Events in October 2026

This calendar uses the Eastern Time Zone.

2 7:00 pm: CFIC Volunteer Academy: Week 1 — WHO: Finding the Right Audience 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm October 2, 2026 How Do You Get More People to Show Up? CFIC Volunteer Academy: Getting People to Your Events Week 1 — WHO: Finding the Right Audience Putting an event on Facebook isn't an event marketing strategy. So what actually gets people to show up? It starts before you advertise anything—by identifying who would genuinely care about your event, understanding why they would want to attend, and figuring out who already has their attention. You don't have to be an event organizer to benefit. This session is for anyone who organizes CFIC events, helps promote or support them, wants to become more involved as a volunteer, or simply wants to understand how successful event promotion works. In just 30 minutes, you'll learn how to: Identify the people most likely to care about an event. Give them a clear and compelling reason to attend. Turn an event idea into an appealing title and value proposition. Find organizations, communities and people that already reach your desired audience. Build a simple promotion kit that volunteers, speakers and partners can easily share. The central question is simple: Who would genuinely care about this event—and who already has their attention? Answer that well, and promoting an event becomes much easier. ### Event Details 📅 Date: Friday, October 2nd, 2026 🕒 Time: 4:00 PM PST (7:00 PM EST) ⏰ Length: 30 minutes 💻 Location: Zoom (Online) 🎟️ Cost: Free 👥 Who can attend: Everyone No marketing experience is required. Three Weeks. Three Questions. Week 1 — WHO: Who should we reach, and why should they care? Week 2 — WHERE: Where can we find and reach those people? Week 3 — WHAT: What do we say to get their attention and move them to action? Great events have little impact if the people who would value them never hear about them. Register free → Learn how to get more of the right people to your next CFIC event. Virtual Canada View Location Map More information Hosted by John Lombard

4 12:00 pm: Living Without Religon – Hosted by Virtual Branch 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm October 4, 2026 Living without Religion (LWR) is a monthly peer support group for those who have left their religion, are considering leaving their religion, and/or are encountering challenges with friends, family, classmates or co-workers due to religious differences. If you're already comfortable leading a secular lifestyle, you can also come to offer emotional support or advice, or just to enjoy a sense of social community that religions often offer. Moderated by volunteers from the Virtual and Ottawa Branch of Centre for Inquiry Canada (CFIC), LWR meets on the first Sunday of every month from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm EST. To join, log into Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/962762133?pwd=Zm1wYjVtcGR4UHp3cXpVQ3crSGV4Zz09 Virtual Canada View Location Map More information Hosted by Critical Links

5 7:00 pm: Book Club (Non-Fiction) 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm October 5, 2026 Welcome, all inquiring minds. The goal of this group is to explore topics, ideas, and concepts with a critical eye and the willingness to ask questions; • Is the thesis of this book on solid ground? • Is what this book is presenting true or false? • Is the topic being presented in a fair and even-handed manner? Anyone interested in controversial and often contentious topics of the day and willing to explore all sides of an issue should consider joining. We will select a new book at the end of each session. The book club will meet on the first Monday of the month at 7:00 pm. We have an allotted time of 2 hours. The link to this event is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89082917143?pwd=T0pJY0hsWE00a3hpbTBoQWNUQjJyQT09#success Virtual Canada View Location Map More information Hosted by Critical Links

6 7:00 pm: Skeptics in the Pub: Ottawa 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm October 6, 2026 Meet friendly skeptics, atheists, humanists and freethinkers for Skeptics in the Pub. If you’re tired of listening to people make unlikely claims or outlandish theories, come out and meet new friends instead. Co-hosted by Humanist Ottawa and the Centre for Inquiry Canada, we meet regularly on the first Tuesday of each month. It’s an informal, warm and fun atmosphere. Join the free-wheeling conversation. FOR ALL RETURNING SKEPTICS: You already know the fun involved, so bring a friend. More information The Lieutenants Pump | 361 Elgin Street, Ottawa, ON Hosted by Critical Links

