Archive | Community Outreach RSS feed for this section

Feb 12: 2013 Darwin Day Celebration!

2 Feb

February 12th is the birthday of Charles Darwin, and “Darwin Day” is a global celebration of science and reason. This will be the 5th celebration in Saskatoon and the 3rd year that the Saskatchewan Minister of Education has recognised February 12 as Darwin Day in Saskatchewan!

The University of Saskatchewan Freethought Alliance, Saskatoon Skeptics and Centre for Inquiry Saskatchewan are proud to host the annual Darwin Day celebration in Saskatoon on February 12 from 7-10 pm.

Come and help us celebrate Darwin’s 205th birthday with 2 presentations followed by discussions. Speakers this year are paleontologist Frank McDougall and biologist Tracy Marchant. Tracy Marchant’s talk, “The Animal Tree of Life”, will focus on the changes in our understanding of evolution, particularly of vertebrates, since Darwin’s time.  Frank McDougall will speak on how the geography of the Cypress Hills Uplands area affected the flora and fauna in that area.

Birthday cake and coffee will be available and the Museum of Natural Sciences is nearby for touring and working on a scavenger hunt.

Schedule of Events (subject to change):

6:30 pm Doors open

7:00 pm Introduction & 1st Presentation

8:15 pm Birthday Cake & Coffee; Museum Touring

8:45 pm 2nd Presentation

10:00 pm Pub Discussion (anyone interested can join us for further discussion & cheer – at nearby Alexander’s Restaurant)

You are welcome to attend all or any part of the event.

Donations are welcome and appreciated. Suggested donation: $10 (not required). Charitable donations to the Centre for Inquiry Saskatchewan are eligible for a tax receipt if contact information is provided.

Come out for an evening celebrating science!

If you are not familiar with campus, please have a look at this map.
Here are some parking suggestions that are near the biology building. Most should have a maximum of $4.00 to park there in the evening.

  • Lot 5 beneath Agriculture Building
  • Lot 1 across from Place Riel
  • Lot 8 by Physics
  • F lot beside the education building
  • G lot behind Thorvalson
  • Meters will cost $1/hr with a 4 hour maximum

We are looking for volunteers to help with the following tasks:

1) Putting up posters – ASAP

2) Event set-up – 6:15pm Feb 12
3) Event assistance (e.g. door greeter, sales table, display table, speaker contact at event) – during event Feb 12
4) Event clean-up – 9:45-10:15pm Feb 12 (some may be done during the last lecture, so that we can get out and to the pub discussion promptly;)

Please email Kendra if you are able to help out in any way.

Tags: , , , ,

Sep 29: Light the Night Walk for Blood Cancers

5 Aug

The Centre for Inquiry is participating in the Light the Night Walk for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada. We are part of a collaboration in which pro-science and secular groups like CFI are uniting to raise $1,000,000 to fight cancer. The purpose is to help make a difference in the lives of those affected by blood cancers.  We’d love for you to join the fun, walk with us and help raise funds for life-saving cancer research. It’s free to participate and you will raise funds online. Everyone who raises $100 or more will get a T-shirt.

Click here or use the link below to sign up, and join our team, Centre for Inquiry Saskatoon – FBB:

http://my.e2rm.com/TeamPage.aspx?TSID=365108&langPref=en-CA

If you can’t join us at the walk, you can sponsor one of our team members to help us reach our goal.  Thank you for choosing to make a difference!

More Information:

Each fall, in communities all across the US and Canada, thousands of participants raise funds for vital, lifesaving research and patient services and, on these special nights, they carry illuminated balloons to show the support of a caring community.

Light the Night walkers raise funds and walk as individuals or on a team with friends, family and co-workers.

This year, for the first time ever, freethought, atheist, skeptic, and secular humanist groups are coming together as one unified team to pool our efforts and become the first team in LLS history to raise $1,000,000 in its first year.

Our team is Foundation Beyond Belief (FBB) and we need you to help this worthwhile cause by joining the walk or donating.

How will we ever raise $1,000,000?!?!?!

A million dollars is a LOT of money, but we have a not-so-secret weapon: the Stiefel Freethought Foundation has pledged to match every dollar we raise up to $500,000! As an extra incentive, the top fundraising teams will have the opportunity to direct up to $5,000 in SFF grants, with half going to a local qualifying freethought nonprofit and the rest to qualifying FBB Allies of their choice, such as CFI. (More information about the incentive program can be found here.)

This is a great opportunity to rally behind something big that reflects our shared values: the healing power of scientific research, education, and compassionate patient care. Please sign up and join all of us in the fight against cancer.

