Filed under: ANNUAL REGIONAL MEETING
KAIROS ATLANTIC AGM 2010
September 25 & 26, 2010
Tatamagouche Centre
Present:
Rhoda Hogan, Doris McCallum, Linda Scherzinger, Margaret Sagar & Alan, Don Hamilton, Barbara MacDonald, Clem Mehlman, Cate Lacroix, Myrna & Jim Wicks, Sharon Murphy, Joanna Tompson, Joclyn Langille, Kenn Stright, Bev McDonald, Julie Graham and Adiat Junaid
Regrets:
Tim Devlin, Cathy Scott, Eric and Margaret Tusz-King, Judson Corey, Sr. Theresa Chu, Barton Cutten
Welcome:
Kenn Stright welcomed everyone and sent regrets from the New Brunswick folks who voted with their feet this year to express their wish to have the Kairos national staff meet with them directly in their communities. (Julie Graham did visit several NB communities following our regional meeting.) Kenn also read a welcome from Atlantic Regional Rep. Barton Cutton who could not attend.
Worship:
Doris McCallum with the members of the Truro Cluster led the opening worship.
Brief Introductions:
Julie Graham– a member of the Dignity and Rights Team of Kairos, and the Maritimes connection from Kairos national. She is originally from B.C. She spoke of the eleven member churchs and faith based organizations that make up Kairos.
Adiat Junaid- is the Communications Program Coordinator with Kairos national. She is originally from Newfoundland. She does the media work for Kairos. She brought along posters which include photos of last year’s activities on one side and the 2009 Kairos Annual Report and Financial Report of the reverse side.
Sara avMatt- was to have been part of our week-end’s program but she was unable to attend. Sara is a Quaker who lives outside Antigonish. She was in Ottawa preparing to be a human rights accompanist in Israel/ Palestine for three months, a project of the World Council of Churches.
Kenn Stright- a former Atlantic Regional Rep. is a member of the Halifax Cluster. He represented the cluster on a coalition calling itself “Turn on the Tap: Ditch the Bottle”. Both Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) and the Province of Nova Scotia have taken action in the last year to restrict the use of bottled water in both provincial and city facilities. (Kenn is about to take up a new post as minister of St. David’s Presbyterian Church in Halifax.)
Myrna & Jim Wicks- are from PEI. They had been part of the Kairos Anti-Poverty network. They have been to Guatemala with Kathryn Anderson and are with the “Breaking the Silence” network. They are presently very involved in trying to get Bill C 300 passed through the Canadian parliament to force Canadian and foreign mining companies registered in Canada to follow Canadian laws.
Cate Lacroix– is the JAS (Justice and Action Student) at Dal U. She is a student at the University of King’s College.”
Clem Mehlman– is the Lutheran chaplain at the Dal Multi-Faith Centre.
Sharon Murphy– is a retired social worker and vice-president of Canada Without Poverty. She is very concerned about the suffering of the poor and follows very closely what is happening locally and in Ottawa. She reminded us of the upcoming conference in Truro on Oct.26-28: “Taking Action On Poverty”. Regardless of how you look at poverty, Sharon says, it is a denial of human rights. Sharon gave a presentation on Poverty and Human Rights Saturday evening.
Linda Scherzinger- is passionate about the environment. She is concerned about the effects of climate change, the Tar Sands and their affect on the people living downstream. She is also very involved with “A Just Peace” and is leading a study group on Israeli/Palestinian relations in Halifax. Linda asked that Joclyn Burr be noted in her report.
Rhoda Hogan– is our secretary and comes from the Truro Cluster. She described the work we do as a sandwich: the top piece is Religion, the filling Justice and on the bottom Politics.
Jocyln Langille– is with the Truro cluster and has received much satisfaction from participation in a drumming group.
Joanna Thompson– with the Truro cluster was instrumental in “350.org” actions in Truro…documentary viewing, the making of posters, parading in downtown Truro, bell ringing., etc.
Doris McCallum- the leader of the Truro cluster, has led in the writing of protest letters, attended a conference “Stand Up For Poverty”, overseen the making of Izzy dolls and their shipment overseas packed with medical supplies. There will be some tree planting in the future as well as the installation of bike racks in Truro. Doris never stops!
Don Hamilton– with the Truro cluster has a passion for poverty issues. He has spoken to his MP Scott Armstrong concerning the defunding of Kairos. He has also spoken with Scott Brison.
Bev McDonald– highlighted some of the actions of the Halifax Cluster with an emphasis on the flurry of action surrounding the Kairos cut backs.
Barb MacDonald– of Glace Bay was an active member of Kairos Cape Breton which is now inactive. She is a member of the Atlantic Mission Society for the Presbyterian Church. She spoke of the work at the Tar Ponds which is nearly completed.
Margaret Sagar- of the Halifax Cluster is a letter writer extraordinaire. She has been involved in many issues over the years and is very concerned about the political climate in Canada.
