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Secular Organizations for Sobriety
Group of Toronto (SOSGT):
SOSGT is a nonprofit, autonomous, nonprofessional self-help group. The typical meeting is held weekly for 1.5 hours, with a 10-15 minute break in the middle. Family or friends requiring support, and those with other addiction problems (ex: gambling, drug addiction, etc) are welcome. SOSGT is:
1. Secular: SOSTT credits the individual for achieving and maintaining his or
her own sobriety and is ideal for those uncomfortable with the spiritual content
of 12-step programs. The group is secular and religiously neutral.
2. Inquiry-minded: SOSGT is free from dogma or the towing of any party line.
SOSGT is not in competition with other groups and respects recovery in any
form, regardless of the path by which it is achieved. SOSGT supports healthy
skepticism and encourages the use of the scientific method to understand
alcoholism.
3. Support-group based: Although sobriety is an individual responsibility,
life does not have to be faced alone. The support of other alcoholics and
addicts is vital to recovery. In SOSGT, members share experiences, insights,
information, strength and encouragement in friendly, honest, anonymous
and supportive group meetings
4. Communications-based: Honest, clear, and direct communication of
feelings, thoughts, and knowledge aids in recovery and in choosing
non-destructive, non-delusional, and rational approaches to living sober
and rewarding lives.
5. Effective: SOSGT is effective because it encourages the scientific study
of all aspects of alcoholism and addiction, rather than limiting its outlook
to one area of knowledge or theory of alcoholism and addiction.
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About CFI Social and Community Services Mandate
About the Centre for Inquiry Ontario
CFI’s community services and outreach programs provide secular alternatives,
opportunities for volunteerism, engaging with our community and stewardship
for the quality and richness of life in the world around us.
The mission of the Centre for Inquiry Ontario is to promote and advance
reason, science, freedom of inquiry and humanist ethics in all areas of human
endeavor. CFI Ontario’s broad areas of involvement include:
The Centre for Inquiry Ontario is a secular, reason and rationality-driven community centre seeking to offer a series of alternative services and programs especially
geared to those whose worldview often make the use of cultural or faith-based
providers of community services a threat or simply ineffective. While there exist
public secular community centers throughout the region, our community of secular freethinkers, atheists, humanists and skeptics tend to gravitate to a community
atmosphere dedicated to reason, science and critical inquiry.
Event programming: CFI hosts a robust public education series on topics
like science and the media, the tools of skepticism, humanist ethics and the
separation of church and state
We offer a welcoming, non-threatening and non-judgmental environment.
The Centre is largely staffed by dedicated volunteers who give their time freely
because they care deeply about their community and the challenges we all face
on a daily basis. All services described in this brochure are free and their
commonality is the priority placed on rational thinking.
NEW INITIATIVES:
Environmental Initiatives:
CFI, with a commitment to the environment, is an active participant in Earth
Day and other activities in Toronto. The schedule and activities will continue to
grow as we engage in the sensible stewardship of this planet we call home to
leave a livable world for our future generations – because we understand this
life all there is.
Food & Clothing Collection:
CFI is launching this program to support the needy. We can demonstrate
the humanitarian inherent in humanism by accepting stewardship for our
fellow beings.
■ We first acknowledge that we are alcoholics or addicts
Centre Stage:
The “Centre Stage” program is an initiative to get the Centre involved in the festival culture of Toronto by making the space available as a venue for the Fringe
Fest, the Jazz Festival, Art festivals and other cultural events, in order to make
CFI a vital participant in our community. CFI has a kitchen, washrooms, a stage,
sound system and seating for 125 guests in the heart of the University district
making it an attractive venue.
■ We reaffirm this truth daily and acknowledge without reservation that,
as clean and sober individuals, we cannot and do not drink or use,
no matter what
NEW PROGRAM: Cognitive Quitting (for smokers)
Why Struggle with Cravings When You Can Use Them to Quit Smoking?
A free program at CFI.
■ Since drinking or using is not an option for us, we take whatever steps
are necessary to continue our Sobriety Priority lifelong
Cognitivequitting is so-named because it is a systematic, step-by-step process
that quitters follow to make rational and appropriate choices instead of lighting
up. It provides quitters with simple tools and techniques to examine their
smoking behavior and disconnect automatic urges to smoke.
