The leaves have mostly fallen from the trees signifying our entrance into our Canadian winter sleep, at least for nature. Mind you; the weather has been pretty lovely, with sunny days and warm temperatures. We know it will end, and the cold winds and grey days are coming. Winter helps protect our environment, and winter helps recharge fields, wetlands, lakes and streams. And it allows the plants and trees to rest and prepare for the next season. The coming days of November will see more cloud cover and probably more rain. So what do you do to combat all the grayness? Here's a quick list.
1. Get out for a hike. The trails still have lots to see, like mushrooms and other fungi, and flora and fauna hang on until the very last minute before they sleep. Be aware of hunting seasons in your area!
2. Clean out your closets and donate those coats you aren't using; someone can use them to stay warm this winter.
3. Volunteer. Perhaps choose an organization you haven't tried before, like Humanist Canada! Maybe a hospice where there may be someone who is a Humanist, atheist or agnostic but is being served by a faith organization.
4. Plan a dinner for friends or neighbours you haven't seen in a while or haven't been able to get together for the myriad of reasons we find to do other things.
5. Try some new foods, something local or made by a Canadian artisan foodie. There are cheeses, sausages, dips and spreads, and beverages, and you might find something for the coming holiday season.
There are a few important days in November that we wish to draw to your attention.
November 11th: Remembrance Day - This day gives us all an opportunity to pause and take a moment and reflect on what war has done and still does to the world and Canada's role, whether ally or complicit. We can take our moment of silence and reflect on how our country treated those people minimized when they came forward to fight alongside others. I draw your attention to the black and indigenous soldiers who enlisted or tried to enlist. They were treated with disdain in the ranks and by military leaders alike. Racism made it difficult for black people to serve, and they were conscripted to non-combat roles. Our indigenous people were not allowed to enlist. They were not considered citizens, and when they did enter the military, they faced difficult circumstances. We must take the time to honour and remember
all who performed military service, whether in combat or supporting combat. They all contributed. We must also not forget those affected by war, those deaths caused by direct acts of war, and those left with post-traumatic stress or other mental health disorder resulting from war. Civilians experience the greatest loss - lives, homes and memories. They should not be forgotten. So, on the 11th day of the 11th month at the hour of 11 o'clock, I ask you to remember them all. War is devastating for all involved, but out of it, we can rise to a place of peace and recognize our shared humanity.
November 20th: Transgender Remembrance Day - Canada began recognizing this day to highlight transphobia and hate crimes experienced by trans people. The risk and stigma persist, the death toll increases every year, and the danger is more severe for people of colour or two-spirit individuals. We need to focus on improving their lives every day. What can you do to support trans people? Be respectful, do your best, and keep trying. Continue to educate yourself and take that education into your own hands.
November 25th: The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women - Women's rights activists have recognized this day since 1981. One in three women experiences physical or sexual abuse in their lifetime, primarily by intimate partners. Violence against women violates their human rights; rape, trafficking, slavery, domestic abuse, female mutilation, and early forced marriage. What has to happen to end gender-based violence?
1. Improve economic security and equitable access to social services.
2. Address harmful norms around masculinities.
3. Legal and justice systems must protect survivors from further harm.
4. Provide equitable access to timely, reliable, and inclusive services.
There are 16 days of activitism around this subject from November 25th to December 10th. Find out what you can do to end violence against women here.
And don't forget about the many exciting learning opportunities we have created for you, especially our Patriarchy Workshop. You can check these out below. Whatever you decide to do this month, we hope it gives you time to reflect and perhaps become an activist to make real change where you live.