May 25, 2020
Greetings!
These are challenging times. Thousands of people have lost their lives to the COVID-19 pandemic. Millions have lost their jobs as a result of the unprecedented global lock-down. COVID has altered our familiar routines. There is grief over loss, the anxiety of uncertainty, and the challenge of confinement and negotiating shared space. There is also the possibility of reinventing our future, the vertigo of self-exploration in an attempt to reconfigure ourselves in novel ways, and the joy of strengthened bonds and reinforced commitments.
In an effort to stay connected and support each other we are launching "COVID Diaries" – introspective snippets of people's journeys throughout the pandemic that we will share across Canada in our newsletter and, if you prefer, on our website.
We want to hear stories form across the country either written or, if you're inclined, feel free to email us a brief video of 60 seconds or less.
Dr. Chris DiCarlo has written an excellent article on Critical Thinking and COVID-19 which is included, with permission, in this newsletter. And stay tuned for other updates which will be shared later this week.
In the meantime, stay well and safe,
Martin Frith,
President
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The COVID Diaries
What is your perception of the COVID reality? In what ways is it reshaping your life? What have you discovered about yourself? What challenges are you facing? What helps you navigate this digital dystopia?
We want to hear your stories! If you would like to share your experience, send us a brief story and your geographical location at
members@humanistcanada.ca. If you prefer to publish your diary entry anonymously, please indicate so, and let us know where you would like your contribution to appear: in the newsletter, on the website, or both.
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Critically Thinking About Covid-19
Philosopher, educator, and author,
Dr. Christopher W. DiCarlo, has written an excellent article on applying Critical Thinking skills to the coronavirus crisis.
Dr. DiCarlo is the
Principal and Founder of Critical Thinking Solutions
, a consulting business for individuals, corporations, and not-for-profits in both the private and public sectors. He is also the Ethics Chair for the Canadian Mental Health Association.
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Join us on
Sunday June 7, 3 pm EST
A universal basic income?
Technological change and recurrent crises are creating a new reality in which automation is replacing human labour, employment is increasingly insecure, and much socially valuable work goes unrewarded.
In 1971, the idea of a basic or guaranteed annual income for all Canadians was the key recommendation in a Senate report on poverty (the “Croll report”). In the 1970s, both Canada and the United States ran extensive pilot programs. In 2009, a Senate Committee, noting growing inequality and persistent poverty in Canada, said it was time to put a guaranteed income back on the public agenda.
In late 2016, the Ontario government announced its intention to carry out a basic income pilot project in communities across the province. In the context of COVID-19, the idea of a universal basic income, seen by many as a pressing issue, is being revisited across the globe.
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Dr. Evelyn L. Forget, Professor of Economics and Community Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba, Canada.
Her most recent book is
Basic Income for Canadians: the key to a healthier, happier, more secure life for all. She is often called upon by governments, First Nations, and international organizations to advise on poverty, inequality, health and social outcomes.
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Nominations for the Board of Directors have closed, and preparations are well underway for Humanist Canada's virtual Annual General Meeting.
In early June, you'll be receiving documents for the AGM, and we hope as many of you as possible will join on Zoom for the meeting. We'll review the financial statements, report on this past year and share some insights on the year ahead. It's an exciting time for Humanist Canada, so please take a moment and register today.
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The AHA is pleased to invite you to join them for an exciting virtual conference, Distant but Together: A Virtual Celebration of Humanism. Humanists across the country will come together virtually on
August 8, 2020 to hear from terrific humanist speakers who will explore the values and principles that undergird our community.
Click here for registration and they will send you more information in the coming months once they develop conference programming and logistics.
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To ensure the newsletter is relevant we invite your response to a few short questions. Having feedback from across the country is our goal.
Click here!
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Why membership in Humanist Canada is important!
We simply can't do it without you. We are entirely funded through memberships and donations. Your involvement is incredibly significant and goes a long way to support lasting change for a better society and a tolerant world where rational thinking and kindness prevail.
Your membership status/expiry date is
on
you\'re currently not a member, so please consider joining Humanist Canada today
(M/D/Y). If it's time for you to renew,
just click on your personal link below, confirm your information and make your payment today.
Click here: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/humanistcanada_join
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