#CommunitySolidarity Archives - GRFS

Panel Update

Alp Coskun — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 14:40:24 +0000

We’ve refreshed our lineup for the Voices Against Racism forum! We are excited to introduce an updated panel of voices ready to lead our dialogue on identity, systemic change, and collective action.

Join this youth-led space this Saturday to connect, learn, and build solidarity.

Conrad Grebel University College, Waterloo
March 28, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

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Voices Against Racism

Alp Coskun — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 18:37:09 +0000

Join the Young Professionals team at Grand River Friendship Society for Voices Against Racism, a youth-led intercultural forum held in recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

This half-day, in-person forum brings together youth, young professionals, and community members to listen, learn, and engage in meaningful dialogue around racism, identity, and collective action. Through guided discussions, shared experiences, and community-driven learning, participants will explore how racism shows up in our systems and everyday lives – and how we can work together to challenge it.

Conrad Grebel University College, Waterloo
March 28, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Spaces are limited. Ticketed entry.

Registration is required – please register using the QR code or the link included in the flyer to secure your spot.

Registration closes on March 1, 2026. Be sure to save your place and join us for an afternoon of learning, connection, and solidarity.

This initiative is proudly funded by the Canadian Race Relations Foundation.

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Building Bridges!

Alp Coskun — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 19:46:09 +0000

On Saturday, January 31, as Grand River Friendship Society, we were very happy to host our Uyghur friends at our foundation. Spending the day together meant a lot to us, and we truly enjoyed being in community with them.

With the participation and support of the Region of Waterloo Public Health, the day became even more meaningful. We sincerely thank Public Health for their informative and valuable presentation. A special thank you to Tracy McKay from the Public Health team for sharing her knowledge with us and helping keep our community informed.

We are especially grateful for the presence of Maritza Yawching-Robertson, MPH (she/her), Lead, REDI Partnerships, Strategy, Performance and Partnerships at Region of Waterloo Public Health & Paramedic Services. Having her with us was truly valuable and meaningful.

We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Shevket Imam, President of the Canada East Turkistan Association, and his wife Gulshen Abdukadir, Author and Communications Specialist. We sincerely thank them for organizing our Uyghur friends and joining our program. Their presence and support made the day even more meaningful.

It was a wonderful opportunity to introduce our foundation to Public Health and to get to know one another better. We hope this collaboration will continue. We are grateful for the chance to spend such a meaningful day together with our Uyghur friends and Public Health.

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