We are very excited to launch this new organization, but you may ask: “Why do we feel that it is important to form an Ontario Humanist group?”
Although the members of OHS (Ontario Humanist Society) live in different cities in Ontario, we all recognize that Humanist needs in Ontario are unique in Canada, and that our members can benefit from a provincially – based organization.
For example:
- Ontario is one of the few provinces, which recognizes and supports the public funding of religious schools. We believe that Humanists living in Ontario can provide a united voice in opposition to this political position. See OHS ONE SCHOOL SYSTEM POLICY
- Ontario has laws that prohibit prayers at the opening of Ontario municipality meetings. Again, we believe that Humanists living in Ontario can provide a stronger, united voice in opposition to this commonplace violation of the provincial law.
- Ontario is home to the vast majority of practicing Canadian Humanist officiants. Until now, the only Humanist organization, which licensed humanist officiants has been a national group whose interests were not regional but Canada-wide. While we agree that promoting Humanist ceremonies across the country has value, the unique laws of Ontario make Ontario officiants unique. Ontario Humanist officiants need an Ontario focus.
- We recognize the value of the close proximity of the 16 local Humanist groups in Ontario. This is a great opportunity for local Humanist groups to more easily share ideas and information, as well as create speakers’ lists, exchange newsletters and event information.
- The vast majority of Ontario regional Humanist groups are less than a day’s drive away from each other. One of our goals is to foster interconnection among these local Ontario groups. Like other cooperatives, local groups may wish to act jointly on efforts that affect only Ontario Humanists.
- Ontario recently had a provincial Sharia family-law challenge that needed the strength of an Ontario organization. While still being supportive and helpful, the national organization can’t easily identify with an Ontario issue. We hope to serve as a clearing-house of information for local groups to act upon. This may include tasks like creating an Ontario specific list serve, creating a contact list of local Ontario groups, local Ontario speakers, authors, musicians, artists, and programme resources. It may also include an annual meeting of Ontario Humanist organizers to trade ideas and strategize about common goals.
While we recognize the value of the interconnection of Ontario Humanists, we see the role of OHS as being a facilitator and not the centre. Ideally, we envision local groups connecting with each other directly. We would also like to emphasize that we wish to maintain ourselves as a grassroots organization. This means that we will essentially function around volunteer committee actions.
While a board of directors will exist for legal reasons, we propose that the primary actions and decisions of the organization will be made by groups of Humanists (committees) who focus on specific areas of interest or action. To support a grassroots approach, these committees will be empowered to act on behalf of the organization with little or no restriction from the Board.
So with these grand hopes and aspirations, we welcome you to our effort to bring Ontario Humanists closer together.
