What we’re about
Why Family Shed Exists
Imagine coming home from an overseas deployment and being unable to relate to your family because you just have no idea how to put the experience into words. It’s like steam without a pressure release.
Now imagine the same scenario from the perspective of the veteran’s spouse, parents, or neighbour. How are they to relate to something that can never, despite Hollywood’s best efforts, be imagined; only experienced.
It is thanks to Hollywood that when we think of veterans, we think about World War I, World War II, Vietnam, and maybe Korea. Even then, we just think about the heroic stories projected on the screen. There is no thought for the unrelenting tension, emotional trauma, and loneliness of service. Yes, even in the midst of your buddies, service can be an emotionally barren environment.
Who Should Join Family Shed?
Family Shed is a safe place for veterans and soldiers. They can speak their mind without fear of rejection as they work toward building the success they desire.
Our motto is Cranium Ex Rectum.
You should join if you read that and laugh. Those who read that and cringe should take a healthy dose and consider starting somewhere more rudimentary, or at least less accountable.
You should join Family Shed if:
- You believe everyone deserves to be treated with courtesy and decency without tolerating a load of who-haw
- You are interested in building the success you desire; whether you are a veteran or no
- You want to build a strong, positive self-image
- You enjoy taking responsibility for yourself and the choices you make
- All of the above
Did you know that, today, Canadians are serving in Ukraine, Gaza, and even counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean? Veterans today are much more than just old people in wheelchairs.
Canada has no need of Canadian soldiers defending her. We are surrounded by ocean on three sides and a peaceful neighbour to the south. So Canadian soldiers are adept at going to other countries to protect people who are unable to protect themselves. Unlike the Hollywood portrayal of soldiers, a Canadian soldier’s first priority is saving life, protecting others.
That’s why it’s Family Shed. The warmth of the Family room mixed with the reality of the wood Shed (you know, the place where dads used to hand out spankings). It’s a place to tackle projects that give us a chance to talk while working. It’s a place to learn new skills and share what you know with nieces, nephews, and neighbours.
Family Shed is a place where those trained to protect and defend can lead by example and build the successes they desire.
Why You Should Join Family Shed:
You probably already have your reason to join, but Cathy from the Meetup Community Support Team says answers to these specific questions are answered explicitly.
Join because you:
- Want to socialise in a positive, encouraging, and accountable environment
- Know the power of a mastermind environment
- Enjoy the thrill of building healthy relationships
- All of the above
Yes, I am a veteran, but Family Shed sets aside the segregation of programs that are “by veterans for veterans.” The last thing any of us needs is to remain isolated after getting home. We need our family and neighbours to learn the skills needed to do more than just talk to us. We need them to listen, but we also need people to support, encourage, and applaud as we bridge the gap from military service to civilian life. From service to life.
Family Shed is there to wash away isolation. For the senior who wants to share knowledge with youngsters or maybe learn some new technology from the youngsters. For the teenager who feels disconnected and ineffective, who wants to make new connections and meet their need for Belonging. For the family member who needs something that’s missing at home without having to leave home behind.
Family Shed is about helping people stand up and achieve. We all know the saying “It takes a village to raise a child.” What we tend to forget is that the village is needed to help people stay happy, healthy, and successful.
What To Expect From Family Shed
Part of the ethos of Family Shed is having family members pick the things we do. So, sometimes we’ll do something you enjoy. Other times, we’ll be doing something less interesting, or maybe even repugnant, to you. Unlike the standard sort of family, we let you choose which activities you want to join.
That said, we do have a few ideas for things that most folks find fun and friendly. Here is a sample list:
Recreational events
- Concerts
- Comedy shows
- Trivia nights
Educational events
- The Success Principles
- Self-Image Revolution
- Financial Literacy
- Entrepreneurship
Productivity events
- Shoreline cleanup
- Small engine repair
- Appliance repair
- Woodworking
Community events
- Canada Day and other holidays
- Conferences and Conventions
- Trade Shows
- Local community events – BBQ, parades, social events
There are different ways for you to participate, too. Obviously, everyone gets to participate at the events. You can eat the food, join in the activities, and meet lots of new people. Plus, we would be thrilled to have you help:
- Check people in at an event
- Set up and event
- Take photos and video
- Post to social media
- Clean up after an event
- Move stuff to/from an event
- Share you knowledge and experience
Is that the whole list? No way! You are welcome to tell us what you want to do, and how you want to do it. We support every activity rooted in building healthy relationships motivated by personal responsibility and support by community accountability.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Neighbourhood Coffee SocialMoonbeam Coffee Company, Toronto, ON
Our motto is: Cranium Ex Rectum. (If that makes you smile, you're our kind of person!)
Come join us for a weekly “coffee social” at Moonbean Coffee Company.
30 St. Andrew St. in Kensington Market
Wednesday, 11:30 am to 1:00 pm (shine and rain)
(Attendance is limited so everyone gets to be heard.)Organised by Family Shed. (Keep reading for details.)
Maybe you meet a couple new people. Maybe it’s just me reading a book. Either way, I have a couple prepared “conversation starters” in my pocket if necessary. Mostly it’s a time for us to get to know each other better and talk about what we like doing.
Fair Warning: Coffee has no appeal for me, but it makes a good excuse for gathering. Moonbean Coffee Company has more to offer than just coffee.
With that in mind, there might be another place you want to try. It might be fun to go play laser tag, walk in a park, or sit at the beach. Whatever we decide, the Wednesday meeting stays as it is. That gives us consistency as we venture out to do other things.
Family Shed aims for a world connected by healthy relationships, motivated by personal responsibility, and supported by community accountability. Getting there means recognising people divide into three general groups:
- Majority - getting along well or fairly well
- Minority - gettin' by with a little help from friends
- Niche - struggling
Family Shed helps everyone build a strong, positive self-image so we all live better lives. A rising tide floats all boats, yes?
Since Family Shed is a not-for-profit, every event is a fundraiser. If you can see your way clear to supporting this event with $5, that's great. You're welcome to pass me the cash or you can do an e-transfer:
fundraising@ceriohs.orgWhat is CERIOHS.org I hear you asking. Good question.
CERIOHS is Cranium Ex Rectum Institute of Happiness Studies. Founded by Conrad Hall in 2015 after retiring from a decade of mentoring business owners. He realised the most important element of success is facing the reality in front of you instead of what you wish were in front of you. Cranium Ex Rectum.
Family Shed Ground Rules:
- You believe in treating everyone with respect (no nonsense!).
- There are goals you want to achieve
- You take responsibility for your actions.
What to expect?
You get to help decide what we do! Family Shed is just starting out. We have ideas and some plans, and those need to be guided by you, the "family members." So expect to be asked what you like and whether those ideas and plans appeal to you.You can participate by:
- Joining events and meeting people.
- Helping out with setup, check-in, photos, social media, and more.
- Sharing your skills and ideas!
Family Shed is all about building healthy relationships, taking responsibility, and supporting each other. Come join us!
P.S.
The Family Shed vision is a world connected by healthy relationships, motivated by personal responsibility, and supported by community accountability. You can see how that fits around encouraging good mental health and physical fitness, yes?The founder of Family Shed, Conrad Hall, is, among other things, a veteran. So, everyone is welcome as long as you accept there is extra attention for veterans.