9 7:00 pm: CFIC Volunteer Academy 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm October 9, 2026 Dear CFIC Volunteers, I am very pleased to announce the launch of the CFIC Volunteer Academy—a new weekly Zoom gathering open to all CFIC volunteers across Canada. Participation is entirely optional. You are welcome to attend regularly or simply join whenever the topic interests you and your schedule permits. I believe these sessions will provide real value to our volunteers while giving you a greater voice in CFIC and more opportunities to participate in our work. If you would like to attend but the scheduled time does not work for you, the sessions will be recorded and made available afterward. You can register even if you cannot attend live, and we will send you a link to the recording. My name is John Lombard, and I am the new Executive Director of CFIC. I have more than two decades of experience as a trainer and coach, with a particular focus on developing leadership and organizational skills. My goal is to make the Volunteer Academy much more than another weekly meeting. It will be a practical forum where volunteers can develop useful skills, learn about CFIC’s activities, exchange ideas, support one another, and contribute directly to the growth and direction of our organization. Each session will include some combination of the following: Training We will provide practical training on topics such as organizing successful events, promoting and advertising events, recruiting participants, developing local volunteer teams, and choosing activities that appeal to different audiences. Upcoming Events We will introduce and discuss upcoming CFIC events across Canada. This is one of the most exciting aspects of the Volunteer Academy: even when an event is taking place on the other side of the country, you can still contribute ideas about how it should be organized, what activities it might include, and how it can be promoted. If you are organizing or hosting an event, you will also be able to draw upon the ideas, experience, and support of volunteers from across Canada. New Volunteer-Led Events If you have an idea for an event that you would like to organize, we want to help you make it happen. You can present your idea, receive suggestions from other volunteers, learn from people who have organized similar events, and get practical guidance from CFIC. You do not need to arrive with a fully developed plan. Even a preliminary idea can be brought to the group for discussion. Volunteer Participation and Collaboration The Academy will also give volunteers an opportunity to: Meet and learn from volunteers in other parts of Canada Share successful ideas and experiences Ask questions and seek advice Suggest training topics and new initiatives Learn more about CFIC’s national activities and priorities Become more directly involved in CFIC’s work Our volunteers are essential to CFIC’s success. If we are going to expand our reach and impact across Canada, we need volunteers to be an integral part of planning, organizing, and carrying out that work. The Volunteer Academy is intended to help make that possible. Our Zoom sessions will take place: Time: 7:00 PM EST (4:00 PM PST) Duration: 1 hour To participate, please register here: https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-volunteer-academy-zoom-registration/ You may register even if you cannot attend the live session. Everyone who registers will receive a link to the recording afterward. Thank you for everything you contribute to CFIC. I look forward to meeting you and working with you through the CFIC Volunteer Academy. Best regards, John Lombard Executive Director Centre for Inquiry Canada Virtual Canada View Location Map More information Hosted by John Lombard

16 7:00 pm: CFIC Volunteer Academy 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm October 16, 2026 Dear CFIC Volunteers, I am very pleased to announce the launch of the CFIC Volunteer Academy—a new weekly Zoom gathering open to all CFIC volunteers across Canada. Participation is entirely optional. You are welcome to attend regularly or simply join whenever the topic interests you and your schedule permits. I believe these sessions will provide real value to our volunteers while giving you a greater voice in CFIC and more opportunities to participate in our work. If you would like to attend but the scheduled time does not work for you, the sessions will be recorded and made available afterward. You can register even if you cannot attend live, and we will send you a link to the recording. My name is John Lombard, and I am the new Executive Director of CFIC. I have more than two decades of experience as a trainer and coach, with a particular focus on developing leadership and organizational skills. My goal is to make the Volunteer Academy much more than another weekly meeting. It will be a practical forum where volunteers can develop useful skills, learn about CFIC’s activities, exchange ideas, support one another, and contribute directly to the growth and direction of our organization. Each session will include some combination of the following: Training We will provide practical training on topics such as organizing successful events, promoting and advertising events, recruiting participants, developing local volunteer teams, and choosing activities that appeal to different audiences. Upcoming Events We will introduce and discuss upcoming CFIC events across Canada. This is one of the most exciting aspects of the Volunteer Academy: even when an event is taking place on the other side of the country, you can still contribute ideas about how it should be organized, what activities it might include, and how it can be promoted. If you are organizing or hosting an event, you will also be able to draw upon the ideas, experience, and support of volunteers from across Canada. New Volunteer-Led Events If you have an idea for an event that you would like to organize, we want to help you make it happen. You can present your idea, receive suggestions from other volunteers, learn from people who have organized similar events, and get practical guidance from CFIC. You do not need to arrive with a fully developed plan. Even a preliminary idea can be brought to the group for discussion. Volunteer Participation and Collaboration The Academy will also give volunteers an opportunity to: Meet and learn from volunteers in other parts of Canada Share successful ideas and experiences Ask questions and seek advice Suggest training topics and new initiatives Learn more about CFIC’s national activities and priorities Become more directly involved in CFIC’s work Our volunteers are essential to CFIC’s success. If we are going to expand our reach and impact across Canada, we need volunteers to be an integral part of planning, organizing, and carrying out that work. The Volunteer Academy is intended to help make that possible. Our Zoom sessions will take place: Time: 7:00 PM EST (4:00 PM PST) Duration: 1 hour To participate, please register here: https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-volunteer-academy-zoom-registration/ You may register even if you cannot attend the live session. Everyone who registers will receive a link to the recording afterward. Thank you for everything you contribute to CFIC. I look forward to meeting you and working with you through the CFIC Volunteer Academy. Best regards, John Lombard Executive Director Centre for Inquiry Canada Virtual Canada View Location Map More information Hosted by John Lombard

