATE OF THE EPIDEMIC TODAY?
It has been forty years since the discovery of HHIV — the virus responsible for AIDS. With effective testing and treatment now available, HIV has faded from the public consciousness, but it remains a serious and complex issue. What is required to meet the global goal of ending HIV as a public health threat by 2030? And what does the HIV epidemic and response teach us about how to respond to other health emergencies, including pandemics?
Alison Symington is a legally trained advocate, writer, strategist, and project manager who will lead this discussion on HIV.
RecordedDiscussion: Interfaith Family. Marriage and Parenting with Mutual Respect. (recorded live on January 14, 2024). Click Here to Watch
Coming Soon to Your Screen
Sunday, March 24th at 3:00 PM. Dr. Rita Deverell , 'Speaking Respectfully to a Varied Audience'.
Sunday, April 7th, 3:00 PM. Dr. Jackie Nemni , 'Anti-Science is the New Religion'.
Shall we weigh in?
We strive to ensure that our platforms remain safe spaces for our members. To do this we are introducing the following code of conduct:
Anything personal shared will be kept confidential.
Only one person will speak at a time.
All members not speaking will demonstrate active listening.
All members will seek to ensure everyone is given an equal opportunity to speak.
All members will be made to feel welcome and will be respected.
Please also note that the Zoom link to each community platform can now be found in your member portal - centre screen.
Links for any event that you wish to attend or have registered for will also be in your member portal.
MEMBERS CONNECT
Are you looking for a good conversation? All of our members are welcome to join us at our weekly Members Connect Zoom discussion group - open format. We meet every Wednesday at 6:00 PM EST.
LOCAL MEMBER GATHERING (for members and friends)
Members in Windsor came together for 'conversation and cuisine' on February 3.
Upcoming Gatherings
Ottawa - National Gallery visit followed by dinner at the Metropolitan - February 8th, 6 pm to 8 pm. More details and registration.
WINDSOR For event details and more information please contact. A food bank/collection is being planned for February and March. WindsorChapter@HumanistCanada.ca
If you would like to begin a chapter or host a local members gathering in your region - and we can help you do just that - please reach out.
BOOK CLUB
The members of our popular book club have made their book choices for the next several months, please see below. Anyone is welcome to join. Read the book and join via your portal.
Our next meeting is February 6th at 7pm: The Salem Witch Hunt: A Captivating Guide to the Hunt and Trials of People Accused of Witchcraft in Colonial Massachusetts
March 5th, Hollow Bamboo by William Ping
April 2nd, The Clockwork Universe by Edward Dolnick
May 7th, The Love of Singular Men by Victor Heringer
June 4th, Bush Runner, The Adventures of Pierre-Esprit Radisson by Mark Bourrie
ARTalk
One of the fundamentals of humanism is the value of artistic creativity and we recognize the transforming power of art. Humanism affirms the importance of literature, music, and the visual and performing arts for personal development and fulfillment.
Join us for art appreciation discussions, sharing of related book titles, digital resources, exhibition reviews, member travel highlights, and even planning for the possibility of future group gallery trips.
Join us on March 28 at 7:00 PM as our subject facilitator Marty Shoemaker helps us explore the art of film. Register early to receive your resource list to prepare for the conversation. Register Here.
NEW MEMBERS' INFORMATION NIGHT
Bettianne Hedges, our Executive Director, will host an evening to welcome new members and answer questions. We will also talk about how members can become humanist officiants in Ontario. New or hoping to find new ways to engage as a member - we hope to see you there.
Thursday, February 8th at 7:00 PM EST. Register Here
ADD YOUR VOICE
Action Canada for Sexual Health & Rights has asked us to support their push for contraception access by writing to your Member of Parliament! Sign Here
Dying with Dignity has asked our members to consider the following petition asking the Minister of Justice to bring in a change to the Criminal Code that would allow for an advance request for MAID – essentially a written, witnessed request that outlines a series of triggering medical conditions, the onset and verification of which, would amount to intolerable suffering for the patient, and would be the occasion for a clinician to grant a patient’s prior expressed wish for a medically assisted death.
As we know, a petition is used to draw attention to an issue of public interest or concern and to request that the Government of Canada take some action. Once complete, the petition will be read in the House of Commons by authorizing MP Brendan Hanley. The government is required to respond to all petitions read in the House of Commons within 45 days.
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