Fresh faces, big plans, and your seat at the (AGM) table!
If you're having trouble viewing this email, you cansee it online.
Humanist Happenings Keeping You Connected to Humanist Events
May 2025
Spring into Connection
with Humanist Canada
As we move into a vibrant season of renewal and growth, we’re excited to share some big news and upcoming opportunities to connect! This month’s newsletter features a special announcement about our new General Manager, details for the upcoming Annual General Meeting, and highlights from our recent New Member Welcome session.
We’re also thrilled to spotlight upcoming community connection events in both French and English, our bilingual book clubs, and a brand-new in-person gathering in Québec City. Whether you’re looking to engage in thoughtful conversation, deepen your involvement, or simply meet fellow Humanists from across the country, there’s something here for you.
Read on for all the updates — we can’t wait to connect with you!
Welcoming Our New General Manager: Mélissa Gutierrez
We’re excited to announce that Mélissa Gutierrez has joined Humanist Canada as our new General Manager, effective May 1st. Mélissa brings over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, with a strong background in human rights, education, and community engagement. She has led programs across Canada and internationally, secured critical funding, and built meaningful partnerships that reflect Humanist values.
Mélissa holds a Master of Laws in Human Rights and is deeply committed to compassion, critical thinking, and inclusive learning. Fluent in English, French, and Spanish, she is also an avid adventurer and lifelong learner.
With her arrival, Lee Burton will step away from the interim Executive Director role and support a smooth transition of responsibilities throughout May. We are thrilled to welcome Mélissa to the team and look forward to the leadership and vision she brings to Humanist Canada’s next chapter.
Our Annual General Meeting (AGM)
is coming up!
Sunday, May 4, 2024 2:00 – 4:00 PM EDT
This is an important opportunity for members to connect, review our progress, and discuss the future of Humanist Canada.
The AGM Package, including Financial Statements and the 2024 Annual Report, will be available to all members ahead of the meeting.
At last night’s New Member Welcome session, Lee and Paul from the Welcome Committee hosted a warm and engaging introduction to Humanist Canada. New members Faith and Elizabeth joined the conversation, sharing their backgrounds and interest in the Chaplaincy and Officiant Program. Together, the group explored the core values of humanism, Humanist Canada’s partnerships and plans for growth, and upcoming events and programs. The conversation also touched on the urgency of climate change awareness, the challenge of misinformation, and the importance of community building through social media and member engagement.
We're thrilled to welcome Faith, Elizabeth, and all our new members to the Humanist Canada community!
📢 Connection Humaniste
Rencontres hebdomadaires en français
📅 Chaque mardi | 🕖 19h00 - 20h00 HNE
Nous sommes heureux d’annoncer le lancement de « Connection humaniste - Rencontres hebdomadaires » !
🌐 Rejoignez-nous en ligne pour : ✔ Connecter en français avec d’autres humanistes ✔ Rester au courant des dernières nouvelles ✔ Partager vos préoccupations et vos accomplissements ✔ Ou simplement nous dire à quoi vous pensez ces temps-ci
📍 Nos discussions ont lieu chaque mardi, de 19h00 à 20h00 HNE.
📌 Cet événement s'adresse aux membres d'Humanist Canada seulement.
Time: Thursdays 6:00–7:00 PM ET | 3:00–4:00 PM PT Where: Zoom (link available in your member portal)
Members Connect is a casual, member-led gathering where Humanist Canada members come together to share stories, exchange ideas, and build community across time zones. It’s a space for thoughtful conversation, laughter, and connection—whether you’re new to Humanism or a long-time member.
💬 What’s coming up? Future gatherings may explore questions like: • What’s the role of ceremony and ritual in Humanism? • How do we invite more diverse voices into our community? • Why did you become a Humanist?
These conversations help shape the future of Humanist Canada. Come join us, bring your perspective, and be part of the dialogue.
We invite you to join us for a meeting in Quebec City, on Sunday, May 18th, 2025 at la Maison Smith Limoilou (201, 3rd avenue) from 1–4 PM. Come for a coffee or a drink, or simply to chat with us!
No need to confirm your attendance, we will be there to welcome you! (Just look for the Humanist Canada sign on our table)
Benjamin and Luc
**** Nous vous invitons à vous joindre à nous pour une rencontre à Québec, le dimanche 18 mai 2025, de 13:00 à 16:00, à la Maison Smith de Limoilou (201, 3e avenue). Venez prendre un café ou un verre, ou simplement échanger avec nous.
Nul besoin de confirmer votre présence, nous serons là pour vous accueillir ! (cherchez le logo de Humanist Canada sur notre table)
Luc et Benjamin
English Book Club: Queer by William S. Burroughs
This month, the Humanist Canada Book Club is diving into Queer by William S. Burroughs — a raw, unflinching exploration of identity, desire, and alienation, written in the early 1950s but not published until decades later. Join fellow members for a thought-provoking conversation about this groundbreaking work and its place in queer literary history.
📚 Next Meeting: May 6th, Online 🔗 Access the link via the Humanist Canada Member Portal
All members welcome — come ready to read, reflect, and connect!
Si vous êtes humaniste, que vous parlez français, et que vous aimez la lecture autant que nous, nous vous invitons (avec grand plaisir!) à rejoindre notre club de lecture francophone.
📖 Prochaines lectures : 📅 26 mai - Découvrir un sens à sa vie (Viktor Frankl)
📌 Cet événement s'adresse aux membres d'Humanist Canada seulement.
For just $50 a year, you can become a Humanist Canada member and unlock all the events, perks, and warm fuzzy feelings of supporting humanist values across the country.
Keep track of all our upcoming events and meeting times in one convenient place. There’s always something exciting happening—be sure to stay in the loop!
We value your membership, volunteer efforts, and financial support. Together, we’re fostering a vibrant community, advancing Humanist values, and creating meaningful change.
If you’d like to make an impact, consider making a donation today. Your support helps us sustain our programs, expand our reach, and grow our shared vision for a better future.
%20(1100%20%C3%97%20500%20px)%20(1100%20%C3%97%20500%20px).jpg)
.jpg)