18 12:00 pm: Secular Brunch – Ottawa Centretown 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm October 18, 2026 Looking for good food and great conversations? Secular Brunch – Ottawa Centretown is a monthly discussion group where you can socialize with friendly atheists, agnostics, humanists, skeptics, and other free-thinkers in the National Capital Region. Hosted by Centre for Inquiry Canada (CFIC), this event will be held at the Lieutenant's Pump in the far right corner where we have a quiet space all to ourselves. You can enjoy their weekend brunch until 1:00 pm, the regular menu after that, or just order water or other beverages. No purchase is necessary! When: Sunday, October 18 from noon to 2:00 PM (It's not too late to attend the brunch on Sunday, September 20th) Where: Lieutenant's Pump, 361 Elgin Street, Gallery Room in the right rear corner What we do: Similar to CFI’s former “Sunday Unsermon” group and our current online "Secular Chat", conversations and fun debate topics vary from week to week based on the interests of the participants. Topics might include: Current events and progressive politics Ethics, philosophy, and history Science and skepticism Counter-apologetics to religion Any other subjects involving critical thinking There's no set agenda. You can bring a topic to discuss, and we’ll try to fit it in. CFIC volunteers lightly moderate the conversation to help ensure everyone has a chance to talk. If you'd prefer to listen rather than talk, that's fine too. Prizes: We'll hold a draw, and the winner gets their choice of a new book on secularism from a list of over 20 titles. How to get there: Transit: Take OC Transpo buses 5, 14, or 18 (Elgin/Waverly stop heading north; Elgin/Gladstone heading south). Walking: It's a 15-minute walk from the uOttawa O-Train station across the Corktown Footbridge, or a 20-minute walk from Rideau Centre or the Glebe. Driving: Street parking is free all weekend. Alternative Meetings and Support: If you can’t make it to brunch, CFIC offers several other ways to connect: Online Secular Chat - Ottawa West is hosted by the CFI Secular Community Network every Wednesday evening at 6:30 pm. Skeptics in the Pub is on the first Tuesday of every month at Lieutenant's Pump. It's similar to the event in the park, but due to its size, conversations are usually limited to the people near you. Living Without Religion is CFIC's monthly online support group held on the first Sunday of every month . Secular groups in Ottawa lists local and like-minded organizations. Recovering from Religion (RfR) is setting up an Ottawa branch this fall in cooperation with CFIC. If you're interested in volunteering, go to their website or ask one of the organizers at the event. Hope to see you on the Sunday after Thanksgiving! Ottawa Ottawa, Ontario Canada View Location Map More information Hosted by Centre for Inquiry Canada Ottawa

