Nurturing Inclusivity: 2019-20 Focus

This year our educational focus is “Nurturing Inclusivity”, deepening our understanding of systemic racism and the inherent bias that has been internalized in Canadian society. We will look at how we live with in a system of “white supremacy” and how we can challenge that bias.  
 
We are seeking to deepen our understanding of the impact of racism on racialized people, so that we may develop as Unitarian Universalists.  As a community, we are working to enlarge our circle in ways that are welcoming of people of diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds.  This work can be uncomfortable, but it is also rewarding; an opportunity to grow in spirit and develop meaningful connections with others.
 
Plan to attend these foundational workshops and services in November.

Nurturing Inclusivity

As a follow up to our multi-age service last Sunday, we wanted to build on our discussions around group belonging and inclusivity. 
There are essentially two key steps to becoming more inclusive:

Step 1: Awareness
Experts tell us that our unconscious mind makes a majority of our decisions. It creates blind spots — unconscious biases that can narrow our vision and potentially influence our behaviours. We need to become aware of any blindspots we may have. 
 
Step 2: Action
We need to consciously use strategies to minimise any blindspots and actively include and leverage diversity of perspectives. 
 
Each week we will provide you with "inclusion nudges" to give you the opportunity to become more aware of unconscious bias, and how to actively include and leverage diversity of perspectives.
 
Inclusion Nudge 
Awareness: The Implicit Association Tests developed by Harvard University will help you gain a deeper understanding of your attitudes and preferences across a range of different groups of people and associated attributes. These scientifically proven tests are completely anonymous, and your personal results will be shared only with you.
Action: This week take 10 minutes to take one of the available Implicit Association Tests to learn more about any blindspots you may have: https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/canada/  

Harmeet Dhillon

White Allies in Anti-Racism Workshops

Our educational focus this year is on "nurturing inclusivity", learning how we can deepen our understanding of systemic racism and oppression and broaden our congregation culture to better welcome people of diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds.  Check out our Workshops in November.

In this workshop series, we will unpack racism in Canada and explore ways to become allies in the struggle to dismantle the racial barriers in our congregations and the larger community. Please note the workshop takes an explicit view that transforming ourselves and our society into a racially just place implicates a responsibility in white folks to engage more robustly. Youth are encouraged to attend.  More details to come in the fall.

Festive Fair - Silent Auction

Again this year, John Rowell and Sheila Bjarnason are coordinating the ever popular Silent  Auction. Please consider approaching a favourite retailer in your community who might consider promoting their business by providing a gift certificate or an item or service from their store. Local businesses who have already donated include Paint and Quaint,  Shazam Hair Salon, Holy Cow and Blue Heel Dance Studio. John, Sheila and Candice will be contacting the retailers of Port Credit over the next few weeks. We have several retailers who donate each year and let us know that they appreciate the new customers that come to their stores through hearing about them at our Silent Auction. This is a win-win for UCM and the retailers who donate.

Perhaps there is a retailer near you who would like this opportunity or would be willing to post our Festive Fair Flyer. We can also provide a letter confirming the request which some retailer need to have for income tax purposes. In addition to donations from retailer and businesses, donations from members of artwork, jewellery, unique items are also most welcome and add to the interest and appeal of our Silent Auction event.

Please contact Sheila Bjarnason at sbjarn@gmail.com is you have an item or have a question about the silent auction.

Message from Interim DLL

As we approach the long Thanksgiving weekend I am reflecting on what I have been grateful for during my short term as Interim DLL. I am first of all grateful for the inter-generational community at UCM. When we join together each week to hear the Story for All Ages children, youth and adults are reminded through story of our Unitarian principles. At last week's inter-generational service we heard the story "Viola Desmond won't Budge" encouraging us to think of the history of civil rights in our country and how we can continue to advocate for a equal.and just society as individuals and a community. Viola's photo is on the back of our ten dollar bill. If you missed the service, you can speak to your children and Youth about Viola next time you have a $10 bill with her image or take out this book from the library.

I am also grateful for the teachers and volunteers who make sure our classes are engaging and fun for the children each week. And lastly I am grateful to have had this opportunity to be the Interim DLL. I have enjoyed it immensely.  

Sheila Bjarnason

Community News!
Singers Wanted for National Multifaith Poverty & Hunger Walk
We are looking for singers to sing before, during, and after the National multifaith walk to raise awareness of poverty & hunger in Canada as part of the Dignity for All campaign.
 
The walk is on Sunday, October 20, 2–4 pm starting at Madina Masjid near Donlands & Danforth and finishing at the Jewish ceremonial tent (sukkot) near Chester station.
 
There will be one rehearsal prior to the event: Thursday, October 10, 7–8:30 pm at Eastminster United (310 Danforth) co-led by Hilary Donaldson (music director at Eastminster United) and Susanne Maziarz (music director at Neighbourhood UU).
 
