CFGH Staff Bulletin

Let's learn about a few historical figures born in June and their importance of being remembered.

Anne Frank: is well known for her diary that provides a deeply personal account of the Holocaust and the experiences of a Jewish family living in hiding. She gave a voice to the millions of victims who perished. The resilience, optimism, and belief in the goodness of humanity made her an enduring symbol of hope and inspiration. Her diary has contributed to the remembrance of the Holocaust, and it helped preserve the memory of the millions who suffered and died. It serves as a reminder of the need to prevent such atrocities.

Judy Garland: also known as the 'Gay Icon'. The themes in Wizard of Oz show acceptance, embracing one's uniqueness, and longing for a place where you belong. This struck a chord with queer audiences. She was also an early advocate for LGBTQ+ rights at a time when it was widely stigmatized. She frequently performed at gay clubs and supported LGBTQ+ fans.

We also recognize Brent Hawkes this month, a Canadian clergyman and a gay rights activist. He has been involved in various LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, including the Board for Egale Canada. He gained national attention in 2001 for performing wedding ceremonies for same-sex couples at his church, using an alternative provided by Ontario law to conduct legal marriages without government permission.

Share your birthday for a special shoutout! Email Victoria to be celebrated.

Julia

Julia has started to go to Yoga and is LOVING it! Perhaps we have a team Yoga session, Julia?

Her Dad recently had open heart surgery, and is looking for some tips and tricks for a speedy recovery. We are sending our best wishes to your Dad, Julia!

Sam

No updates!

Victoria has been accepted into some really great placements for her MSW and she is currently trying to decide between what to choose!



She is also really excited for her vacation time in June, where her Mom will be visiting. Victoria has a whole self-care itinerary created for the week, and she's looking forward to a week of just that!

On a professional note, Victoria has been loving the in-kind donation outreaching, and has secured 13 donations so far.

Kelly

Kelly and her partner Adam have set a date for their wedding: Sunday, June 2, 2024 at Auberge du Pommier in North York.

Kelly is also away on vacation to Hood River, Oregon in June. Can't wait to see some pics, Kelly!

Kelly and Adam have also won a kitchen makeover and are getting a brand new look come mid-June. Looking forward to the before and after's!

In her professional life, Kelly has started a 4-week Trauma-Informed Mindful Movement course with UofT (same as Victoria) and is starting another 4-week course in June on Mindfulness, Stoicism, and Writing for Discipline and Productivity. These sound awesome, Kelly!

Irish

No updates!

Eran

No updates!

Check out the links below to see if there are workshops, seminars, trainings, and/or podcasts related to your role that are in June! Feel free to share new ones you come across with the team.

Recurring Workshop and Webinar Links:

• CAMH
• Coursera
• Charity Village
• Nonprofit Ready
• Speaking Grief
• Virtual Hospice
• Jack.org
• Volunteer Canada
• Mental Health First Aid
• Donor Perfect
• Nonprofit Hub
• Nonprofit Tech for Good
• Yoga Alliance
• Mindspring
• Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute
• Candid Learning (fundraising, philanthropy, etc.)
• Charity How To

Click the links below to see what's going on in June for workshops related to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA)!

• Asynchronous (free): Indigenous Awareness 101
• June 14th, 7-8pm (free): Indigenous Storytelling
• June 20th, 3-4pm (free): Indigenous Allyship
• June 21st, 7-8:30pm (free): Indigenous Peoples Day & Summer Solstice Virtual Women's Circle (drumming, singing, celebration, Indigenous mindfulness and teachings)
• June 27th, 1-2pm ($40+): Indigenous History 101
• June 29th, 1-2:30pm (free): Beyond Allyship: Supporting Indigenous Communities

• June 8th, 2-4pm (free): Pride Month DEI: Media Literacy
• June 14th, 1-2pm (free): LGBTQ+ & Mental Heath
• June 14th, 1-2pm (free): Take Pride: A Chat About LGBTQ+ Challenges
• June 15th, 1-2pm (free): Normalizing Pronouns
• June 21st, 11am-12pm (free): Collecting Data on the LGBTQ+ Community
• June 22nd, 1-2pm (free): Deconstructing Gendered Workspaces
• June 27th, 5-6pm (free): Intersectional Exploration of LGBTQ+ History

Recurring Workshop and Webinar Links:

• CAMH
• Coursera
• Charity Village
• Nonprofit Ready
• Egale
• Learning for Justice
• Rainbow Health Ontario
• Racial Equity Tools
• Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race & Ethnicity’s Implicit Bias Module Series
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion

Click Here to see the FREE health and safety workshops you can take during your own time! Click Here for a FREE Safety Training course.

*NEW* Free Assessments, Tools, and Workshops to support mental health and psychological safety.

More useful resources can be found by Clicking Here.

This month's tip is: Managing Stress: Prioritizing Your Well-being.

