Insights, inspiration, and opportunities to engage!
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THE VOICE OF HUMANIST CANADA
YOUR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
Welcome to the May Edition of Humanist Canada’s Newsletter!
Insights, inspiration, and opportunities to engage!
As spring unfolds across the country, May invites us to reconnect - with ideas, with our communities, and with the values that guide us. This month, we’re sharing new perspectives, exciting updates, and ways to get involved in the Humanist movement.
Inside this edition, you’ll find thought-provoking content, a sneak peek at our brand-new Choice Chat podcast (launching in June!), upcoming events, and community highlights from across Canada.
Whether you're looking to read, reflect, or take action - there’s something here for you.
Enjoy the read, and thank you for being part of Humanist Canada.
Le mois de mai marque un moment idéal pour faire une pause, réfléchir et se reconnecter à ce qui nous rassemble. Dans cette infolettre, nous avons le plaisir de vous proposer du contenu varié : des nouvelles de nos communautés, des perspectives enrichissantes, ainsi qu’un aperçu exclusif de notre tout nouveau balado Choice Chat, dont le lancement est prévu en juin.
Nous croyons que le dialogue, la curiosité intellectuelle et l'engagement sont au cœur de l'humanisme. Grâce à votre participation active, nous continuons à bâtir un mouvement inclusif et vibrant à l’échelle du pays.
Merci de faire rayonner les valeurs humanistes en français et de contribuer à une société plus libre, plus juste et plus solidaire. Bonne lecture!
– The Humanist Canada Team
AGM Highlights: A Year of Growth, Gratitude, and New Beginnings
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Humanist Canada’s 2025 Annual General Meeting!
Together, we celebrated a transformative year marked by major milestones—from a record-breaking 1,694 secular ceremonies, to the expansion of our chaplaincy program, and the launch of our upcoming podcast, Choice Chat.
We also welcomed five new board members and introduced Mélissa Gutierrez as our new General Manager.
Special thanks to our incredible volunteers, donors, and committee leads who make this work possible.
The full AGM minutes and updates will be shared shortly—stay tuned!
Humanist Canada Gathering
On 1 May 2025, some of the New Brunswick Humanist Canada members gathered to exchange. Great conversations, great food, and most of all, great company! As a bonus, a special visit from Martin Frith, President of Humanist Canada.
Le 1er mai 2025, quelques membres d’Humaniste Canada du Nouveau-Brunswick se sont rassemblés. La rencontre fut remplie de belles conversations, de délicieuse nourriture, mais surtout, de bonne compagnie! En prime, une visite spéciale de Martin Frith, président d’Humaniste Canada.
The Voice of Canadian Humanist Podcast
🎧 In the latest episode of our podcast, Humanist Canada's Daniel Dacombe speaks with psychologist and author Daryl Van Tongeren about his compelling new book, Done: How to Flourish After Leaving Religion.
Together, they delve into the emotional and psychological journey of religious disaffiliation, the lasting echoes of belief, and how to build a fulfilling life grounded in meaning beyond religion.
Tune in now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or by clicking the link below to hear the full conversation.
Introducing Choice Chat — A Humanist Canada Podcast
“Every story shared is a step toward justice. Every truth told changes the conversation.”
We are proud to launch Choice Chat, a new podcast created by the Morgentaler Committee at Humanist Canada.
Choice Chat is more than a podcast — it’s a platform for informed, compassionate, and courageous conversations about abortion, reproductive rights, and sexual health. It emerged from a pressing need to counter misinformation, challenge stigma, and create a humanist space where people can talk about their reproductive lives with honesty and dignity.
This initiative is grounded in Humanist Canada's long-standing commitment to bodily autonomy, social justice, and evidence-based public policy. Inspired by Dr. Henry Morgentaler’s legacy and the ongoing fight for reproductive freedom, the Morgentaler Committee was formed to continue advocating for access to abortion and comprehensive sexual health care in Canada. As attacks on these rights continue to surface here and abroad, the need to speak out and listen has never been greater.
🎙️ Stay tuned! Our first episode drops on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
New episodes will be released monthly.
Humanist Canada May Book Club!
Join us for engaging reads and thoughtful conversation. Our Book Club is a space to connect, reflect, and explore new ideas together each month.
📚 Upcoming Books: May 6 – Queer by William S. Burroughs June 3 – Altered Boy by Jim McDonald July 1 – The Service Berry by Robin Wall Kimmerer August 5 – James by Percival Everett / Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
💬 How to Participate Read the book of the month and join us online at 7:00 PM EST. Access the link through your member portal.
Members Connect – Session Highlights Curious Conversations & Community Connections
Last week’s Members Connect brought together both new and long-standing members for a lively and welcoming discussion. Highlights included a warm introduction to Mélissa, Humanist Canada’s new General Manager, as well as thoughtful exchanges around officiant and chaplaincy pathways, community-building, and personal reflections on Humanist values in action.
Members also shared ideas for future themed discussions, reflected on the success of the recent AGM, and the upcoming launch of Circle, our new online member hub designed to make connection easier than ever.
These weekly sessions continue to grow as a space for dialogue, support, and shared purpose.
Interested in helping us expand Members Connect? As participation grows, we're exploring the idea of adding a second weekly Members Connect session to give members even more opportunities to engage and connect.
Got a topic in mind? Curious about co-hosting or helping facilitate a conversation?
We’d love to hear from you—reach out and be part of shaping what’s next!
Your membership, volunteer efforts, and financial support help us advance reason, compassion, and secular values across Canada. Every contribution strengthens our work in advocacy, education, and community building.
Be part of a growing community that champions reason, compassion, and secular values in Canada. As a member of Humanist Canada, you’ll gain access to exclusive events, resources, and advocacy efforts that promote humanist values nationwide.
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