All voices are welcome!  Even if you can't attend the rehearsal, you are still welcome to join us in singing on the walk.
 
For more information, please contact Susanne Maziarz at music@nuuc.ca.

Mark De Wolfe Social Action Award - Call for Nominations 

The Mark de Wolfe Social Action Award is presented annually to a member of the congregation who has demonstrated through their volunteer work within the congregation or within the community their commitment to our Unitarian Principal of social justice. The award is presented in December.
 
Please consider nominating a member who you feel has gone above and beyond in their commitment to social change.
 
Deadline for submissions is November 1. A nomination form, together with instructions for nominating, is available through the office.
 
If you have any questions please contact a member of the Mark deWolfe Committee:  Shirley Dickens, Kathy Geczi, Larry Rawlinson, Leslie Webb

Refuging  Sponsorship Training Program

The Canadian Unitarian Council and the Refugee Sponsorship Training Program (RSTP) are jointly offering a half-day of networking, support and training for refugee sponsors and those who are interested in being sponsors. This is a pilot, as this is the first time out we're offering this. In the future, we hope to have online participation as well as rotating through different regions of the country.
 
Open to all private sponsors, the event will bring sponsors together to connect, share stories, discuss, and learn some useful information about the details of applications, the resettlement process, and beyond. As well, RSTP will provide an update on the government’s processes and policies, and the current status of private sponsorship.  
 
Date: Saturday, Oct 26, 2019
Time: 10:00 am. UU sponsors are invited to come in the morning to share, discuss and connect. We will have a light lunch before the public training event at 1:00 pm
          1:00 - 5:00 pm. Open to all private sponsors
Location: Unitarian Congregation in Mississauga | 84 South Service Road, Mississauga. UCM is wheelchair accessible
Fee: Sliding scale - $20 | $25 | $30
Registration: On the CUC website at Events - Refugee Sponsorship
Deadline: October 19

Questions? Email refugee@cuc.ca 

CUC: Eastern Region Fall Gathering 2019

Surviving and Thriving in Turbulent Times
Ottawa, Saturday, October 19
8:45 a.m to 4:15 p.m
 
This gathering promises to offer some stimulating workshops on a variety of topics of interest to many in our congregation (see below). If you would be interested in attending, please speak to Joan Ashdown.
 
Workshop topics:

• Taking Off the Cloak of Racism
•  Songs of Hope and Resilience. ​
•  Vital and Growing Congregations,
• The Landscape of Stigma, Resilience, and Mental Health,
  Self-Care – Spiritual Practice,
•  Revitalizing Your Congregation’s Social Justice Program,
• Support the United Nations and Our UU 6th  Principle,
• Climate Justice,
• Walking the Talk; Settler Canadians Standing with Aboriginal People,
• Spirituality and Mental Health

Registration deadline: October 8. Some scholarship funds are available. For more information go to
https://cuc.ca/events/eastern-region-fall-gathering-2019/1571474700/1571503500/

2019 Election Platforms
In mid-electioneering for Oct. 21st, the major parties have added a few extra promises, and the Parliamentary Budget Office has done extensive cost estimates for the promise expenses and tax proposals. Attached is John Rowell's latest update of new promises in red, and cost/+revenue estimates in green. Stay tuned. https:///Election_Platforms_2019.xlsx

CUC and KAIROS has partnered to bring you a one-page guide to the federal elections. The guide includes:

- Honouring Promises to First Nations: Assembly of First Nations
- What You need to Know to Vote: Elections Canada
- Young Adult Voting - Future Majority
- Election Platform Tracker: Where the Major Parties Stand So Far: Bloomberg
- Everything Charities Need to Know About the Election: Imagine Canada
- And more!

The one-pager is on the CUC website here.

Calling All Performers!
Calling all performers! If you are not able to join the choir but would still like to contribute to the services, please consider donating your talent to perform during musical gifts. Please let Abigail know if you are interested and she can put you on the list. Any type of performance involving music is welcome - singing, playing an instrument or dancing.  abigailfreeman@rogers.com
 

Opportunities Abound

As a thriving community, UCM has much going on. If you have time, please consider sharing your energy and gifts with us. There is a place for you! There are opportunities to help with the garden, the green sanctuary work, and much more. Please speak to Rev. Fiona or visit our Volunteer Opportunities page.

Sexual harassment excludes women from public life
Renu Mandhane, Chief Commissioner, Ontario Human Rights Commission

Le harcèlement sexuel : un acte qui relègue les femmes à la marge de la vie publique

Par : Renu Mandhane, commissaire en chef, Commission ontarienne des droits de la personne

Looking for Inspiration
Each week Rev. Fiona posts a spiritual practice for people to try at home. Sometimes it is an ancient practice such as meditation, others focus on the earth or universe with contemporary practices.  You can find the practice posted each Thursday at emptychalice.com or on the UCM facebook page.