Tags: , , , ,

June 14: Nate Phelps: The Uncomfortable Grayness of Life

20 Apr

Thursday, June 14, 2012, 7:00 PM

311 – 23rd St. E., Saskatoon, SK

Downstairs in the Theatre

CFI Saskatoon is excited to announce that we’re bringing Nate Phelps to the city for Pride 2012. This is an official Pride Festival event in collaboration with the Saskatoon Diversity Network.

Nate Phelps, the estranged son of “God Hates Fags” church leader Fred Phelps, tells his story of enduring physical, emotional and psychological abuse as a child raised in the hate-filled theology of the Westboro Baptist Church. He recounts his escape from his father’s home at age 18 and his journey from dogma and hate to reason and acceptance, as an outspoken advocate for the LGBT community.

Without your support, the Centre for Inquiry cannot put on major events such as this. We encourage you to donate or become a Friend of the Centre today (more information below).

Nate was recently published in The Huffinton Post: “Life After the Westboro Baptist Church“. Nate describes his upbringing in the notoriously homophobic Westboro Baptist Church, and his journey of enlightenment that turned him into a pro-gay rights advocate.  You can also watch a 2010 2-part interview with Nate by (interim) National Executive Director Michael Payton on CFI’s Think Again! TV.

The Westbro Baptist Church (WBC) is an Independent Baptist church known for its extreme stance against homosexuality and its protest activities, which include picketing funerals of American servicemen and desecrating the American flag.

The group bases its work around the belief expressed by its best known slogan and the address of its primary Web site, God Hates Fags, asserting that every tragedy in the world is linked to homosexuality — specifically society’s increasing tolerance and acceptance of the so-called homosexual agenda. The group maintains that God hates gays above all other kinds of “sinners” and that homosexuality should be a capital crime.

They were the subject of a 2007 BBC documentary film titled “The Most Hated Family in America“.

Agenda
6:30 pm Doors open
7:00 pm Welcome and Presentation
9:00 pm Social
9:30 pm Pub Discussion (Location TBD)

Admission (at the door)
General Admission: $10
CFI Friends of the Centre and Students: $5
NEW CFI Friends of the Centre (after April 14, 2012): FREE

Note that your RSVP here does not guarantee you admission. It is first come, first served at the door.

Without your support, the Centre for Inquiry cannot put on major events such as this. We encourage you to donate or join as a Friend of the Centre. Admission for this event is free for new CFI Friends, so join today! CFI is a nationally registered educational charity and all donations over $10 are eligible for a tax receipt.

When donating online, you can add a comment that you would like the funds to remain in Saskatchewan, if you wish. You can also join or donate in person at one of our events and you can send cheques to
Centre for Inquiry Saskatchewan
Box 31043 RPO Broadway & Taylor
Saskatoon, SK, S7H 5S8

Tags: , , , , , , ,

May 3: Debate: Should Assisted Suicide be Legalized in Canada?

13 Apr

Thursday, May 3, 2012, 7:00 PM

311 – 23rd St. E., Saskatoon, SK

Downstairs in the Theatre

The Centre for Inquiry Canada is presenting a series of debates across the country on the issue of assisted suicide. With strong arguments on both sides, this is a complex and emotionally-charged issue.

Motion: “Should assisted suicide be legalized in Canada?”

Proposition Debater: Wanda Morris, Executive Director of Dying with Dignity

Opposition Debater: Alex Schadenberg, Executive Director of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition

Moderator: University of Saskatchewan Debate Society Member

This promises to be a stimulating debate about a very topical issue in Canada. Hope to see you there!

Without your support, the Centre for Inquiry cannot put on major events such as this. We encourage you to donate or become a Friend of the Centre today (more information below).

CFI thanks both Dying with Dignity and Euthanasia Prevention Coalition for helping to sponsor this event.

More about the Debaters:

Wanda Morris is the Executive Director of Dying with Dignity, a charitable organization established in 1982 to educate the public about end of life options and the importance of advance care planning; to provide information and resources to the public and lawmakers about the choice in dying movement and the reasons why appropriately regulated assisted dying should be legalized in Canada; and to provide support for individuals at the end of their lives including support at the bedside for those who wish to determine the nature and timing of their dying. Wanda has been actively involved in the 2011 “Right to Die” charter challenge brought before the supreme court of British Columbia, and is an advisor to The Right to Die Society.

Alex Schadenberg is the Executive Director of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition.

About the “Right to Die” Charter Challenge:
Gloria Taylor is a 63 year old woman who suffers with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Last year, she petitioned the Supreme Court of British Columbia to give her the legal right to end her life before the progressive disease makes living intolerable. A decision by the Court is expected soon.