Guest Speaker Jamie Couglin– is a Business Development Specialist with the N.S. Department of Agriculture in Truro. He spoke of how the food business is changing in Canada with community gardens, farmers markets, “buying local”, urban gardening, the teaching of healthy cooking and the involvement of the younger generation. Young people are not staying on the farms. 80% of our food is grown by 20% of our population. For more information contact Jamie at coughljp@gov.ns.ca His slide show will be distributed to Kairos Atlantic members.
National Programming:
- Companions and Communication- this program has been approved by the KAIROS Board. It is a method of updating the Kairos national database. The eleven churches and faith based organizations are the only members of Kairos. But as a result of all that has happened in the last year with Kairos, we have found that there are many supporters (companions) who are not necessarily in any database. The goal is to grow the number of Kairos activists and to increase their level of involvement. There are various ways for companions to indicate their support…by web sign up, at events, through tear off resources, etc. Groups can also be more involved. We would have everyone note this effort and supply your name and the names of others to Kairos if you have noted their support in your area.
- The Land, Our Land: Indigenous Rights and the common Future-Kairos Campaign 2010/2011- Campaign materials include the campaign booklets (not available at the regional meeting but later picked up at the bus depot in Truro) If you would like some of these booklets and didn’t already receive them, they may be ordered from Kairos along with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples booklet, U.N.-DRIPardy Game Show (PP Presentation) etc. All year the Kairos petition calling for Canada to endorse and implement the UNDRIP can be signed and circulated. (deadline May 1, 2011) Join the Kairos Day of Drumming (December 5) and in June there will be Nationwide Community Action on Indigenous Rights! Watch the Kairos website for this!
- Equal in Dignity Equal in Rights– a series of 2010-2011 Himan Rights workshops will be supported by Kairos.. There is one on Indigenous Rights, one on Migrant Workers and one on Israel-Palestine Peace 101. See the Kairos website for further information.
Sunday Morning:
Tatamagouche Centre- Wilf Bean, interim director of the Centre, spoke about the programs being offered during the upcoming year. He emphasized that Kairos and the Centre share concerns for indigenous rights and many other issues as well. There is a strong valued connection between the two organizations. Kairos Atlantic Regional AGM is tentatively scheduled for the Centre for 2011 to hold our place there but we have not yet decided where or if we shall be meeting face-to-face. Fredericton was also mentioned as a possible site for the 2011 meeting.
Discussion– followed as to how to make the work of Kairos better known in our region. We were encouraged to keep in touch with our churches and in every way possible to make our work known. At the centre of the Kairos movement there are presently 40 local groups supported by the coordinating committee from the five regions and by our national board of eleven member churches and faith based organizations.
Treasurer’s Report:
Bev McDonald gave the Treasurer’s Report. At the end of 2009, Kairos Atlantic had $4,020.91 on hand. We have applied for a national grant of $2,500.00 for 2010 and have received a grant form the Anglican Diocese of Nova Scotia and PEI of $300.00 and from the Society of Friends for $50.00. In addition, the Presbyterian Synod gave us a once in a lifetime gift of $500.00 for which we are very grateful. Our present balance as of the end of August 2010 was $4,854.91. The expenses of the AGM have yet to come out of that amount.
Nominations:
The following slate of officers was approved for the coming year:
Atlantic Regional Rep……………..Bev McDonald
Past Regional Rep………………….Barton Cutten
Treasurer……………………………Jim Wicks
Secretary……………………………Rhoda Hogan
N.S. Rep……………………………Kenn Stright
N.B. Rep………………………… Tim Devlin
PEI Rep…………………………….Myrna Wicks
Nfld Rep……………………………?
ARC-A Rep………………………..Eric Tusz-King
Poverty Rep………………………..Sharon Murphy
Environmental Rep…………………Cathy Scott
Closing Worship:
The closing worship was conducted by Doris McCallum and the Truro Cluster.
Minutes from the Halifax Cluster of Kairos
October 13, 2010-10-13
Gerry opened with prayer and gave thanks for the rescue of the Chile miners
The October Meeting of the Kairos Halifax Cluster took place on Wednesday, October 13, 2010 at 1:30 PM at Barat Residence on Summer Street in Halifax.
In attendance: Bev M, Kenn S, Gerry L, Theresa C, Linda S., Ruth Bishop, Margaret Sagar, Alan Sagar.
Agenda:
Annual Regional Meeting
Bev gave an overview of the KAGM at Tatamagouche and the prospects of changing what is done (and where and when).
- The program this year was well received – Jamey told us about the new local farmers’ markets.
- New campaign material never reached us. We get some of the material as it is made available.
- Barton has stepped down as the Rep. but will sit on the coordinating committee. Treasury will be handed over to Jim Wicks. We have about $4,000.00 for next year. We asked for $2500.00 to offset costs.
- Kairos has three workshops that we can request. 1) Palestinian rights; 2) Whose and is it, anyway?; Migrant workers.
