No New Fighter Jets Rallies in Waterloo Region, Fri. 2 Oct. 2020- #NoNewFighterJets #ClimatePeace

Silhouette of a fighter jet with a "No" symbol over it (red circle with a diagonal line)
No Fighter Jets
Friday, 2 October 2020 is the International Day of Nonviolence. There will be rallies across Canada to protest Canada’s $19 Billion purchase of new fighter jets.

Here are the rallies taking place in Waterloo Region:

Kitchener

When: 12 Noon to 1:00pm on Friday, 2 October 2020
Where: Outside MP Raj Saini‘s office
Location: 1209 Frederick Street, Kitchener, Ontario Map 1
Contact: Mary Groh <marygroh05@gmail.com>, Conscience Canada and KW Peace.

Waterloo

When: 12 Noon to 1:00pm on Friday, 2 October 2020
Where: Outside MP Bardish Chagger‘s office
Location: 100 Regina Street, Waterloo, Ontario Map 2
Contact: Tamara Lorincz <tlorincz@dal.ca>, Canadian Voice of Women for Peace and KW Peace.

Cambridge

When: 3:30pm to 4:30pm on Friday, 2 October 2020
Where: Outside MP Bryan May‘s office
Location: 534 Hespeler Road, Cambridge, Ontario Map 3
Contact: Tamara Lorincz <tlorincz@dal.ca>, Canadian Voice of Women for Peace and KW Peace.

Join us to say #NoNewFighterJets. We can’t #decarbonize with carbon-intensive combat aircraft. #GreenJobs not war jobs.

Join us on October 2nd, 2020 | for our second pan-Canadian Protest to redirect $19 billion from fighter jets to programs and supports that Canadians desperately need. Weapons can’t keep us safe from the threats that we face. | Fighter Jets Can’t Fight | Climate Change | Unemployment | Homelessness | Inequality | Covid-19 | Poverty | Racism | Sexism | #NoNewFighterJets #ClimatePeace | https://vowpeace.org/nofighterjets/

Join us on October 2nd, 2020

for our second pan-Canadian Protest to redirect $19 billion from fighter jets to programs and supports that Canadians desperately need. Weapons can’t keep us safe from the threats that we face.

Fighter Jets Can’t Fight

  • Climate Change
  • Unemployment
  • Homelessness
  • Inequality
  • Covid-19
  • Poverty
  • Racism
  • Sexism

#NoNewFighterJets #ClimatePeace
https://vowpeace.org/nofighterjets/

Spiritual Heritage Education Network: 11th Annual Conference — @SpiritualEd

Envision the Future of Education: Teaching Unity in Diversity

Welcome to the SHEN - Spiritual Heritage Education NetworkSpirtual Heritage Education Network’s (SHEN) 11th Annual Conference! Envision the Future of Education: Teaching Unity in Diversity

This conference examines the what, why, and how of contemplative education — a model of education that helps develop a spirit of unity in diversity. What is contemplative education? What can we learn from other disciplines that are using it? How can educators use it in their classrooms?

SHEN has a draft proposal that requires your contribution. The proposal is a culmination of years of convening and writing. It brings together the research and ideas of prior SHEN presenters and conference participants. The proposal will be shared with education stakeholders to generate greater knowledge about these ideas so that they can be integrated in educational curricula worldwide.

Join us

Join us at this year’s conference where you will:

  • Learn what contemplative education is and the important role that it plays in depolarizing our world
  • Be heard and have your ideas considered for incorporating into the proposal
  • Build a lasting network with like-minded people from around the globe
  • Gain exposure as a contributing changemaker and open doors for professional opportunities
  • Be an associate of the proposal’s journey to policy change

Contemplative education can change lives! We would love for you to journey with us and contribute to needed change! We need you to tell us what works with the proposal, and how we can strengthen it. This is a working conference comprised of four online sessions. While we will miss seeing you in person, we are thrilled that this online forum allows people from across the globe to join!

Session details:

Saturday, September 26 (10:00am – 12:30pm, EDT)

  • Introduction to the Spiritual Heritage Education Network (SHEN)
  • Sharing of SHEN’s work over the past 20 years’ contemplative education
  • The proposal to re-envision and redesign education

Sunday, October 4 (10:00am – 12:30pm, EDT)

  • What is holistic science?
  • The convergence of metaphysics, scripture, and modern science

Saturday, October 10 (10:00am – 12:30pm, EDT)

  • Why contemplative education?
  • What does it help us see and learn that we can’t from traditional education models?
  • How do we get there?
  • Examples of contemplative education from the past and present. How does it inform our work?

