History
October 13-14th, 2012
Urban Aboriginal Reconciliation Circle
ISC President, Louise Mangan, participates on behalf of the board in the Urban Aboriginal/Bright New Day Reconciliation Circle at Musqueam Community Centre.
September 11th, 2012
Poverty Reduction Collaboration Participation
ISC participates in the BC Poverty Reduction Coalition meeting.
July 12th, 2012
Welcome to New Board Members
ISC board welcomes new members Sandra Severs, Aline LaFlamme, Shams Alibi and Noam Dolgin and grants $1,000 to the Spirited Social Change project for website development.
June 18th, 2012
Sharing our Stories
ISC hosts Women of Spirit and Faith Vancouver, “Women, Spirituality and Transformative Leadership.”
June 3rd, 2012
Annual General Meetings
The ISC AGM is held at the Unitarian Church of Vancouver.
May 14th, 2012
The Journey Continues
ISC hosts Women of Spirit and Faith Vancouver, “Women, Spirituality and Transformative Leadership.”
May 3rd, 2012
Poverty Reduction Collaboration
ISC participates in the BC Poverty Reduction Coalition meeting.
April 26-29th, 2012
WSF Leaders Meetings
ISC board members Louise Mangan and Christine Boyle participate for the ISC in a Women of Spirit and Faith (US and Canada) leaders’ meeting in Atlanta, Georgia.
April 21st, 2012
Protecting Sacred Waters
ISC hosts the event “Protecting Our Sacred Waters” at UCV, including a day-long youth conference and an evening Public Event. Presenters and guest speakers provide current information about proposed pipelines, oil tankers, and industrial development of local wetlands.
April 16th, 2012
Sharing Teachings on Non-Violence
ISC board members are invited to the HumanKind event (at St.Andrews-Wesley United Church), organized by Ryan Punambolam, to share teachings on non-violence.
April, 2012
Organizational Alliances
-ISC joins the Universal Religion Initiative as a Cooperation Circle and becomes a member of North American Interfaith Network.
-New Way Community becomes an ISC member organization.
March 29th, 2012
Women, Spirituality and Transformative Leadership
ISC hosts the second gathering of Women of Spirit and Faith Canada at UCV, “Women, Spirituality and Transformative Leadership.”
March 23rd, 2012
Compassionate Cities Collaboration
ISC Chair Louise Mangan shares leadership in a Greater Vancouver Compassion Network collaboration with the SFU Dialogue Centre, hosting mayors and city councilors from throughout Metro region for a working brunch with luminary Karen Armstrong. This event marks the formal launch of the GVCN’s “Compassionate Cities” intiative.
March 4th, 2012
Doing it InterSpiritually
ISC Board members and friends participate in a special Sunday service at UC called “Doing it InterSpiritually,” sharing spiritual practices from a variety of traditions.
March, 2012
Aboriginal Women’s Action Network
ISC covers the cost of the Native American Medicine Wheel/ 12-step leadership guide for the Aboriginal Womens Action Network, and covered the travel expense for a local representative of the Aboriginal Womens Action Network to provide testimony from a Canadian aboriginal perspective at a UN panel in New York City on the trafficking of rural women.
February 26, 2012
Furthering the Experiment
Second “Feeding Hearts and Minds” gathering of the Spirited Social Change initiative.
February 22, 2012
Coalition Participation
ISC participates in the BC Poverty Reduction Coalition meeting.
February 19th, 2012
Formal Collaboration Between UCV and the ISC
ISC board members participate in UCV Extraordinary General Meeting to present the ISC mission, work areas, and values. The UCV Congregation voted in favour of a resolution to collaborate with the ISC in further developing interspiritual presence and activities on the site.
January 29th, 2012
Feeding Hearts and Minds
The ISC provides contingency funding for the Feeding Hearts & Minds project of the Spirited Social Change initiative organized by ISC board member, Christine Boyle. This first event draws the attention of many spiritually grounded and socially active citizens.
January 25th, 2012
Launch for Women of Spirit and Faith Canada
ISC sponsors Women of Spirit and Faith in launching the Canadian regional organization in Vancouver, with nearly seventy women in attendance. The Co-founder of Women of Spirit and Faith, Kathe Schaaf participates in this first Canadian meeting as a leader and speaker, and launches the WSF book, Women, Spirituality and Transformative Leadership.