Visit www.cognitivequitting.com
Sobriety Guidelines
To break the cycle of denial and achieve sobriety,
■ A quality of life – “the good life” – can be achieved. However, life is
also filled with uncertainties. Therefore, we do not drink or use
regardless of feelings, circumstances or conflicts
■ We share in confidence with each other our thoughts and feelings
as sober, clean individuals
■ Sobriety is our Priority, and we are each responsible for our lives
and our sobriety
Visit us online at http://sostoronto.tripod.com to read our SOSGT literature
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Campus outreach: Based at our headquarters, CFI supports a growing
network of student groups dedicated to promoting scientific and critical
thinking at universities and colleges in Canada
Centre for Inquiry Ontario Community
& Social Service Programs
Community outreach: CFI strives to connect itself to the intellectual life
and volunteer sector of our region by becoming a hub for humanist action
and community-education groups that work on humanitarian and social-justice
issues, while leading the province in providing humanist alternative social
and community services
Library and media centre: CFI maintains a lending library on relevant
issues in philosophy, science and religion for research by members, while
operating a multimedia station for educational and entertainment purposes
Lounge and drop-in space: CFI runs the country’s first safe, inclusive and
open space for the primary use of atheists, humanists and skeptics, though
of course available and welcoming to all.
Centre for Inquiry Ontario is wheel chair accessible.
■
English as a Second Language
■
■
Coping Without Religion Support Group
■
Toronto Break-up Support Group
■
A craving is primarily your body messaging you about its needs; “I need:
stimulation, relaxation, nourishment, etc.” Unfortunately Smokers have learned
to associate a cigarette with all of these needs. If you are a smoker who would
like to quit, or if you have already quit but still struggle with craves or urges to
smoke Cognitivequitting is a program that will show you how to identify the
messages your body sends and respond appropriately.
216 Beverley St., Toronto, ON M5T 1Z3
Tel/Fax: 416-971-5676
E-mail: toronto@centerforinquiry.net
Web: www.centerforinquiry.net/toronto
For full information on these services, visit our website
www.centerforinquiry.net/toronto, and click on “Local Resources”
and or “Local Events Calendar”
For full information on these services,
visit our website www.centerforinquiry.net/toronto,
and click on “Local Resources” and or Local Events Calendar”
Seniors’ Hobby Group
■
Cognitive Quitting (for smokers)
Secular Organizations for Sobriety
For more information visit:
www.centerforinquiry.net/toronto , or contact
toronto@centerforinquiry.net or 416-971-5676
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FREE English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes
Canada is primarily a nation of immigrants. Most of us can identify
with being new at something - a new job, a new school and the bewildering flood of things to learn even before
one can become productive.
Especially for those new to Canada, where language, customs, traditions
and values can be so different from elsewhere, our aim is to enable
you to share and experience the opportunities, freedoms and joys
that so many of us take for granted but know in our
hearts makes Canada special.
Centre for Inquiry Ontario is offering two free English
as a Second Language streams.
The first stream provides basic conversational language skills for becoming self
sufficient in day-to-day life. This program is a one-on-one pairing of an ESL
teacher with a student. We will help students develop independence, make
decisions and properly assess the bewildering array of information that confronts us every day.
The second stream will consist of a group setting for practicing critical thinking,
rational discourse, the skills of argumentation and the expression of
opinions in the English language, through the exploration and discussion
of contemporary issues.
ESL sessions at CFI Ontario will benefit from our large supply of literature
and multimedia in diverse areas like politics, science and philosophy, as well
as the lectures, debates and discussion groups that more advanced students
are free to attend. Capitalizing on these resources, CFI Ontario is pioneering
a new ESL curriculum in critical argumentation, teaching how to form well
structured, rational, reasoned and informed dialogue and practicing these
techniques by applying them to controversial and significant local and
world issues.
About Centre for Inquiry Support Groups
Self help groups are based on the idea that talking about our problems
improves our health and quality of life.
We offer self-help groups where the facilitator is not neccessarily a professional such as a psychologist or a social worker but a person who also has
problems related to the issue at hand. Support groups may not be for everyone. We suggest that newcomers try their best to attend at least 2 or 3
meetings before deciding if this approach feels right for them.
