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PLEDJ | Canada

A Nonprofit in Montréal | Tiohtià:ke | Québec

PLEDJ is a social change organization dedicated to building the capacity of global indigenous and marginalized communities to foster empowerment, sustainable development, and transformative justice.

We combine education, research, and community practice that integrate academic expertise and local knowledge to create best practices driven by people from the Global South.

Join the Movement

APPROACH

community trainings_edited.jpg

Practice

Learning

Research

EVENTS

BON VOISIN ~ GOOD NEIGHBOUR
Nov 24, 2025, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Dawson Hall - Église unie St-James, 1435 Rue City Councillors, Montréal, QC H3A 2E4, Canada
Interfaith Communities in Dialogue with Secularity with : Dr Patrice Brodeur Dr Christopher Silver PhD Candidate Mahdi Tirkawi Registration via Montreal City Mission
Details
CONFERENCE MESA 2025 - Washington, D.C
Nov 22, 2025, 3:30 p.m. CST – Nov 25, 2025, 3:30 p.m. CST
WESTIN WASHINGTON, DC DOWNTOWN, 999 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
PLEDJ will be attending the 59th Annual Meeting of the Middle East Studies Association (MESA)
Learn more
Solidarity Dialogues : Conference
Sep 15, 2025, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Montréal, 50 Rue Sainte-Catherine O, Montréal, QC H2X 3V4, Canada
Details

NEWS

FEATURED PROJECTS

Solidarity Dialogues

A transformative program that prepares frontline leaders to facilitate dialogue among groups in conflict, helping them navigate the complexities of polarization while building trust and empathy between individuals otherwise divided by deep-rooted tensions.

Agents for Social Change

Our flagship program that equips emerging leaders from marginalized groups with the personal, social and professional tools to plan and implement community-based initiatives shaping solutions that affect their lives.

Peace Hand Gesture

Social Work for Social Justice |
A McGill Partnership

A two-year program that brings together a cohort of emerging leaders from marginalized communities in conflict-affected regions to engage in rigorous academic training, experiential learning, and applied fieldwork in social work, justice, and peacebuilding.

INSTAGRAM

STAR Global Conference 2025 – Istanbul, Türkiye

Where Local Knowledge Meets Global Change

Earlier this month, our founder Prof. @amal.elsana.alhjooj along with Prof. Patrice Brodeur and Brian Bronfman, had the honour of attending the STAR Global Conference, where they organized a panel presenting the Solidarity Dialogues Model as both a theoretical framework and practical methodology.

The panel demonstrated that Dialogue, when cultivated as both brave and safe, can liberate voices, dismantle division and build solidarity across differences. Most importantly, this gathering emphasized the importance of introducing the Solidarity Dialogues Model rooted in knowledge from the Global South to community practitioners from across disciplines and continents.

This event, organized by the STAR Scholars Network, brought together scholars, activists, educators and community leaders. The 2025 edition, hosted by Istanbul Aydın University, @unescochair.iau carried the powerful theme: “Advancing Local Knowledge for a Brighter and Sustainable Future.”

At its core, the conference celebrates the value of local knowledge, the wisdom, experiences, and practices rooted in communities, and emphasizes how such grounded, contextual knowledge can enrich global scholarship and shape sustainable development.

Participating in this global movement reaffirmed our commitment: to amplify voices that often go unheard, to honour community knowledge, and to build bridges between local insight and global solidarity.

Deep gratitude to STAR, Istanbul Aydın University, and every voice that made this conference a space of learning, hope, and transformation.

#STARGlobalConference2025 #SolidarityDialogues #LocalKnowledge #GlobalChange #SustainableFuture #Inclusion #CommunityWisdom #Peacebuilding #TransnationalScholarship #Istanbul

STAR Global Conference 2025 – Istanbul, Türkiye

Where Local Knowledge Meets Global Change

Earlier this month, our founder Prof. @amal.elsana.alhjooj along with Prof. Patrice Brodeur and Brian Bronfman, had the honour of attending the STAR Global Conference, where they organized a panel presenting the Solidarity Dialogues Model as both a theoretical framework and practical methodology.

The panel demonstrated that Dialogue, when cultivated as both brave and safe, can liberate voices, dismantle division and build solidarity across differences. Most importantly, this gathering emphasized the importance of introducing the Solidarity Dialogues Model rooted in knowledge from the Global South to community practitioners from across disciplines and continents.

This event, organized by the STAR Scholars Network, brought together scholars, activists, educators and community leaders. The 2025 edition, hosted by Istanbul Aydın University, @unescochair.iau carried the powerful theme: “Advancing Local Knowledge for a Brighter and Sustainable Future.”

At its core, the conference celebrates the value of local knowledge, the wisdom, experiences, and practices rooted in communities, and emphasizes how such grounded, contextual knowledge can enrich global scholarship and shape sustainable development.

Participating in this global movement reaffirmed our commitment: to amplify voices that often go unheard, to honour community knowledge, and to build bridges between local insight and global solidarity.