January 17th, 2012
Further Discussions
ISC Board members join the UCV board meeting to discuss the possibility of formalizing a collaborative relationship.
January, 2012
Refreshing Website
ISC launches a new website with a fresh and clean view.
November 24, 2011
UCV Collaboration
The ISC Board welcomes ISC member organization representatives and UCV members to a discussion about future collaboration and space sharing.
November 20, 2011
InterSpiritual Sacred Dance Festival 2011
The Festival was sponsored by the Interspiritual Centre and St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church in co-operation with Christ Church Cathedral. The event featured artists from several faith traditions performing First Nations, Jewish, Christian, Sufi and contemporary practices that honoured Divine presence – a wonderful expression of Interspiritual Bridging.
November, 2011
New Board Members
The ISC board welcomes new members Rebecca Tobias and Vandy Savage.
October 15, 2011
Meditation for Social Change
The ISC and Christ Church Cathedral coordinate an interspiritual meditation on the first day of Occupy Vancouver.
October 11, 2011
Site Development Consultations
The ISC of Vancouver Society and the Vancouver Unitarians begin exploratory discussions about co-developing an expanded interspiritual facility.
October 4, 2011
Founding Framework for the Greater Vancouver Compassion Network (GVCN)
ISC Chair Louise Mangan participates in preparing and endorsing a Founding Framework for the GVCN, a values-based coalition of community leaders. The Coordinating Team includes, among others, participants from the InterSpiritual Centre of Vancouver Society, the Dalai Lama Centre for Peace and Education, Society, Vancity Credit Union, the Vancouver Foundation, the United Way, Free the Children, Fair Trade Vancouver, Christ Church Cathedral, First United Church, and Learning City.
October 1, 2011
Office and Meeting Space for the ISC
The ISC of Vancouver Society enters into a two-year agreement with the Vancouver Unitarians for office space in the Hewitt Centre.
October, 2011
Updating Financial Arrangements
ISC arranges new accounts with Vancity.
September 13, 2011
ISC’s three-fold focus
Based on input from member organizations, the ISC Board formalizes a three-fold focus for the Society’s current life and work: serving the sacred in human community, sharing sacred space, and honouring the sacredness of the Earth.
June, 2011
Charter of Compassion Network Partnership
The ISC’s Partnership Profile with the Charter of Compassion Network is updated. The Charter for Compassion (www.charterforcompassion.org) is the result of Karen Armstrong’s 2008 TED Prize wish. It was globally revealed in November 2009, at which point the ISC of Vancouver Society became a Charter supporter and official Network Partner in cooperative efforts to restore compassion to the centre of religious, moral and political life.
June 26, 2011
ISC and UCV Discussions
An ISC general meeting is held at Hewett centre at UCV to discuss member group collaboration and the focus areas of the ISC’s work.
May-June, 2011
Women of Spirit and Faith (Canada)
ISC board members work with a team of ten women from across Canada to create “Women of Spirit and Faith (Canada)”, a project supported by the ISC. WSFC joins the North American-wide network “Women of Spirit and Faith” (www.womenofspiritandfaith.org) to support the spiritual wisdom and leadership of all women.
May 15, 2011
New ISC Coordinator
Yumi Onozawa is hired as part-time ISC Coordinator. Â Yumi’s knowledge and skill set are directed toward facilitating programs, as well as collaboration and communication among board members, member groups, friends of the ISC, and related organizations.”
April 28 – May 1, 2011
Women’s Spiritual Leadership Conference
Louise Mangan and Christine Boyle represent the ISC at “The Alchemy of Our Spiritual Leadership: Women Redefining Power” in San Francisco, where 145 women bring together diverse spiritual/religious traditions from across the U.S. and Canada. Action groups form to facilitate mentoring, support local and regional circles, plan for the involvement of women in the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Brussels, Belgium, 2014, and create a stronger on-line presence for the voices of spiritual women. Christine Boyle is participating in designing the structure and future activities of the Young Women Leaders Council. Louise Mangan is designated as Liaison between the North American network of Women of Spirit and Faith and an emerging network in Canada.
April 12, 2011
“Living Compassion in Community”
As part of the founding coordinating team for the Greater Vancouver Compassion Network (GVCN), the ISC collaborates with the Dalai Lama Centre to plan, finance and produce the first public event of the GVCN. Speakers feature Jannet Nordemann of Canadians for Compassion, the Reverend Ric Matthews from the First United Church Mission, and participants from the downtown eastside community.
