September 2021
This Sept. 5th is International Day of Charity
Greetings!
As part of the United Nations 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development, adopted in September 2015, the UN has recognized the importance of eradicating poverty in all forms. Poverty presents an enormous global challenge for the international community, as is a significant threat to sustainable development. In the spirit of global solidarity, the 2030 Agenda is focused on how best to meet the needs of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable citizens and acknowledges the role that the private sector must play in supporting the various organizations that have undertaken philanthropic efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda.
In recognition of the significant role that charities and individuals have undertaken to alleviate human suffering and humanitarian crises, the UN General Assembly has designated the 5th of September as the International Day of Charity.
This 5th of September, the United Nations invites all Member States, international and regional organizations, non-governmental organizations, and individuals alike to commemorate the International Day of Charity by encouraging charitable acts in their respective communities.
In light of the current humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, here is a link, from the Government of Canada website to offer help to Afghan refugees in Canada.
Enjoy this edition of News,
Jag Parmar,
Administrator
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Member Profile of the Month |
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Introducing our Member Profile of the Month:
Gerard Corr
I have been a nonbeliever, atheist (specifically agnostic atheist), secularist, and Humanist for a while now. I was eager to find like-minded communities and groups that advocate for secular values, and after some searching, I found Humanist Canada on social media and became a member this year. I was recognized for my entry in Humanist Canada’s 2021 student essay contest and began helping as a Social Media Volunteer not long after. I’m super happy to be involved with Humanist Canada, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help advocate for secularism here in Canada.
I define Humanism as a specific godless and physicalist life philosophy, approach, or outlook. This philosophy starts with the realization that the universe is indifferent to us; humanism begins with the realization that there is no evidence whatsoever to substantiate belief in gods or the supernatural, and as such, human beings must look inwards to solve the problems we face. Secular Humanism is a positive life philosophy that, in light of this realization, takes an approach to life that values ethics, morality, reason, logic, science, and of course, secularism.
I was raised Catholic for most of my life. At around age 16 or 17, I realized, “Hold on, there’s no evidence for any of this.” I figured that I must have just missed something, so I paid more attention to homilies, church masses, and other religious ceremonies; I read on the topic, and I looked for this evidence that I assumed had just alluded me. Eventually, I realized there wasn’t any. This realization didn’t make me an atheist overnight; deconstructing the religiosity imprinted on my mind from childhood took a little bit longer than that. It was during my time, in late 2018 that I realized I just didn’t believe in any of it anymore.
If you would like share your story with us, please contact us so you can be the next Member Profile of the Month!
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Course: What is Woke and Wokeness?
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From the Urban Dictionary: “One definition of ‘wokeness’ is ‘a state of being aware, especially of social problems such as racism and inequality — which sounds righteous. But the deeper implication of wokeness (could be)…. self-righteousness masquerading as enlightenment.”
About the Instructor:
Ashok Panikkar is a mediator, facilitator, coach, mentor, and trainer with over 20 years of experience in the USA, Europe, the Middle East & Asia specializing in the intersection of technology, globalization, culture, conflict, and democracy.
He is the founder of MetaCulture, an organization devoted to educating wise and informed people who can sustain free and humane societies. Ashok is also a recipient of the 2010 Outstanding Leadership Award of the International Committee of the Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR), Chicago, USA.
Workshop fee: $30.00
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Course: Critical Thinking II |
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What is the difference between right and wrong? Or good and evil? What is the good life? What is well-being? What is autonomy? These are difficult and eternal questions that are central to ethical theory, law, bioethics, and political discussion. To explore these concepts in-depth, we will first consider various theories about the nature of value and morality through an introduction to moral philosophy in its various forms, including relativism, natural law, utilitarianism, and more. Then, given that conceptual foundation, the majority of the course will deal with how we can have deeper and more meaningful discussions about specific, important topics such as abortion, genetic engineering, euthanasia, capital punishment, and racism.
Testimonials:
"Taking this course impacted my thinking. I learned a great deal from Dr. DiCarlo about critical thinking... I would highly recommend this course to others."
"I thought the course was wonderful, especially because Dr. DiCarlo was willing to touch on topics that a lot of people would shun from. Especially in this political climate, talking about race and gender and other sensitive topics can only pave the way for clarity..."
This is a stand-alone course for which there is no prerequisite. It is not necessary/required to have taken Critical Thinking I to enroll in this course. Although related to Critical Thinking I, this will be taught as a completely independent course.
FEES:
$150.00 for Humanist Canada members; $250.00 for non-members. If you are an HC member, please log into your account to select the discounted fee.
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September Webinar:
Technology and Future Jobs
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Much popular discussion about the future of work is filled with breathless commentary on how our jobs are being transformed by machines: robots, artificial intelligence, and smartphone apps. The result could be dystopian (mass unemployment and precarious inequality) or utopian (ample leisure time and freedom from want). But either way, the narrative assumes that technology is driving change. And as the Luddites learned 200 years ago, you can’t stop technology!
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Humanists International plea to the UN |
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At the UN, Humanists International has urged the international community to establish an adequately resourced fact-finding mission to investigate and report on abuses and violations of human rights committed by all parties.
The call was made during a Special Session of the UN Human Rights Council on “Serious human rights concerns and situation in Afghanistan,” by Humanists International’s Director of Advocacy, Elizabeth O’Casey.
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Don't Miss your Chance to Submit: Secularism and Non-Religion in Canada |
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This edited volume contributes to the literature on secularism, non-religion, and atheism in contemporary Canada. Non-belief and non-believers are often given secondary consideration in broader explorations of religion and religiosity, and, as a result, remain under-examined, particularly in the Canadian context. This multidisciplinary book provides a broad exploration of issues relating to secularity, irreligion, non-religion, non-belief, atheism, and separation of religion and government in Canada.
Deadline for abstract submissions is October 14, 2021.
For more information on how to submit your abstract , Click Here.
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Here is What's New On Our Web Store!
Don't forget to visit our online store! We’re a small shop right now, but we have big plans! Check-in regularly to find new HC logo items like our masks, mugs, and pins. We also have a number of books, written by our HC family of authors.
If you have any ideas about what we should offer, send them our way!
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August Polling Results: Vaccine Passports |
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Should Ontario introduce a Vaccine Passport?
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the federal government will work with provinces to ensure there is an "internationally accepted proof of vaccination" for international travel, but will leave domestic options up to the provincial governments. CBC News · Posted: Jul 13, 2021 1:50 PM ET
Here is how you responded to our poll:
93.2% of you said "YES" there should be a vaccine passport.
6.8% of you said "NO" there should not be a vaccine passport.
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New Poll: Snap Election??!! |
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Should the Federal Government be having this election?
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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.
Humanist Canada has just launched a new member system that will allow you to update your own information. Click on the button below, and you will be prompted to set up your login information.
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