As part of the community engagement activities connected to United in Voices: Intercultural Dialogue Festival, youth participants came together for another meaningful workshop focused on reflection, creativity, and positive change.

The workshop began with a simple but powerful question:

“What is one thing you would change about the world?”

Working in small groups, participants shared their thoughts and explored important issues affecting communities locally and globally. Their conversations touched on themes such as:

• Environment
• Poverty
• Education
• Bullying
• Health

Through sticky notes, group discussions, collaborative thinking, and creative expression, youth reflected on real challenges facing our world and imagined ways to build a more compassionate, inclusive, and connected future.

The workshop provided a space for young people to express their voices, listen to one another, work as a team, and transform their ideas into meaningful artistic expression.

We concluded the day by celebrating everyone’s contributions, sharing information about upcoming community events, and capturing memories together.

A sincere thank you to all the youth participants, volunteers, and community partners who helped make this workshop a success.

Every idea shared and every brushstroke painted reminded us that change begins with reflection, creativity, and the courage to imagine a better world together.

For more information : United in Voices

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As part of the preparations for United in Voices: Intercultural Dialogue Festival, a group of youth, community members, and partner organizations came together on June 13 at Kitchener Public Library (KPL) for a meaningful workshop focused on creativity, connection, and community dialogue.

Through a hands-on punch knitting workshop, participants designed and created individual squares inspired by themes of peace, hope, growth, compassion, and global community. Each piece reflected a unique voice and perspective, while also contributing to a larger collective vision of belonging, unity, and shared understanding.

This workshop offered participants an opportunity to:

• Build community through art
• Encourage dialogue and collaboration
• Learn a new creative skill
• Share ideas for a more peaceful and connected world

The activity beautifully reflected the spirit of United in Voices, where art, culture, dialogue, and community come together to strengthen inclusion and mutual understanding.

A special thank you to our partners, youth participants, volunteers, and community members from GRFS and the wider local community for making this workshop such a memorable and inspiring experience.

Together, we were reminded that even small threads can come together to create something beautiful, meaningful, and lasting.

For more information : United in Voices 

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The event provided a valuable opportunity to introduce our community, share the work we are doing at GRFS, and connect with diverse organizations across the region. Throughout the evening, we exchanged ideas, explored future collaborations, and built meaningful relationships that we hope will grow into long-term partnerships supporting our community.

We are grateful to everyone who visited our table and contributed to such a welcoming and inspiring atmosphere. Events like these remind us of the importance of belonging, connection, and celebrating the diversity that makes Waterloo Region feel like home

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During the meeting, we had valuable conversations about potential activities, partnerships, and future collaborations between our two organizations in support of the community.

We sincerely thank Kristin Baetz – Community Engagement Coordinator and Kristy Sawatzky – Accompany Team Lead for taking the time to visit us and for the thoughtful and inspiring discussion.

We look forward to future opportunities to work together and strengthen community connections

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It was a pleasure to host them at our centre, give a tour of our building, and share who we are and the work we do as a foundation. We truly appreciated the opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and learn more about each other’s work.

Thank you for taking the time to visit us. We enjoyed our conversation about potential collaborations and look forward to developing meaningful projects together in the near future.

Our doors are always open!

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Day 1 Seminars:

Rıdvan Kızıltepe | Balanced Living Guide (Practical insights on building a healthy, mindful, and well-balanced life).

Rasım Haner | Valuable Character and Active Citizenship (Reflections on responsibility, integrity, and contributing positively to our communities).

A meaningful start filled with learning, reflection, and connection.

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Thank you to everyone who joined and made the night so meaningful!

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We sincerely thank Swami Chaityanya Jyoti and Swami Haripriya for their warm welcome and hospitality. We were delighted to be with our friends during this beautiful celebration of light.

Celebrating diversity and friendship in our community — together, we continue to build connections that honor understanding, respect, and unity.

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Together, we explored ideas for future partnerships, fostering collaboration to create meaningful change. It was inspiring to witness the dedication of CMW in empowering women and advocating for inclusivity.

A heartfelt thank you to the Coalition of Muslim Women for their warm invitation and hospitality. We truly appreciate the opportunity to connect and collaborate!

Because at the heart of every great initiative, love is a verb—a force that moves us to connect, support, and build a better tomorrow. ?

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We dove into exciting conversations about our Taekwondo school, upcoming community programs, and collaborations with other nonprofit organizations. Mike Morrice’s valuable advice gave us fresh perspectives and practical guidance on expanding our impact and creating more meaningful connections across the community.

His support and encouragement reminded us that with collaboration, dedication, and love, we can create lasting change. This meeting truly left us motivated and energized to continue working toward a stronger and more united community.

Thank you, MP Mike Morrice, for your guidance and belief in the power of partnerships! Together, we’re building a brighter future. ?

? Love is a Verb ?

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