November 20, 2010
Interspiritual Sacred Dance Festival 2010
The ISC Society sponsors a second interspiritual sharing through movement and dance, in association with the organizing team (John Weiss, Minke de Vos, Stephanie Lafazanos, Delaney Pucci, Aline LaFlamme and Navaro Franco) and a diversityof presenters and performers (Mahara Brenna, Tannis Hugill, Marcus Dunzkofer, Aline LaFlamme, Stephanie Lafazanos, Maureen Jack-LaCroix, Corinne Chepil, Amir O’Loughlin, Nathalie Sanz, Bettina Rothe, Dylan Newcomb, Kyung-Sun Baek, Raqib Burke, John Weiss, Navaro Franco, Little Woo Water Prayer, Dhyana Bartkow, Minke de Vos, EnChant Dancers, Vandna Sidher, Jackie Essombe, Sheldon Yamkovy, Blue Hawk Weasle Man, Pepe Danza, Shine, and Sparrow Deviyani.)
November 14 – 17, 2010
Women’s Spiritual Leadership Retreat
The Chair represents the ISC at a retreat in Los Angeles where twenty-five female spiritual leaders from North America plan the conference “The Alchemy of our Spiritual Leadership; Women Redefining Power,” sponsored by Women of Spirit and Faith (North America).
Winter, 2009 – Winter 2010
Interfaith Alliance to End Homelessness
Originally convened by Mayor Gregor Robertson, an interfaith coalition emerges in response to immediate needs for shelter and support in the city. The alliance also advocates for a comprehensive, multi-dimensional and long-term approach to addressing systemic issues of mental illness, poverty, marginalization, and lack of affordable housing. Two ISC board members assist with coordinating communications between the interfaith community, the media, and political leaders of the city and province.
November 5, 2009
Interspiritual Sacred Dance Festival
Sponsored by the ISC with board liaison through Dene elder and ISC board member, Aline LaFlamme. Produced in association with dance and movement leaders coordinated by Tannis Hugill.
April 28, 2008
“Faith and the Environment” Conference
ISC board members and member organizations participate in a conference at Langara University, endorsed by the ISC, addressing how faith communities can respond effectively to the environmental crisis facing BC.
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April 19th, 2008
Presentation to the Unitarian Church of Vancouver
The ISC of Vancouver Society, and Mark Ostry of Acton Ostry Architects outline several ways that the ISC and UCV could work together to develop the Unitarian property at W. 49th Avenue and Oak Street. A schematic drawing of possibilities is presented.
April 17, 2008
Development Funds
A cheque from Concord Pacific Harmony Trust is presented to the ISC board.
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March 6-10, 2008
Representation at Global Peace Initiative of Women
Representing the ISC of Vancouver Society, Chair Louise Mangan participates in the Global Peace Initiative of Women 2008 Summit: Making Way for the Feminine for the Benefit of the World Community in Jaipur, India. The GPIW is an international, multi-faith network of women leaders from the religious, government and civic sectors of society who come together to stimulate peace building and reconciliation efforts in areas of conflict and post-conflict. Leaders share two primary goals: to bring alternative resources (spiritual, economic or educational) to aid in healing conflict; and to relieve the social and economic stresses that lead to violence. On the Chair’s return, the ISC board supports the concept of developing a women’s spiritual network in Canada.
July, 2007
InterSpiritual Film Festival
The ISC collaborates with Jennifer Jackiw to organize a series of film evenings.
June 24, 2007
Development FundsÂ
A cheque from Concord Pacific Harmony Trust is presented to the AGM of the ISC of Vancouver Society.
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May, 2007
Pre-planning for Future Campaigns
ISC representatives meet with a local Ismaili entrepreneur and investment specialist who extends moral and practical support, and the global perspective to facilitate a major capital campaign. An updated “presentation deck” for outreach and fundraising is developed.