Deep gratitude to STAR, Istanbul Aydın University, and every voice that made this conference a space of learning, hope, and transformation.

#STARGlobalConference2025 #SolidarityDialogues #LocalKnowledge #GlobalChange #SustainableFuture #Inclusion #CommunityWisdom #Peacebuilding #TransnationalScholarship #Istanbul

At PLEDJ, we embed co-facilitation approaches in each of our programs to create a safe space where participants can express their thoughts, feelings and experiences with trained leadership and guidance.

In both the Agents for Social Change Program and the Solidarity Dialogues Program, facilitators manage the structure and process, but the participants are responsible for the content and outcomes.

Co-facilitation is important for:
* Reducing facilitator burnout
* Balancing power dynamics and positionality
* Modelling collaboration and solidarity
* Increasing facilitators’ capacity to address complex dynamics
* Providing support and feedback
* Debriefing on what worked, what didn’t and how to improve for future sessions

To learn more on our programs, visit our website - link in bio!

#PLEDJ #co-facilitation #AgentsforSocialChange #SolidarityDialogues #collaboration #collectiveaction #liberation

At PLEDJ, we embed co-facilitation approaches in each of our programs to create a safe space where participants can express their thoughts, feelings and experiences with trained leadership and guidance.

In both the Agents for Social Change Program and the Solidarity Dialogues Program, facilitators manage the structure and process, but the participants are responsible for the content and outcomes.

Co-facilitation is important for:
* Reducing facilitator burnout
* Balancing power dynamics and positionality
* Modelling collaboration and solidarity
* Increasing facilitators’ capacity to address complex dynamics
* Providing support and feedback
* Debriefing on what worked, what didn’t and how to improve for future sessions

To learn more on our programs, visit our website - link in bio!

#PLEDJ #co-facilitation #AgentsforSocialChange #SolidarityDialogues #collaboration #collectiveaction #liberation

Hoda Thabet: Co-founder of The Pillars Initiative

For Hoda, co-founding The Pillars Initiative has been a transformative journey, one rooted in deep self-discovery and growth. The mission of the initiative is to help newly arrived professionals integrate into Canadian society.

In participating in the Agents for Social Change Program hosted by PLEDJ, Hoda reflected that “the concept of self-awareness was new to me...learning about myself and others has had a meaningful impact on both my personal and professional life”.

For her dedication and teamwork, PLEDJ expresses a big thank you to Hoda, we look forward to seeing this project grow...

To learn more or get involved, click the link in our bio!

PLEDJ extends a warm appreciation to the @cyd.center in their partnership for making this possible!

#PLEDJ #CYD #AgentsforSocialChange #SelfAwareness #SocialImpact #CommunityLeadership #ThePillarsInitiative #ConfidenceBuilding #WellbeingMatters

Hoda Thabet: Co-founder of The Pillars Initiative

For Hoda, co-founding The Pillars Initiative has been a transformative journey, one rooted in deep self-discovery and growth. The mission of the initiative is to help newly arrived professionals integrate into Canadian society.

In participating in the Agents for Social Change Program hosted by PLEDJ, Hoda reflected that “the concept of self-awareness was new to me...learning about myself and others has had a meaningful impact on both my personal and professional life”.

For her dedication and teamwork, PLEDJ expresses a big thank you to Hoda, we look forward to seeing this project grow...

To learn more or get involved, click the link in our bio!

PLEDJ extends a warm appreciation to the @cyd.center in their partnership for making this possible!

#PLEDJ #CYD #AgentsforSocialChange #SelfAwareness #SocialImpact #CommunityLeadership #ThePillarsInitiative #ConfidenceBuilding #WellbeingMatters

The Bon Voisin ~ Good Neighbour Gathering is a cherished Montreal City Mission tradition that brings people and communities together over a shared meal.

Through open and welcoming dialogue, the event aims to strengthen solidarity, foster a sense of belonging, and deepen mutual understanding.

Interfaith Communities in Dialogue with Secularity with:
Dr Patrice Brodeur
Dr Christopher Silver
PhD Candidate Mahdi Tirkawi

In this spirit of connection, PLEDJ is proud to join @montrealcitymission as a partner, contributing its expertise in community dialogue facilitation to help foster meaningful and inclusive conversations.

This year’s gathering will center on Interfaith Communities in Dialogue with Secularity, exploring how shared values can bridge different worldviews and strengthen our collective sense of belonging.

To register - link in bio!

We hope to see you there 🤍

#Dialogue #PLEDJ #Secularity #InterfaithCommunities #Belonging

The Bon Voisin ~ Good Neighbour Gathering is a cherished Montreal City Mission tradition that brings people and communities together over a shared meal.

Through open and welcoming dialogue, the event aims to strengthen solidarity, foster a sense of belonging, and deepen mutual understanding.