In today's fast-paced world, it's crucial to prioritize our well-being and manage stress effectively. Our mental and emotional health play a significant role in our overall productivity and satisfaction, especially when working remotely.

This month, we shine a spotlight on the importance of destressing and provide practical tips for finding balance. Stress can impact us in numerous ways; affecting our performance and overall quality of life. Let's explore the significance of managing stress and offer some accessible strategies to help you relax, recharge, and enhance your well-being.

Fact: Stress not only affects our mental well-being but also takes a toll on our physical health. Chronic stress has been linked to an increased risk of conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and weakened immune system.

Fact: High levels of stress can significantly impact productivity and performance. Studies have shown that stress can lead to decreased concentration, impaired decision-making abilities, and reduced overall job satisfaction.

Here are some unique ways to manage stress while working:

1. Practice Aromatherapy: experiment with essential oils known for their calming properties. Use a diffuser or apply a few drops to a tissue or cotton ball near your workspace to enjoy soothing scents.
2. Incorporate Laughter: watch or listen to funny videos, podcasts, or stand-up comedy during your breaks. Share jokes with colleagues to lighten the mood!
3. Try Art Therapy: engage in creative activities like drawing, coloring, or painting during breaks to stimulate relaxation and self-expression.
4. Sound Therapy: explore the benefits of sound therapy by using tools such as singing bowls, tuning forks, or sound healing apps.

This month we delve into the transformative power of books as a tool for learning about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Books provide us with unique perspectives, insights, and knowledge that can deepen our understanding of various social issues. This section highlights a curated selection of the most popular books covering topics such as anti-racism, diversity and inclusion, disability, the LGBTQ+ community, whiteness, privilege, and power. These powerful resources can equip you with the knowledge and awareness to foster a more inclusive and equitable world. So grab a book and let's embark on a journey of learning, growth, and meaningful change together.

Here are some highly recommended books across different DEI topics:

• "How to Be an Antiracist" by Ibram X. Kendi
• "White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism" by Robin DiAngelo
• "The Skin We're In: A Year of Black Resistance and Power" by Desmond Cole
• "Indigenous Writes: A Guide to First Nations, Métis & Inuit Issues in Canada" by Chelsea Vowel
• "Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love & So Much More" by Janet Mock
• "Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants" by Robin Wall Kimmerer
• "So You Want to Talk About Race" by Ijeoma Oluo
• "Becoming an Ally: Breaking the Cycle of Oppression" by Anne Bishop
• "Disability Visibility: First-Person Stories from the Twenty-First Century" edited by Alice Wong
• "The Queer Art of Failure" by Jack Halberstam

These books provide valuable insights into anti-racism, diversity, and inclusion. They offer thought-provoking narratives, critical analysis, and opportunities for personal reflection and growth. Have you read books not seen here? Recommend them to the team!

Featured Book

Click Here to purchase ($23 paperback or $14 Kindle).

We live in a time where it has never been more important to be knowledgeable about a host of social issues, and to be confident and appropriate in how to talk about them. What’s the best way to ask someone what their pronouns are? How do you talk about racism with someone who doesn’t seem to get it? What is intersectionality, and why do you need to understand it? While it can seem intimidating or overwhelming to learn and talk about such issues, it’s never been easier thanks to educator and historian Blair Imani.

Accessible to learners of all levels—from those just getting started on the journey to those already versed in social justice—Read This to Get Smarter covers a range of topics, including race, gender, class, disability, relationships, family, power dynamics, oppression, and beyond. This essential guide is a radical but warm and non-judgmental call to arms, structured in such a way that you can read it cover to cover or start with any topic you want to learn more about.

Have a Tool you'd like to recommend to the team? Email Victoria for it to be featured here!

• National Indigenous History Month
• Pride Month
• Italian Heritage Month
• Portuguese Heritage Month
• June 5: World Environment Day
• June 5-11: International Men's Health Week
• June 8: National Best Friends Day
• June 10: Global Wellness Day
• June 15: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
• June 15: Nature Photography Day
• June 18: Father's Day
• June 18: International Sushi Day and Picnic Day
• June 20: World Refugee Day
• June 21: International Yoga Day
• June 21: National Indigenous Peoples Day
• June 22: World Rainforest Day
• June 23: International Widows Day
• June 27: Canadian Multiculturalism Day and PTSD Awareness Day
• June 28: Eid al-Adha
• ....Plus so many more!

Celebrating and honouring religious and cultural holidays, celebrations, and awareness days around Canada.

This month, we challenge YOU to take the time to research what is happening this month. Specifically, we challenge you to share with the team one new learning about Indigenous history and/or 2SLGBTQ+ history.