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May, 2007
New Opportunities
With another group with similar goals active in Vancouver, the ISC board decides that multiple initiatives can multiply benefit to the community. The board also decides that the False Creek location it originally chose for a physical centre is not as important as organizational health and relationships. It agrees to consider other sites and develops criteria: a central location in the city, a multicultural neighbourhood, close to excellent transit and opportunities for organizational partnerships.Â
April 16, 2007
Interspiritual Exposure Tour
At the request of organizers of the Spiritual Directors International Conference “Welcome Home to the Cosmos”, ISC representatives Hari Kirin Kaur (Kim Wright) and Rukmini Prameya act as tour guides for international delegates, visiting various spiritual centers in Vancouver. Hari Kirin Kaur presents the ISC’s vision for an InterSpiritual Centre in Vancouver.
March 23, 2007
Roundtable Discussion with British Muslim leaders
At the request of the British Consulate, the ISC brings local Muslim spiritual leaders into a roundtable discussion with Muslim leaders from Britain, to explore how Muslims practice faith in these two multicultural societies in a period of crisis in Islamic culture.
December, 2006
InterFaith Spiritual Centre Society
A second society with similar goals asks to take over the ISC’s charitable tax number.
ISC board members express willingness to explore the possibility of collaboration if the new society shares the same vision and values as the ISC. The ISC board continues to meet regularly and to invite conversation with the new society.
November 4, 2006
“Body and Soul After Death”
In partnership with Science World, the ISC arranges for spiritual leaders and teachers from six different traditions to share and discuss their tradition’s views of the human body and soul after death. A DVD record of the presentation is available, and is used in multifaith pastoral training by the Department of Spiritual Care of BC Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
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June 21st, 2006
UN Habitat “World Urban Forum Roundtable”
The ISC of Vancouver Society sponsors and organizes the roundtable discussion: “Bridging the Gap: Spirituality and Sustainability in the Urban Context”. Thirty international experts on urban affairs speak to an audience of 200.
June 15, 2006
“Faith in the City”
At the request of The United Church of Canada General Council, the InterSpiritual Centre of Vancouver Society hosts an Interspiritual Centre exposure workshop for Council delegates. This event helps to catalyze an InterSpiritual Centre initiative for the Toronto Waterfront.
June, 2006
Sustaining the Course
Due to anticipated structural changes, the Board decides not to hire an Executive Director at this time. Past Chair Hari Kirin Kaur (Kim Wright) accepts responsibility for administration as Secretary/Treasurer. Board member Bert Schoner assists volunteers in designing the rudiments of an ISC database. With the permission of the Unitarian Church of Vancouver, the legal address of the ISC of Vancouver Society is registered as 949 West 49th Avenue, Vancouver BC.
May, 2006
Growing PainsÂ
Efforts to resolve issues of differing values, and to bring about “diversity without division” in the board, are unsuccessful. Following a special meeting with consultant Gavin Perryman, Louise Mangan is asked to Chair the board through a transitional time of restructuring. Bishop Michael Ingham of the Anglican Diocese of New Westminster works with Louise and other board members to design a complementary and collaborative relationship between two groups. It is initially hoped that unity in diversity can be sustained by defining separate but conjoined spheres of work. It is expected that the ISC Board and Executive will continue to expand the inter-spiritual community while the second group attends to raising funds and securing a site. The second group chooses instead to incorporate a new society.
May 11th and 12th, 2006
“Star Gazing, Soul Searching: An InterSpiritual Experience.”
In partnership with the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, the ISC arranges for teachers from six different Vancouver area faith communities to speak on two different evenings about how the stars, planets and sky have inspired and informed the various faiths and spiritual traditions.
April 23, 2006
Blessing of the Salmon
An interspiritual blessing brings together people of many faiths and spiritual paths.
December 2005 to March 2006
Board Leadership Development
The Leadership Vancouver 2006 Cohort (Mercedes Calvert, Sherri Kajiwara, Jacqui Noftall, Marty Norgren, Sheila Peacock, Margaret Specht and Kristin Yakumo) consults extensively with ISC board and committee members to develop plans and recommendations for the ISC of Vancouver Society. The board also works closely with Hari Kirin Kaur (Kim Wright) through a series of special meetings to clarify priorities, hone relational and operational guidelines, and develop procedures to support the society’s mission.
February 25, 2006
ISC Chant Fest
The ISC of Vancouver Society sponsors a 12-hour event that brings together 600 participants from Muslim, Sikh, Sufi, Jewish, Christian, First Nations, Baha’i, Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
February 9th 2006
Sharing Sacred Spaces Dialogue
SFU Wosk Centre for Dialogue. In association with the SFU Dialogue Program, the ISC of Vancouver Society sponsors a dialogue among 100 practitioners, educators, urban and community planners, examining what it means to create shared sacred space.