Sunday, October 18 (10:00am – 12:30pm, EDT)

  • Overview of conference working sessions to date and next steps for the proposal
  • Integrating contemplative education in educational models worldwide and implications for public policy

Register on Zoom

Agenda for each session:

  • 10:00am — 10:10am: Introductions
  • 10:10am — 11:00am: Presentation and comment/reflection on key theme
  • 11:00am — 11:15am: Break
  • 11:15am — 12:30pm: Curated discussions

Warm regards,
Shiv Talwar

http://spiritualeducation.org

#KWVegfest Is Going Virtual! Saturday and Sunday, 4 and 5 July 2020

KW Vegfest 2020 | We're Going Virtual! | Saturday 4 July 2020 | Sunday 5 July 2020

Join the 3rd annual KW Vegfest!

This will be an Online Event, taking place on on Saturday July 4, 2020 and Sunday, July 5, 2020.

We will be sharing Sanctuary tours, cooking + zero-waste demos, speakers, a health panel and holding giveaways!

Stay tuned to the event page for more details!

The event is sponsored by Kitchener Waterloo Climate Save and the City of Kitchener, and powered by a group of hard-working volunteers. 🌎❤️🌏.

Online:

War is Not Essential – KW Rally 1pm on Thu, 11 June 2020 – #StopArmingSaudi

War is Not Essential: Day of Action to #StopArmingSaudi (partial image of a Light Armoured Vehicle to the left of a black banner with words)
What: War is Not Essential – Kitchener-Waterloo
When: Thursday, 11 June 2020 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Where: In front of office of the Hon. Bardish Chagger, MP for Waterloo
Location: 100 Regina Street South, Waterloo, Ontario Map
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1322887947904895/

In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada has lifted the moratorium on issuing arms exports for weapons destined for Saudi Arabia, and Light Armoured Vehicles (LAVs) continue to be manufactured in London, Ontario under the label of an essential service.

Saudi Arabia has used these LAVs to suppress peaceful protests and there is mounting evidence that Canadian-made LAVs are being deployed in the war in Yemen. Canadian arms exports just don’t line up with Canada’s legal commitment under the Arms Trade Treaty or a feminist foreign policy. Ending arms exports doesn’t have to mean the loss of good jobs. As we confront the twin crises of COVID-19 and climate change, the call for conversion of arms industries to socially useful production must be loud and clear.

Join us on June 11th for a day of action to #StopArmingSaudi.

If you are in or near Kitchener-Waterloo, you can join a physically-distant protest outside MP for Waterloo Bardish Chagger’s constituency office (360-100 Regina St. South, Waterloo). Please respect public health directives, maintain physical distancing and wear masks.

No matter where you are, you can join us for a simultaneous virtual protest to show your solidarity and hear from speakers on the ground and at the forefront of the movement to #StopArmingSaudi.

Join us for the virtual protest on Zoom

TAKE ACTION

If you can’t join the virtual protest, take part in the day of action on social media:

Share your opposition and call on Canada to #StopArmingSaudi. Tag General Dynamics Land Systems, Justin Trudeau and François-Philippe Champagne, along with your own Member of Parliament (find them at https://www.ourcommons.ca/Members/en/addresses) to ask them to take action now.

Take action now:

Sign Oxfam Canada’s petition: https://www.oxfam.ca/armsdeal

Sign Amnesty Canada’s English petition: https://takeaction.amnesty.ca/page/35358/action/1

Sign Amnesty Canada’s French petition: https://agir.amnistie.ca/page/17954/petition/1

This day of action is jointly organized by: KW Peace, Labour Against the Arms Trade, People for Peace London, Council of Canadians London Chapter, Amnesty International Canada, Amnistie Internationale Canada, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East, Canadian Voices of Women for Peace, Peace Brigades International Canada, Oxfam Canada, World Beyond War and Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom.

KW Solidarity March for #BlackLivesMatter: 5pm on Wed, 3 June 2020 at Victoria Park, Kitchener

What: KW Solidarity March for Black Lives Matter
When: Wednesday, 3 June 2020 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Where: Victoria Park, Kitchener, Ontario
Location: Joseph St. and Gaukel St. Map
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/584661392432523

Regis Korchinski-Paquet (illustration)
Justice for George (illustrtion of Geroge Floyd surrounded by a wreath of flowers) Community leaders Selam Debs, Carla Beharry, Aaron Francis, ACB KW & with the support of Black Lives Matter – Waterloo Region bring to you KW Solidarity March for Black Lives Matter.

We as the KW community will peacefully march in solidarity for the lives lost to police brutality, institutionalized racism and hatred. People of all races and backgrounds will come together to show our solidarity against anti-blackness and injustice.