WHAT WE OFFER:
A non-judgmental group of peers
Shared experiences and resources
A place to express yourself in confidence
WHAT WE DO NOT OFFER:
A substitute for professional help
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Seniors’ Hobby & Drop-In Group
Coping Without Religion Support Group
WHO ARE WE?
Coping Without Religion (CWR) is a real life support group in Toronto,
Canada for people who are dealing with problems related to leaving
organized religion. The group has been in operation since February 2004.
FACTS
In 2001, it is estimated that 16.2% of the Canadian population do not belong
to a religion (Statistics Canada, 2001)
Polls of representative samples show that organized religion has declined
greatly in many Western nations (Altermeyer, 2004)
Up to one-third of Americans switch religions at some time during
their lives (Loveland, 2003)
“When I left Islam and ran away to Canada, I didn’t have much support
from others who were in the same shoes. I had problems such as anger,
COST?
Our support group is always free of charge. Members who can afford
it make small donations to help support our operating costs.
anxiety, etc. The Coping Without Religion Support Group would have
SUPPORT GROUP GUIDELINES:
References
Altermeyer, B . (2004). The decline of organized religion in Western
civilization. International Journal for the Psychology of Religion.
14(2), 77-89.
been a great help but it didn’t exist back then.”
Murtad Mama, Ex-Muslim
Our goal is to provide a diverse selection of educational, recreational and social
activities in an open, inclusive, friendly and secular environment in
order to improve the quality of life of older adults.
Food and beverages are supplied, as well as information and resources on travel,
sports, hobbies and issues and organizations of particular relevance to seniors.
We are geared primarily to seniors but are open to people of all ages.
We also welcome new immigrants and those for whom English is not a first
language and recommend such individuals consider also joining our affiliated
ESL program, described elsewhere in this brochure. Attending hobby group
get togethers is a good first step in learning about the full assortment of social
and community services CFI has to offer.
Centre for Inquiry Ontario is wheel chair accessible.
Past and Future Activities Include
■ Film
■ Cards games (bridge, euchre, etc)
■ Board games
• Nobody has to talk, but everybody is encouraged to do so.
• You should not interrupt others while they speak.
• You should not have side conversations.
• Do not tell anyone what to do. But you may share what works for you.
• What is said in this room stays in this room.
Loveland, M.T. (2003). Religious switching: Preference development,
maintenance, and chang. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion,
42(1), 147-157.
• Everyone is equal.
Looking for Meeting and Event Space?
■ Puzzles
■ Chess, checkers and backgammon
■ Ping-pong
■ Bingo
■ crafts
We also host experts in the following areas
■ needlework and crochet
Toronto Break-Up Support Group
CFI offers space - free or discounted - to community groups
for meetings and events.
■ Scrabble
■ origami
WHO WE ARE?
The Toronto Break-Up Support Group is a real life support group in Toronto,
Canada for people who are dealing with problems as a result of:
■ magic
■ photography
■ basic web surfing and email
(1) A break up of a long-term romantic relationship
Would you like to be informed of new social and community
services when they become available and of exciting events,
activities and opportunities at CFI?
Contact us today and ask to be added to our mailing list.
■ singing
(2) A separation from a spouse
(3) A divorce
“I am recently separated and very depressed about it, I didn’t think a
support group would be that much help but after spending an afternoon
Do you support CFI’s mission to provide programming and services
to the secular freethought community of humanists, atheists and
skeptics and anyone else interested. Are you uncomfortable with the
religious and homogeneous cultural environments of most other such
service providers. Do you thrive in an atmosphere dedicated to reason,
science and critical inquiry? Consider joining CFI as a paid Friend
of the Centre or making a tax-deductible donation.
Visit us online www.centerforinquiry.net/toronto
with a girl that had just broken up with her boyfriend, and sharing our
feelings and thoughts, I actually felt a lot better. That’s when I looked for
a support group and came across the Toronto Break-up Support Group.
It doesn’t matter how many people are in a group, it is simply important
to have another soul to relate to in a time when you feel so alone.
That in itself, can be the first step to healing.”
Clair, 30 years old.