Spring, 2006
Proposals for SE False Creek.
The ISC Building/Technical Committee organizes a series of meetings with companies seeking contracts to construct the first phase of the SE False Creek development. Through the efforts of the ISC of Vancouver Society an interfaith facility had already been included in the development plan for SE False Creek, and ISC representatives sensitize developers to the ISC vision and needs. All developers who meet with ISC representatives include provision for an interspiritual centre in their proposals to the City.
Spring, 2006
A Program of Architectural Requirements
The Architectural Sub-Committee of the ISC works with architect Mark Ostry to research the functional requirements of the future interspiritual centre. Members of the Sub-Committee are widely diverse in spiritual background, with interests and experience related to various facets of design and use in spirituality/faith-based buildings. Several consultants who wish to offer specific expertise are interviewed, and meetings with clusters of spiritual groups are held. 38 responses to the Request for Information questionnaires are received. All major faith groups (and many smaller groups) are represented. On the basis of this data, a Program of Architectural Requirements is developed, which can be applied to whatever site is ultimately chosen.
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Winter-Spring, 2006
ISC Communications
Former CBC producer Karin Konstantynowicz works with the ISC Communications Committee in the winter months. Through the spring, Diane Lund of the communications firm Creative Wonders facilitates the development of presentation portfolios, a promotional video and an ISC website. A consistent look is developed around the ISC icon. Nafees Shams assists with ongoing website updates. Rabbi David Mivasair hosts the ISC Board, Discussion, and Notices email lists
Winter-Spring, 2006
Policy Development
Board member Bert Schoner leads the Policy Subcommittee in developing the Membership Criteria and Process, the Principles for the Admission and Continuance of Resident Congregations/Communities, and Terms of Reference for the Advisory Council (AC).
March, 2006
Resource Study Results
Results of the Compton International Resource Study are presented to the ISC board. A strong majority of the 18 interviewees are supportive of the idea of an interspiritual centre in Vancouver, have a positive reaction to the case as presented, and are supportive of a fundraising campaign. 83% of the interviewees feel the building of the InterSpiritual Centre of Vancouver is an important and symbolic undertaking.
While the majority of those interviewed feel a campaign should proceed, the study concludes this should happen when further programs are enacted, when partnerships are established, when solid business, marketing and fundraising plans are in place, when the profile of the society is strengthened in the community and when there has been time for community and spiritual/faith groups to “buy-in”. The resource study outlines various steps to build on the indicated support for the mission and vision of the project. The conclusions note that a timeline involving years can be required to complete a project that encompasses many groups.
January, 2006
New ISC Executive Director
The ISC Board hires Angela Hryniuk on a six month contract as Executive Director. Angela adds the tasks of the Treasurer to her role. Hari Kirin Kaur (Kim Wright) serves as Chair.
July, 2005 – February 2006
Compton International Resource Study
The ISC board anticipates that the ISC will require three kinds of funds to provide for the future InterSpiritual Centre – 1) a legacy endowment that is invested so interest income supports programs; 2) an operational endowment that is invested so interest income supports operations and management; and 3) a building fund.
The ISC board concurs with Bishop Michael Ingham that a financial feasibility study is a critical step in strategic planning to determine the readiness of the society to launch a capital campaign, and to recommend the strategy, organization and resources required to achieve financial goals. David Mivasair, Louise Mangan, Mike Wellwood and Angela Hryniuk work closely with Compton International for a period of several months to develop a case statement and to identify interviewees from various sectors of the community. Interviewees include members of ISC board, potential individual and corporate donors, government representatives, and community and religious leaders.
Eighteen (18) Resource Study interviews are conducted face-to-face and via telephone by Don Leier and Sarah Howard of Compton International. Those who agree to be interviewed receive the draft Case Statement in advance, in addition to a Scale of Giving during the interview process. All are advised that their opinions will be canvassed about the possible fundraising opportunities for the InterSpiritual Centre as described in the Case Statement. They are also informed that they are not restricted in any way in what they can say about the project or the InterSpiritual Centre and that their comments will be kept strictly confidential and not directly attributed to them in the Study report.