Selam Debs, Carla Beharry, ACB KW & with the support of Black Lives Matter – Waterloo Region bring to you KW Solidarity March for Black Lives Matter

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3RD 5PM- MEET in front of Victoria Park, Kitchener (Gaukel & Joseph- one block from Victoria ion station)

Please read all below COVID-19 precautions and guidelines that must be followed to participate in this march

ALL social distancing measures will be in place – MASKS ARE MANDATORY. Please bring your own sanitizer, signs and masks.

We will march for Ahmaud Arbery, Breanna Taylor, George Floyd, Regis Korchinski-Paquet & all those before who’s names we know and those names we do not know of.

This is a peaceful march and protest to raise awareness of the lives lost in violence, to show our solidarity for the families and communities most impacted, to express that as the KW community WE are NOT just “not racist”- WE are active ANTI-RACISTS and to stand with the grieving Black folks right here in KW and the surrounding areas. We are saying unapologetically BLACK LIVES MATTER.

Because SILENCE = VIOLENCE. LET’S BRING THIS COMMUNITY TOGETHER AS WE SAY LOUDLY & PEACEFULLY “WE STAND IN SOLIDARITY WITH GEORGE. BLACK LIVES MATTER.”

We will meet in front of Victoria Park at 5pm on Wednesday.
*Victoria Park, Kitchener (Gaukel & Joseph- one block from Victoria ion station)

SAFTEY INFORMATION:
-If you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, please stay home and tune in through the FB live streamed from Black Lives Matter – Waterloo Region with Carla Beharry
-You MUST wear a mask. Please wear one that covers your nose and mouth
-Maintain social distancing of 2 meters from each other throughout the march
-March in groups of 5 or less
Maintain a distance of 6 feet between each group
-Plan ahead for essential needs, care and supplies

We will also be sharing the March on Facebook live facilitated by Carla Beharry from the Black Lives Matter – Waterloo Region page

We will have more information soon

KEEP VISITING KW Solidarity March for Black Lives Matter FOR UP TO DATE DETAILS

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT PLEASE:

-DONATE MASKS, WATER, GARBAGE BAGS
-FIRST AID VOLUNTEERS
-VOLUNTEERS- AS MANY HANDS AS POSSIBLE
-LEGAL SUPPORT
-create signs (ie. Black Lives Matter, I stand in solidarity with George, Silence= Violence, KW in Solidarity with Black lives, Enough is Enough etc)
-Support local Black initiatives – We will have a list available soon

KEEP VISITING KW Solidarity March for Black Lives Matter FOR UP TO DATE DETAILS

DM Selam Debs OR Carla Beharry WITH ANY QUESTIONS.

PLEASE show kindness and respect with your questions as we are in a state of grieving right now. Only extend questions specific to how you can support.

You can also find updates on our IG’s @selamdebs & @carla.beharry

MORE details to come.

2020 Low Income Tax clinics at @SDCWR

Illustration of a man writing furiously while peeking out from behind a desk lamp Good Morning! Wanted to share that The Civic Hub will be running Low Income Tax Returns again this year starting 2 March 2019. Clinics are by appointment only. Our hours will be:

  • Monday and Wednesday – 10:00am to 8:00pm
  • Tuesday and Thursday – 9:00am to 5:00pm

We are also allowing drop-offs which can be completed at other times.

Please share with your contacts that the Climate Action Incentive, which all residents of Ontario are eligible to receive regardless of income, has increased this year. Amounts are as follows:

  • First Adult – $224
  • Spouse – $112
  • Child – $56
  • Family of 4 – $448

Canada Revenue Agency is helping provide volunteers to prepare the returns. I am looking for volunteers that would be interested in a receptionist type capacity, which would include booking appointments, greeting tax payers and collecting drop-off. Please share in case any of your contacts might be interested. I am looking for volunteers to cover three to four hour blocks, twice a week ideally.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Lesley Crompton
lesley@waterlooregion.org
+1‑519‑579‑3800 #5

Accountant by Charly W. Karl is used under a CC BY-NDCreative Commons — Attribution-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic license.

KWPeace Spring 2020 Potluck Dinner Meeting: Thursday 12 March 2020

New Date: Due to many other events on the 19th, the KWPeace Spring 2020 Potluck Dinner Meeting will be held on 12 March 2020 at 6:00pm in the Civic Hub

Potluck dinnerHello again KWPeace Groups organizers! The poll has spoken and the most popular date for the KWPeace Spring 2020 Potluck Dinner Meeting is Thursday 19 12 March 2020.

