BC CRN E-Connector Newsletter: September 2024

September 2024

Welcome Back to Business as Usual!

We hope you had a great summer! While many of us were able to relax, others were planning fall activities or dealing with wildfires. Our hearts go out to neighbours who were affected by smokey skies, evacuation and property loss.

While July and August were quiet in many regions, lots of planning took place, too. September’s education topics are on two very timely subjects: Introduction to Extreme Clutter and Elder Abuse in the LGBTQ2SA+ Community. We are excited to share information based on the latest research and perhaps dispel some myths. We learned a lot and hope you do, too.

Speaking of not simple, Sandi McCreight’s position as the Castlegar CRN Coordinator fills many roles, from seniors advocate to fighting ageism and coordinating response. Sandi’s journey just expanded to include an appointment that is right up her alley.

National Truth and Reconciliation Week is September 23-27, culminating with Orange Shirt Day on the 30th. Our feature story presents six ways to provide (and obtain) education about racism, the residential school system and relevant social issues.

Grab a hot beverage and take 10 minutes to read the summer’s highlights and September’s plans. Welcome back to business as usual!

TEAM MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Sandi McCreight, Castlegar Coordinator

Like many BC Community Response Network members from small communities, Castlegar CRN Coordinator, Sandi McCreight, fills multiple roles in her local seniors’ organizations. Having been with the BC CRN for almost 20 years, her passion for seniors’ advocacy and issues around ageism really shows. After a recent trip to a seniors’ services summit in Ottawa and being chosen for the upcoming term with the provincial Council of Advisors for the BC Seniors’ Advocate, this year is proving to be her most exciting one yet.

CRNs IN THE COMMUNITY

Elders Gathering, BC Day, Aging Mindfully, More WEAAD and Education

July and August saw many of our Mentors and Coordinators taking vacations while others were winding up busy spring schedules. But even as they were busy, they sent us lovely photos and updates from around the province.

CRN 2024 Fellowship Awards to BC Youth Engaged in Seniors' Issues

In celebration of International Intergenerational Day, several CRNs offered Fellowship Awards for prize-winning student essays about seniors’ issues, specifically adult abuse, neglect and self-neglect. Creston, South Vancouver Island, Sparwood and Vanderhoof proudly presented cheques to local award recipients.

TECHNOLOGY TIPS

How to Reset the Password on Your Computer or Browser

Every so often, we just blank on our passwords. With so many accounts online, it’s a wonder we can recall any. This month’s Tech Tip starts with how to reset the log-in for your computer and devices, then links to articles on resetting passwords for specific sites.

Get your tips

FEATURED STORIES

6 Ideas for National Truth and Reconciliation Week 2024

During September 23-30, Canada will observe National Truth and Reconciliation Week. It culminates on September 30 with National Truth and Reconciliation Day (NTRD). This is a time of reflection on the impact of residential schools, the forced adoption of Indigenous children and the thousands of children who never made it home.

SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS, STORIES & IDEAS

We would love to hear from you! Use our new form to submit your event photos, stories and ideas so we can share them with our BC CRN community.

SUBMIT HERE

UPCOMING EVENTS

Provincial Learning Event: Elder Abuse in the LGBTQ2SA+ Community

September 17, 2024 | 10:30 am - 12 pm PDT

Queer and trans elders have been described as ‘The Silent Generation’, living through times when their sexual and gender identities were criminalized and pathologized. Dr. Gloria Gutman and Dr. Claire Robson will share information on the lived experience of elder abuse of transwomen, gay men and lesbians. This session will be of interest to anyone working with older adults, including medical professionals, care providers, police, counsellors, community developers and policy makers.

Introduction to Extreme Clutter Monthly Presentation

September 3, 2024 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm PDT

Clutter is formally defined as “a large group of usually unrelated or marginally related objects piled together in a disorganized fashion in spaces designed for other purposes (e.g. tabletops, floor, hallway).”

This online presentation will help people understand what clutter, hoarding, collecting and squalor are, and that not everyone who collects, lives in clutter or squalor is actually affected by the Hoarding syndrome.

Spotlight on Ageism Online Presentation

October 1, 2024 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm PDT

Ageism is highly prevalent and is the most socially accepted and tolerated form of discrimination in Canada. Like sexism or racism, ageism is discrimination – based on someone’s age. Ageism can occur at any point in our lifespan – regardless of how old we are – and may lead to others making judgements about our background, capability, mental or physical status, based only on their impression of our age.

We're interested in hearing from you!

We welcome your feedback, story ideas, and photos for consideration in a future edition. Email us at info@bccrns.ca.

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To subscribe, email info@bccrns.ca.

BC CRN acknowledges the generous financial support of the Province of British Columbia.

For more on the BC CRN and our free programs, visit us at | bccrns.ca.