A call to rally for science and civic responsibility
Many PeaceQuest supporters have been very alarmed at the nasty, angry, and disturbing protests dogging political events this week. Some of the protests have connnections to far-right, racist organizations.
We received an invitation from our partners at Civil Dialogue for people to join events aimed at promoting respectful political dialogue. For more information, contact Christopher Holcroft at the email address below.
Hello,
In context of the events of the past few weeks, I thought you may be interested in this proposed call to action, below. More information on specific actions and events is available here – Home – Civil Dialogue. If you would like to participate, assist, or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. I would also appreciate you sharing this with your networks and on social media.
Thank you.
Christopher Holcroft
Founder, Civil Dialogue initiative
A call to rally for science and civic responsibility
The scenes and sounds of the last few days have been startling. Hospitals blocked by protestors. Election events cancelled due to security risks. Citizens harassed for wearing a mask, dining on a patio, or even for what they look like.
This is not representative of the country that cheered on health workers at the start of the pandemic, came together in informal networks to help vulnerable neighbours and struggling businesses, and led the world in vaccinations.
Yet now, Canadian decency and democracy ae being tested – and it is time to act.
This is a pivotal moment. Having observed politics in the United States the past five years we know what happens when ignorance intersects with hate and is allowed to fester. Canada is not immune.
All of us wishing to protect public well-being, preserve trust in science, and foster a civil discourse must make our views known now.
A cross-Canada rally is proposed for Saturday, September 18th – two days before the federal election – at noon (across time zones).
You are encouraged to take to a public square in your community and proclaim your commitment to science and civic responsibility. Hold up a sign. Make a speech. Lead a march. Observe a moment of silence. The details are up to you; please just respect all local public health measures.
Will you join? If you would like to volunteer to be a point of contact for your community or provide other support, please contact Christopher Holcroft of Civil Dialogue at christopherholcroft@hotmail.ca / 416-996-0767. A list of participating communities will be available at www.civildialogue.ca.
Together, we can affirm and advocate for a just Canada.
Christopher Holcroft