- Companions in Community – an effort to find out our base of support. Ask people in our congregations to be part of Companions in Community. Any group can also be connected. This puts people on a database and up-to-date on what is happening.
Most members were pleased with the participation of National Staff at the KARM. The staff has been under considerable pressure since the events of last year.
Theresa informed us of the change in minutes – it is the Cathedral parish disbanded their Social Justice Committee .
Kairos materials were discussed though not yet available.
December has a number of events: People’s Assemblies… Drumming (Beat the Drum – Changing…) Ruth volunteered to try to bring together a group to look at the events proposed for December – Inter-faith, Oxfam, Council of Canadians, etc…. maybe reach out to students groups as well. Theresa volunteered to help in this initiative.
Donation to AST
Letter was read about the fund set up for Helen Ralston: to honour Helen and the work of Kairos. Bev has tried to contact tptb (the powers that be). Bev has sent $150.00 to the Library (to Joyce).
Water campaign
Kenn gave a brief update of what is happening about the bottled water campaign. City Council voted yesterday to phase out bottled water. An article is already on the blog.
Linda on the Environment
Last week 350.org not all on the prescribed date. Three main events were scheduled. (Main organizer this year seemed to be Oxfam). Weather played havoc to some of the events – Politicians were also involved. Participation was a bit iffy. This is a most serious issue confronting us. Interfaith action on the Saturday: deep spirituality of those taking part… Native Spirituality, Buddhist, Unitarian, some Christian participation. (At the Anchor in the park.) About 50 people in all.
Joe Wright letter to Prime Minister: Response in depth about tar sands
Updates on the tar sands
Gerry talked about being in the Valley and people responding to the fresh produce… Farmer’s Market doing very well
Theresa and Peace Conference
“Being the Change” – peace education in various area of life – workshops and speakers. Stories and peace and reconciliations. Place of women in the peace movement. We need to get to the core of issues – women’s concerns are not always foremost (symbolic at best). How do we make Halifax a nuclear weapon-free zone? See if we can become part of “Mayor’s for Peace”. Linda met Alexa – feels good about school taking on that work (peace schools). This Thursday at Dal (SUB) “Pax Americana – weaponization of Space”.
Margaret
Going to the Poverty Conference and will give us an update.
Time and Place: Maybe spend some time in brainstorming and looking for goals and visions for the next year. Please come with thoughts and suggestions.
Agenda; 1) Organizing the Dec. 5… 2) report on Poverty Conference, 3) brainstorm future.
Barat Residence, November 3, 2010 at 1:30 pm
Bev: address
4332 Hwy 329 rr# 1 Hubbards B0J 1T0
Filed under: Halifax Cluster
City votes to phase out bottled water
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Metro/1206713.html
By DAVENE JEFFREY Staff Reporter
Wed, Oct 13 – 7:10 AM
Halifax has sworn off the bottle.
Council voted Tuesday evening to phase out bottled water, and coolers with bottled water, in most of the city’s facilities and administrative offices.
“It’s taken us about a year to get to this step,” said Coun. Jennifer Watts (Connaught-Quinpool), who first proposed the change.
The policy will not apply to community operated facilities or recreation centres or to emergency services and operational staff who require bottled water for occupational health and safety reasons. Exceptions will also be made in buildings that don’t have clean drinking water.
City hall gave up buying and selling bottles of water a year ago, but the transition hasn’t been smooth and apparently isn’t over. Councillors complained Tuesday evening that staff still haven’t figured out how to offer water to the public at some city hall events.
“We invite people in here for dinners . . . and we put on the table juices and pops that are sugary,” said Coun. Jerry Blumenthal ( Halifax North End).
Coun. Mary Wile (Clayton Park West) said asking folks to bring their own containers for water would be like asking house guests to bring their own coffee cup.
“We’re all going to make some extra effort to obtain sustainability,” Watts said outside council.
Bottled water will remain in vending machines in recreation centres so patrons have an alternative to sugary drinks, Watts said. But water fountains will also be available.
Halifax Regional Municipality has a good recovery rate, with about 80 per cent of its water bottles being recycled.
“But there’s a lot of carbon miles on a bottle of water,” Richard MacLellan, head of the city’s sustainable environment management office, told council.
Watts said water is such an important issue in the world that we all must be mindful of how it’s used.
According to a city hall release, staff have been testing water quality in various locations in the municipality to ensure free access to clean drinking water. Some fountains and water filters have needed minor repairs, and any major repairs or replacements that come up will be worked into future budgets.
Coun. Barry Dalrymple (Waverley-Fall River-Beaver Bank) was the only dissenter in the bottle banning.
“I understand council making this motion and I actually do support it, but I have to make a point,” Dalrymple said.
Most homes and businesses in his district, which includes two recreation centres, are not hooked up to the municipal water system, he said.
“Our own website says that safe, clean drinking water in the HRM is a right. Well, not for many residents in my district it’s not.”
KAIROS ATLANTIC 