Update on Omer
By Sandra Dunham
[In case you missed it: Please see Secular Rescue: Help us Help Omer for background information.]
Omer remains well, in COVID lockdown in Nepal. For over a month, we were unable to send money to Omer. However, Omer’s landlord graciously leant him money for groceries and allowed him to delay paying rent. Banks reopened on June 11, and we were able to send Omer funds to cover his outstanding rent, repay his debt, and purchase groceries. As always, Omer was grateful for our assistance.
Thanks to everyone who continues to contribute to help Omer. We currently have enough money to help Omer for an additional four months. If you would like to help us help Omer, please consider donating to our Secular Rescue program.
Dialogues on Racism in Canada
Racism in Canada has many different faces. To improve equity and justice for all in Canada, we first must understand racism from differing perspectives, and find safe spaces to inquire and understand. That’s why CFIC has teamed up with Humanist Canada, Dundurn Press, and Black Artists Network in Dialogue to bring you Dialogues on Racism in Canada.
Dialogues on Racism in Canada will be available to Humanist Canada and CFIC members at no charge. A $10 ticket will allow non-members to attend. All funds raised through this event will be donated to Black Artists Network in Dialogue, so that they can continue their work of “supporting, documenting and showcasing the artistic and cultural contributions of Black artists and cultural workers in Canada and internationally.”
At this event, Scott Fraser, President of Dundurn Press, will interview Dr. Ajamu Nangwaya about systemic racism, its origins, the statistics, and the first things we must do to address this issue. Perhaps, most importantly, Scott and Ajamu will answer the question “Can Canada survive as a multi-racial democracy without addressing its racism problem.”
A one-hour, investigative interview will be followed by 30 minutes of Q&A from attendees. Please hold the date: Sunday, July 19, 2:00 pm EDT. Watch for registration information in your inbox.
Announcing the CFIC Calendar of Events
As the COVID pandemic unfolded, many organizations that our members follow moved their presentations online. It has been an excellent opportunity for people across the country (and around the world) to access content that was previously only available in specific geographies. In recognition that our partners offer great secular and skeptical content that is relevant and interesting to our membership, CFIC has launched a calendar of events.
Now we are looking for your help. Please tell other Canadian organizations that they can add their event to our calendar at no charge. To add an event, simply fill out the Calendar Submission Form. We usually get events posted within a day or two, but we recommend more notice to allow for unforeseen circumstances.
We also welcome and encourage other organizations to share this calendar with their members.
We know that a well informed, united skeptical community is important to ensure a vibrant democracy. Help us to spread the word. Go forth and learn.
CFIC Welcomes Volunteers with Diverse Backgrounds
CFIC fosters a secular society based on reason, science, freedom of inquiry, and humanist values. We are committed to our values, including promoting diversity, to achieve more interesting conversations and more inclusive outcomes. We know that increased diversity within CFIC helps us to promote equality and social justice. Therefore we encourage humanists, including indigenous people of Canada, people of colour, and new Canadians to join us and add their voice to CFIC’s robust dialogue.
Click here to find out more about volunteering with CFIC. Forward this to someone you think is committed to a just society based on free inquiry, science, reason, and humanist values.