Join us in celebrating 20 years of spirited action for justice, October 26 to 28.  

This virtual KAIROS Gathering will feature daily plenary sessions anchored by a panel discussion with partners and participants who have played an important role in making KAIROS what it is today. Using the theme of time, plenary sessions will explore: Where we have come from, Where we are at now, and Where we are headed to. We look forward to seeing you!

Helen Knott will be the keynote speaker at the #KAIROS20 Youth Event, We Are Unstoppable!, October 24. Helen’s long and rich history with KAIROS began in 2021 when  she joined a youth delegation to the United Nations to advocate for the rights of First Nations children. KAIROS extends a special invitation to youth and young adults to hear what Helen says about #KAIROS20 and her personal insights into living with purpose and passion!

To mark its 20th anniversary, KAIROS wants to lift up the artistic work of young activists. We are excited to share your visions and amplify your voices! All art forms are welcome. Voting begins today, October 7. Submissions will be accepted until October 17. Submit your’s early to secure the most votes!

The Government of Canada has awarded KAIROS Canada $1,896,308 to continue its successful Empowering Temporary Foreign Workers during COVID-19 project to support and assist temporary foreign workers during the pandemic.

This op-ed by Connie Sorio, KAIROS’ Migrant Justice Program Manager, appeared in The Hill Times on October 4.

As we sit down in celebration of bounty and family, I ask all Canadians to join me in giving thanks to the workers who come to Canada to bring food to our plates, provide care to the young or vulnerable, and work in other essential sectors. Canada owes them a deep level of gratitude. Afterall, what would we do without them?

Resource projects in Atlantic Canada (Wolastoqiyik and Mi’kmaq territories) discriminate against and harm Indigenous women, even when negotiated through Treaty and land claim processes, according to a report released on September 27, Wolastoqiyik and Mi’kmaq Grandmothers – Land/Water Defenders Sharing and Learning Circle: Generating Knowledge for Action Report by Dr. Sherry Pictou in collaboration with Dr. Janet Conway and PhD Candidate Angela Day, and in partnership with KAIROS Canada. 

This op-ed by Gabriela Jiménez, KAIROS’ Latin America partnerships co-ordinator, appeared in Canada’s National Observer on September 24.

If Canada intends to be a leader of the green economy to confront the climate emergency, the federal government must address the lack of mandatory and enforceable corporate accountability measures which have had devastating consequences within and beyond the Canadian border.

In September, Climate Action Month nurtured learning and action for the climate through reflections, reports, resources, events and more from the KAIROS network, global partners and beyond. In case you missed it, we invite you to explore the posts now. Climate Action Month may be over, but our actions for the climate continue! Learn more about KAIROS’ upcoming events and campaigns for climate justice.

Register today for For the Love of Creation’s (FLC) 2021 Fall Symposium on Saturday, October 30 from 11 am to 5 pm EDT. Held on the eve of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, FLC’s symposium brings together people like you to learn more about the climate crisis and advocacy from a faith perspective. Speakers include: Councillor Christine Boyle, OneCity Vancouver; Sister Eva Solomon, CSJ; Dr. Sylvia Keesmaat, biblical scholar and permaculture practitioner; David Goodin, ecotheologian; Mueni Mutinda, Canadian Foodgrains Bank; and, Jennifer Preston, Canadian Friends Service Committee (Quakers).

The third and final report from Investigate PH examines the violation of collective human rights to development, self-determination, and peace in the Philippines, state-enforced abuses of civil and political rights, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Investigate PH calls on countries such as Canada to suspend all military and police aid until respect for human rights and international humanitarian law is restored, and to provide support for the resumption of peace negotiations between the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.

On a Sunday in September, the KAIROS Canada Migrant Justice team traveled to Leamington, Ontario to celebrate Grito de Dolores, or Mexico’s Independence Day. Hosted by the Migrant Worker Community Program, the event was an opportunity for migrant workers to enjoy the summer evening, relax, listen to music, and, for Mexican workers, celebrate their heritage.  The team handed out PPE, personal care items, and snacks as a small offering of thanks, and as part of the Empowering Temporary Foreign Workers during COVID-19 project.

KAIROS actions to build a better world, such as e-petitions, letters to elected officials, and advocacy events are housed on the KAIROS Advocacy page. Take action today!

Musings from a hopeful: a commitment to witness in the Philippines

With human rights deteriorating in the Philippines, Em Mijares muses on hope. Em is the Project Coordinator of the Human Rights and Gender Rights Project for Ecumenical Voice for Human Rights and Peace in the Philippines (EcuVoice), a KAIROS partner.

“Many times, I have encountered the phrase 'hope springs eternal' from colleagues and fellow advocates since I started working with church people, peace advocates and human rights defenders…. At first, I thought, it was an abstract concept, just a mantra to say when things get so terrible, the injustice is difficult to explain in simple terms. But then, I realized they are consoling words for victims and those working for social justice alike.”

The Migrant Worker Community Program (MWCP) has joined KAIROS’ Empowering Temporary Foreign Workers during COVID-19 project! The MWCP was established in 2002 in Essex County, Ontario to help build a stronger community by welcoming the migrant worker population. Its mission is to provide a more positive balance to the life of migrant workers by offering social, cultural, recreational, and communication opportunities, and to build cultural bridges with host communities in the Kingsville, Leamington, and surrounding area.

Recently, KAIROS’ migrant justice team visited Leamington for MWCP’s event, Festival de las Naciones Unidas, in celebration of the migrant workers in the region.