Agenda
6:30 pm Doors open
7:00 pm Welcome and Debate

Admission (at the door)
General Admission: $10
CFI Friends of the Centre and Students: $5
NEW CFI Friends of the Centre (after April 12, 2012): FREE

Note that your RSVP here does not guarantee you admission. It is first come, first served at the door.

Without your support, the Centre for Inquiry cannot put on major events such as this. We encourage you to donate or join as a Friend of the Centre. Admission for this event is free for new CFI Friends, so join today! CFI is a nationally registered educational charity and all donations over $10 are eligible for a tax receipt.

When donating online, you can add a comment that you would like the funds to remain in Saskatchewan, if you wish. You can also join or donate in person at one of our events and you can send cheques to
Centre for Inquiry Saskatchewan
Box 31043 RPO Broadway & Taylor
Saskatoon, SK, S7H 5S8

Tags: , , , , , ,

May 5: International Day of Reason

1 May

Canadian Blood Services

325 20TH STREET EAST Saskatoon, SK

May 5, 5:30 PM

“Donating blood has a tangible effect – it can save lives. This is in contrast to prayer, which has no effect beyond placebo.”

The International Day of Reason is used to inject reason and rational thought into actions and behaviours. It was started as a National Day of Reason in response to the US National Day of Prayer. Rather than praying (which has been shown to have no effect in all properly designed studies i.e. double blind placebo studies), we will do something that has a measurably positive effect: saving lives. To do our part, we will be having a group blood donation through Canadian Blood Services. We will meet at the downtown blood clinic starting at 5:30pm (and appointments continuing for about an hour). For those who can’t make it at that time, please book an appointment that will work for your schedule any time that day or within a week of it and let us know to count it in this blood drive. We encourage everyone eligible to donate every 56 days.

The Saskatoon Freethinkers is a Partner for Life (partner ID number: SASK010719), which means we’ve committed to donating a minimum number of units of blood. Most of the donations will occur separately, but we’re doing this one as a group donation, which will hopefully prompt some of our members to become regular donors. You will only be counted as a member of our group if you register online or at the clinic with our partner ID (SASK010719). If you are already a member with another partner you can have just this one donation count toward our group by providing the number at the clinic. To preregister as part of our freethinkers partner group online, go to the Partners for Life section of the website.

Need another reason to donate? 

To watch a Canadian Blood Services video ad, click here. Approximately every minute of every day, someone in Canada needs blood. The good news is that one blood donation – in just one hour – can save up to three lives.

New donors can sign up at the clinic before their first donation. The website is very informative and you can also call 1-888-236-6283 (24 hours) to speak with a nurse if you have any questions you would like answered before May 6th. If you have not donated before or for a while, you should read the information about eligibility on the website. Some of the rules have changed, so please don’t assume you are ineligible. For example, visits to the Mayan Riviera in Mexico do not automatically reduce eligibility. At the clinic, you will be asked to privately answer a number of personal and health related questions to ensure your blood is safe (risk-based) – all of this remains confidential. For those who are certain that you cannot donate blood, you can ask a friend or family member to donate in your name.

Be sure to eat regular meals that day and at least a snack before you donate. After you donate, there will be pizza at the clinic (for all donors) and then those interested can find a place for coffee. Important: alcohol and intense physical activity are not advisable on the day of your donation. We need accurate numbers, so please RSVP as soon as possible and let us know if something changes.

Please join us in saving lives!

Tags: ,

February 12th: 2011 Darwin Day Celebration!

28 Jan

February 12th is the birthday of Charles Darwin, and “Darwin Day” is a global celebration of science and reason. The Minister of Education has designated February 12, 2011 as Darwin Day in Saskatchewan!

The Saskatoon Skeptics and Saskatoon Freethinkers aka Centre for Inquiry Saskatchewan are proud to host the third annual Darwin Day celebration in Saskatoon on February 12 from 1:00-5:30 pm. Come and help us celebrate Darwin’s 202nd birthday with a film and 2 presentations followed by discussions. Birthday cake and coffee will be available outside the theatre.

We are hosting this event in conjunction with The Saskatoon Secular Family Network which will put on Family Activities from 1:30-4:00 pm. Children of all ages are welcome; all minors require a guardian. There will be fun science experiments and activities for the entire family (RSVP here). This will take place in the “band room” of the school – look for the signs!

Schedule of Events:
1:00-2:30 pm Introduction & Film (part)
What Darwin Never Knew
2:30-3:00 pm Birthday Cake & Coffee; Displays and Activities
3:00-4:00 pm 1st Presentation
Prof. Larry Stewart,Department of History
4:00-4:15 pm Break
4:15-5:30 pm 2nd Presentation
Prof. Angela Lieverse, Department of Archaeology & Anthropology
5:30 pm Pub Discussion (anyone interested can join us for further discussion & cheer – location TBD)
1:30-4:00 pm Family Activities

You are welcome to attend all or any part of the event.