It turns out the Civic Hub is very popular, and there are already two other groups using the space on that date and time (Hello, Extinction Rebellion and KW Our Time!) Hopefully we can all share the space together (and have increased participation in the potluck), but I’ve indicated on the Civic Hub booking request that our alternate date would be Thursday 12 March 2020. So, keep both dates open for the moment!

The Spring 2020 Potluck Dinner Meeting is just before the summer festival season begins. I know some groups are already busy planning their events for the summer, so this is a great time to let us all know so we’re not booking the same dates and we’re able to attend each others’ events.

Vegetables on a plate in the shape of a Peace sign
Peace
What: KWPeace Spring 2020 Potluck Dinner Meeting
When: Thursday 12 March 2020 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Where: Civic Hub Waterloo Region
Location: 23 Water Street North, Kitchener, Ontario Map

To enter the Civic Hub at the doors on Duke Street; press the buzzer for Social Development Centre Waterloo Region to summon the doorkeeper.

And although the time for the actual meeting is 6:00pm to 8:00pm, there’s setup at 5:30pm and cleanup from 8:00pm to 8:30pm. Setup and cleanup assistance is greatly appreciated!

See you all at the Civic Hub!
–Bob.

POSTPONED: 2020 UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination — Cross Cultures

POSTPONED: The Cross Cultures UN Day will be rescheduled for a later date

Gehan Sabry writes:

due to the current situation, I am putting the event on hold, and hoping to re-schedule as soon as the corona virus pandemic subsides, at which time we hope that you will consider attending

take care

Gehan

Silent/Silenced | Niemoller's poem "In Germany, the Nazis came for the Communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist..."

Open Invitation

Come join us and be part of our TWENTIETH annual commemoration of the

UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL DAY for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Saturday 21 March 2020
A full day public event noon to evening at Kitchener City Hall

Discrimination requires dialogue and education.

We do not limit the day to racism.

We invite presentations that address any forms of discrimination.

Confirmed so far:

  • Two international award winning special needs theatre productions coming to Kitchener

    It gives me great pride to include two international theatre productions — one from Egypt and one from the Sharjah (United Arab Emirates) who include a cast of special needs individuals allowing them to flourish and share their incredible talents — the productions are internationally acclaimed, they are award winners and have been honoured by many entities including the UN, professionals in the field from Europe and many others.

    (sign language and English subtitles provided)

  • Anti racism in education

  • Anti racism and Yoga meditation

  • KADAPUL

    55 minute film followed by an interactive discussion

    It is more than just a film. It is a medium and the impact of cinema that we can ascertain positive mindsets especially towards women. It deals with the real identity of women — through trials and tribulations — we still stand strong and powerful. It is a true validation to self. It is a movement of mindset — that defines beauty.

    Be it Puri (Odisha) or North America — the problems and the movement is the same.

Sponsor if you can !

Your assistance in connecting me with people who wish to be involved would be greatly appreciated!

  • Panelist on specific topic
  • speaker on specific topic
  • Cultural, ethic, artistic presentation, visual art show, music, instrument, group dance during the evening’s Peace Concert
  • Showcase your talent, skill, culture
  • Promote your organization / business
  • Have an information table
  • There is also an opportunity to sponsor in the printed program

And so much to come… stay tuned

Please contact Gehan Sabry if you wish to be part of the day’s events: crosscultures@bellnet.ca, founder, editor, publisher of Cross Cultures Magazine

Promoting mutual respect since 1991 as well as a radio show Cross Cultures on CKWR 98.5 FM, the local community radio station that has celebrated 46 years on the air !

2020 UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination — Cross Cultures

Photos from the #SchoolStrike4Climate on Friday, 1 March 2019 — #FridaysForFuture

On Friday, 1 March 2019 school students in Waterloo held a protest rally in front of Waterloo City Hall.

Pictures © 2019 by Tamara Lorincz, used by permission.

A note about Community Suppers from @AAP_KW

A note from Timothy Hegedus of Alliance Against PovertyAlliance Against Poverty:

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to let you know that the community suppers that used to be held at St Mark’s church on Wednesday evenings are now being held on Thursday evenings at Trillium Lutheran Church, 22 Willow Street, Waterloo, Ontario Map, phone 519‑886‑1880. (Trillium used be called St John’s Lutheran church.) It is fully accessible. The church is open on Thursday afternoons from 3:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5:45 p.m. The Community Ministry Chaplain, Rev Susan Cole, is there between 3:30 and 7:00 p.m.

Please spread the word about this.

Thanks,
Tim

Alliance Against Poverty meets on the second Monday of the month, contact aap‑members@kwpeace.ca for more information.