23 7:00 pm: CFIC Volunteer Academy 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm October 23, 2026 Dear CFIC Volunteers, I am very pleased to announce the launch of the CFIC Volunteer Academy—a new weekly Zoom gathering open to all CFIC volunteers across Canada. Participation is entirely optional. You are welcome to attend regularly or simply join whenever the topic interests you and your schedule permits. I believe these sessions will provide real value to our volunteers while giving you a greater voice in CFIC and more opportunities to participate in our work. If you would like to attend but the scheduled time does not work for you, the sessions will be recorded and made available afterward. You can register even if you cannot attend live, and we will send you a link to the recording. My name is John Lombard, and I am the new Executive Director of CFIC. I have more than two decades of experience as a trainer and coach, with a particular focus on developing leadership and organizational skills. My goal is to make the Volunteer Academy much more than another weekly meeting. It will be a practical forum where volunteers can develop useful skills, learn about CFIC’s activities, exchange ideas, support one another, and contribute directly to the growth and direction of our organization. Each session will include some combination of the following: Training We will provide practical training on topics such as organizing successful events, promoting and advertising events, recruiting participants, developing local volunteer teams, and choosing activities that appeal to different audiences. Upcoming Events We will introduce and discuss upcoming CFIC events across Canada. This is one of the most exciting aspects of the Volunteer Academy: even when an event is taking place on the other side of the country, you can still contribute ideas about how it should be organized, what activities it might include, and how it can be promoted. If you are organizing or hosting an event, you will also be able to draw upon the ideas, experience, and support of volunteers from across Canada. New Volunteer-Led Events If you have an idea for an event that you would like to organize, we want to help you make it happen. You can present your idea, receive suggestions from other volunteers, learn from people who have organized similar events, and get practical guidance from CFIC. You do not need to arrive with a fully developed plan. Even a preliminary idea can be brought to the group for discussion. Volunteer Participation and Collaboration The Academy will also give volunteers an opportunity to: Meet and learn from volunteers in other parts of Canada Share successful ideas and experiences Ask questions and seek advice Suggest training topics and new initiatives Learn more about CFIC’s national activities and priorities Become more directly involved in CFIC’s work Our volunteers are essential to CFIC’s success. If we are going to expand our reach and impact across Canada, we need volunteers to be an integral part of planning, organizing, and carrying out that work. The Volunteer Academy is intended to help make that possible. Our Zoom sessions will take place: Time: 7:00 PM EST (4:00 PM PST) Duration: 1 hour To participate, please register here: https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-volunteer-academy-zoom-registration/ You may register even if you cannot attend the live session. Everyone who registers will receive a link to the recording afterward. Thank you for everything you contribute to CFIC. I look forward to meeting you and working with you through the CFIC Volunteer Academy. Best regards, John Lombard Executive Director Centre for Inquiry Canada Virtual Canada View Location Map More information Hosted by John Lombard

30 7:00 pm: CFIC Volunteer Academy 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm October 30, 2026 Dear CFIC Volunteers, I am very pleased to announce the launch of the CFIC Volunteer Academy—a new weekly Zoom gathering open to all CFIC volunteers across Canada. Participation is entirely optional. You are welcome to attend regularly or simply join whenever the topic interests you and your schedule permits. I believe these sessions will provide real value to our volunteers while giving you a greater voice in CFIC and more opportunities to participate in our work. If you would like to attend but the scheduled time does not work for you, the sessions will be recorded and made available afterward. You can register even if you cannot attend live, and we will send you a link to the recording. My name is John Lombard, and I am the new Executive Director of CFIC. I have more than two decades of experience as a trainer and coach, with a particular focus on developing leadership and organizational skills. My goal is to make the Volunteer Academy much more than another weekly meeting. It will be a practical forum where volunteers can develop useful skills, learn about CFIC’s activities, exchange ideas, support one another, and contribute directly to the growth and direction of our organization. Each session will include some combination of the following: Training We will provide practical training on topics such as organizing successful events, promoting and advertising events, recruiting participants, developing local volunteer teams, and choosing activities that appeal to different audiences. Upcoming Events We will introduce and discuss upcoming CFIC events across Canada. This is one of the most exciting aspects of the Volunteer Academy: even when an event is taking place on the other side of the country, you can still contribute ideas about how it should be organized, what activities it might include, and how it can be promoted. If you are organizing or hosting an event, you will also be able to draw upon the ideas, experience, and support of volunteers from across Canada. New Volunteer-Led Events If you have an idea for an event that you would like to organize, we want to help you make it happen. You can present your idea, receive suggestions from other volunteers, learn from people who have organized similar events, and get practical guidance from CFIC. You do not need to arrive with a fully developed plan. Even a preliminary idea can be brought to the group for discussion. Volunteer Participation and Collaboration The Academy will also give volunteers an opportunity to: Meet and learn from volunteers in other parts of Canada Share successful ideas and experiences Ask questions and seek advice Suggest training topics and new initiatives Learn more about CFIC’s national activities and priorities Become more directly involved in CFIC’s work Our volunteers are essential to CFIC’s success. If we are going to expand our reach and impact across Canada, we need volunteers to be an integral part of planning, organizing, and carrying out that work. The Volunteer Academy is intended to help make that possible. Our Zoom sessions will take place: Time: 7:00 PM EST (4:00 PM PST) Duration: 1 hour To participate, please register here: https://centreforinquiry.ca/cfic-volunteer-academy-zoom-registration/ You may register even if you cannot attend the live session. Everyone who registers will receive a link to the recording afterward. Thank you for everything you contribute to CFIC. I look forward to meeting you and working with you through the CFIC Volunteer Academy. Best regards, John Lombard Executive Director Centre for Inquiry Canada Virtual Canada View Location Map More information Hosted by John Lombard

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Questions? Email calendar@centreforinquiry.ca.