Donations are welcome and appreciated. Suggested minimum donation: $10 (not required). Charitable donations are eligible for a tax receipt if relevant information is provided.

Come out for an afternoon celebrating science!

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Coming up on Sept. 8: “The New Atheists: Threat or Menace?”, a talk by George Williamson

8 Aug

Philosophy in the Community

Sept. 8, 2010
7:00 pm — 9:00 pm

The Refinery
St. James Church Basement
609 Dufferin Avenue
(at 12th Street, just off Broadway)

The so-called “New Atheists” have been a media and publishing phenomenon since their appearance in the years following 9/11 and have provoked a considerably hostile reaction, not only among the religious but among other atheists as well. They have been accused of being offensive, dogmatic, intolerant and counter-productive. But what really is ‘new’ about the New Atheists? And what have they done to deserve the hostility directed their way? Why do other atheists attack them? Ultimately, is the New Atheism a positive development or will it just make things worse?

1st Annual Freethinker Family camp

16 Jul

Are you tired of Bible camps offering the only summer camping experience for your kids? Come out in August and join us for a science/nature-friendly family camp adventure!

Join us for our First Annual Freethinker Family Camp on a beautiful acreage that is 45 minutes outside the city limits of Saskatoon.

Dates: August 14-15, 2010
Cost: $40 a family, or $10 per individual

For more details and to RSVP, check out the Saskatoon Secular Family Network Meetup.

Hope to see you there!

Film: Dawkins’ “The Enemies of Reason”, June 11th

26 May

Rusty Macdonald Branch Library – Auditorium – Friday, June 11th, 6PM

225 Primrose Drive
Saskatoon, SK S7K 5E4
(306) 975-7600

Come out to a public film screening of “The Enemies of Reason“, followed by a discussion. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.

Hosted by the Saskatoon Freethinkers and the Saskatoon Skeptics.

Agenda

6:15 pm Welcome

6:30 pm Film

8:15 pm Discussion

There will be coffee. We’ll probably continue the discussion at a pub – maybe the soccer centre (next door to the library) if the weather is good.

Film Summary

From the Richard Dawkins Website:

There are two ways of looking at the world – through faith and superstition or through the rigours of logic, observation and evidence – in other words, through reason. Reason and a respect for evidence are precious commodities, the source of human progress and our safeguard against fundamentalists and those who profit from obscuring the truth. Yet, today, society appears to be retreating from reason.

Apparently harmless but utterly irrational belief systems from astrology to New Age mysticism, clairvoyance to alternative health remedies are booming. Richard Dawkins confronts what he sees as an epidemic of irrational, superstitious thinking…

He explains the dangers the pick and mix of knowledge and nonsense poses in the internet age, and passionately re-states the case for reason and science.

Tags: , , , , ,

National Day of Reason: Donating Blood

29 Apr

May 6, 6PM, Canadian Blood Services

325 20TH STREET EAST
Saskatoon, SK S7H 0A1

The National Day of Reason is used to inject reason and rational thought into actions and behaviors. It was started as a response to the National Day of Prayer in the US. Rather than praying (which has been shown to have no effect in all properly designed studies i.e. double blind placebo studies), we will do something that has a measurably positive effect: saving lives.

To do our part we will be having a group blood donation through Canadian Blood Services. We will meet at the downtown blood clinic at around 6pm. For those who can’t make it at that time please book an appointment that will work for your schedule any time that day or even that week – please let us know about it.

The Saskatoon Freethinkers became a Partner for Life this year, which means we’ve committed to donating a minimum number of units of blood (partner ID number: SASK010719). Most of the donations will occur separately, but we’re doing this one as a group donation, which will hopefully prompt some of our members to become regular donors. You will only be counted as a member of our group if you register with partners for life, which you can do online or at the clinic. If you are already a member with another partner you can have just this one donation count toward our group by providing the number at the clinic. To preregister as part of our freethinkers partner group online, go to the Partners for Life section of the website.

New donors can sign up at the clinic before their first donation. The website is very informative and you can also call 1 888 2DONATE if you have any questions you would like answered before May 6th. If you have not donated before or for a while, you should read the information about eligibility on the website. Note that you will be asked a number of personal and health related questions to ensure your blood is safe – all of this remains confidential. For those who are certain that you can not donate blood you can ask a friend or family member to donate in your name. Be sure to eat regular meals that day and at least a snack before you donate.

Please join us in saving lives!

Canadian Blood Services

325 20TH STREET EAST
Saskatoon, SK S7H 0A1

Tags: , ,

← Older Entries

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.