It is crucial for individuals to take the initiative to research and educate themselves about the history and experiences of marginalized populations like Indigenous communities and the LGBTQ+ community. By engaging in self-directed learning, individuals promote awareness, understanding, and empathy, while challenging biases and fostering personal growth. Researching independently honors diverse voices, encourages responsible education, and equips individuals to be effective allies. It is an active and respectful approach to learning that amplifies marginalized narratives and contributes to a more inclusive society.

Here are some facts about the grief experiences of Indigenous Peoples and 2SLBGTQ+ community members.

Grief within Indigenous communities can be uniquely impacted by intergenerational trauma, stemming from the historical injustices of colonization, residential schools, and forced assimilation policies.

The marginalization of Indigenous peoples can affect their experience of grief, as systemic injustices and discrimination may compound feelings of loss and hinder access to culturally appropriate support.

Language and cultural revitalization play a significant role in Indigenous grief, as the loss of ancestral knowledge and connection to cultural practices can intensify the sense of grief and contribute to the ongoing healing process.

LGBTQ+ individuals often face unique forms of grief due to societal marginalization, such as the loss of family support, rejection from religious communities, or the impact of discriminatory policies.

Marginalization impacts how LGBTQ+ individuals grieve, as they may face additional barriers in accessing support networks and resources.

LGBTQ+ individuals may also experience disenfranchised grief, where their losses are not widely recognized or validated by society, adding an additional layer of complexity to their grieving experiences.

Observing National Indigenous History Month

• Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn about Indigenous history, cultures, and contributions. Read books, watch documentaries, or attend virtual events that highlight Indigenous voices and experiences.
• Support Indigenous Businesses: Seek out and support Indigenous-owned businesses, artisans, and organizations.
• Amplify Indigenous Voices: Use your platform to share and promote Indigenous perspectives, art, literature, and activism.

Observing Pride Month

• Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn about LGBTQ+ history, milestones, and the ongoing challenges faced by the community. 
• Attend Pride Events: Participate in Pride parades, festivals, or celebrations organized by LGBTQ+ communities.
• Be an Ally: Show your support and solidarity by being an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Listen to LGBTQ+ voices, educate others about LGBTQ+ issues, challenge discriminatory attitudes or behaviors.

It's important we do our best to:

• Have culturally appropriate grief supports informed by Indigenous knowledge.
• Recognize the unique experiences and needs of Indigenous peoples in grief, including the importance of community and spiritual support.
• Increase our awareness around the impacts of grief on Indigenous and 2SLBGTQ+ peoples.
• Collaborate with Indigenous and 2SLBGTQ+ service providers to ensure individuals have access to safe and appropriate supports.
• Recognize the ongoing impacts of intergenerational trauma and the need for trauma-informed approaches.
• Acknowledge that LGBTQ+ individuals may face unique challenges and forms of grief due to intersecting identities, such as being a person of color, transgender, or part of other marginalized communities.
• Use individuals' preferred names, pronouns, and terms to affirm their identities and relationships. 
• Recognize the importance of chosen family and LGBTQ+ relationships in their lives.

*Always look up trigger warnings if you're interested in anyone's reads!*

In May, Victoria read 8 books! Out of these books, she recommends reading:



• Run on Red by Noelle W. Ihli and These Silent Woods by Kimi Grant (thrillers)

Kelly is currently reading Firefly Lane after watching the Netflix adaptation. Kelly, that show made me (Victoria) so emotional! I can't imagine the impact the book would have.

If you've read a book or books in the past month and you'd like to suggest it/them for others to read, email Victoria before the next month to be featured! Please include the name and author, the category of the book (optional), and a brief description (optional).

Great Grandpa "George MacPherson" and Grandpa Berry

Great Grandpa passed away on June 23rd 2005. He was a WWII veteran who served with the Canadian Army. An avid musician and sportsman who loved nature, he would often play and coach hockey and baseball. He was also a commissionaire with the City of Cambridge. He is missed by all. ~ Tor

Grandpa Berry (seen right) passed away the day before Father's Day on June 18th, 2016. His death anniversary this year is on Father's Day, which will be difficult. Grandpa loved the outdoors, fishing, basketball, and doing crossword puzzles. He showed me the great tunes of Elvis growing up, and helped raise me on jokes, sarcasm, and knowing how to spell the most random of words. He was also an avid cook, and loved cooking meals for others while also coming up with different recipes. I especially loved his pickle recipe! This is a photo of him and I a couple years prior to his death at our family trailer. We had spent the day fishing! I miss you so much Grandpa and think of you always. ~ Tor

If your past loved ones (including fur babies) birthday or death date is next month, and you'd like to commemorate them on our Memorial Wall, please email Victoria before the next month. Please send a photo/video, description, etc. (whatever you're comfortable with) so we can honour your loved ones. We do this to honor loved ones all throughout the year, and so our caring team can be mindful that there may be some days that are difficult for some of us, and hopefully it encourages kind words to be shared, stories told, or check-ins made.