Interfaith Communities in Dialogue with Secularity with:
Dr Patrice Brodeur
Dr Christopher Silver
PhD Candidate Mahdi Tirkawi

In this spirit of connection, PLEDJ is proud to join @montrealcitymission as a partner, contributing its expertise in community dialogue facilitation to help foster meaningful and inclusive conversations.

This year’s gathering will center on Interfaith Communities in Dialogue with Secularity, exploring how shared values can bridge different worldviews and strengthen our collective sense of belonging.

To register - link in bio!

We hope to see you there 🤍

#Dialogue #PLEDJ #Secularity #InterfaithCommunities #Belonging

“What I have learned through this dialogue? Listening changes everything.”

Our Solidarity Dialogues participants are discovering what it means to connect across differences, to truly hear one another. Dialogue is not just about speaking, it is about understanding.

This pilot program is just the beginning. With trained facilitators, we are building spaces for empathy, understanding, and collective action.

Be part of the next wave and sign up today! - Link in bio!

Disclaimer: The comments section is not a platform for dialogue. If a post sparks critical reflection and challenges your viewpoint, we encourage you to sign-up to participate in one of our dialogue initiatives. OR If you wish to provide suggestions, we welcome constructive feedback in our DMs ! Sincerely, PLEDJ.

#SolidarityDialogues #PLEDJ #SolidarityInAction #DialogueMatters #EmpathyInPractice

“What I have learned through this dialogue? Listening changes everything.”

Our Solidarity Dialogues participants are discovering what it means to connect across differences, to truly hear one another. Dialogue is not just about speaking, it is about understanding.

This pilot program is just the beginning. With trained facilitators, we are building spaces for empathy, understanding, and collective action.

Be part of the next wave and sign up today! - Link in bio!

Disclaimer: The comments section is not a platform for dialogue. If a post sparks critical reflection and challenges your viewpoint, we encourage you to sign-up to participate in one of our dialogue initiatives. OR If you wish to provide suggestions, we welcome constructive feedback in our DMs ! Sincerely, PLEDJ.

#SolidarityDialogues #PLEDJ #SolidarityInAction #DialogueMatters #EmpathyInPractice

What an inspiring start to our Solidarity Dialogues Initiative with the McGill Faculty of Law Students!

Just last week, over 12 hours of immersive workshops, students explored dialogue as a transformative approach to justice, learning to listen deeply, engage with empathy, and navigate ethical challenges in law and beyond. Co-facilitated by Prof. Amal Elsana Alh’jooj, Brian Bronfman, and Prof. Patrice Brodeur, whose expertise guided participants through deep and thought-provoking discussions following PLEDJ’s Nested Solidarity Dialogues Model.

This collaboration reminded us that true understanding grows through conversation!

Read our most recent blog post to dive into the full workshop recap and reflections from participants - link in bio!

We are thankful and truly grateful for everyone who showed up and participated and if you are interested in participating in a future dialogue, it’s not too late to register, DM for further information.

Thank you to our partner @reseau_paix and the @cdn.heritage for their generous support!

Disclaimer: The comments section is not a platform for dialogue. If a post sparks critical reflection and challenges your viewpoint, we encourage you to sign-up to participate in one of our dialogue initiatives. OR If you wish to provide suggestions, we welcome constructive feedback in our DMs ! Sincerely, PLEDJ.

#PLEDJ #SolidarityDialogues #DialogueInAction #EthicsAndJustice #McGillLaw

What an inspiring start to our Solidarity Dialogues Initiative with the McGill Faculty of Law Students!

Just last week, over 12 hours of immersive workshops, students explored dialogue as a transformative approach to justice, learning to listen deeply, engage with empathy, and navigate ethical challenges in law and beyond. Co-facilitated by Prof. Amal Elsana Alh’jooj, Brian Bronfman, and Prof. Patrice Brodeur, whose expertise guided participants through deep and thought-provoking discussions following PLEDJ’s Nested Solidarity Dialogues Model.

This collaboration reminded us that true understanding grows through conversation!

Read our most recent blog post to dive into the full workshop recap and reflections from participants - link in bio!

We are thankful and truly grateful for everyone who showed up and participated and if you are interested in participating in a future dialogue, it’s not too late to register, DM for further information.

Thank you to our partner @reseau_paix and the @cdn.heritage for their generous support!

Disclaimer: The comments section is not a platform for dialogue. If a post sparks critical reflection and challenges your viewpoint, we encourage you to sign-up to participate in one of our dialogue initiatives. OR If you wish to provide suggestions, we welcome constructive feedback in our DMs ! Sincerely, PLEDJ.

#PLEDJ #SolidarityDialogues #DialogueInAction #EthicsAndJustice #McGillLaw

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OUR STRATEGIES

PLEDJ's work focuses on people in the Global South who are in positions of structural marginalization made vulnerable because of their economic, social or political status, such as women, indigenous peoples, racial and religious minorities, and refugees.
PLEDJ engages leaders and activists from these communities in the design of practical models of civic organization, social work, capacity-building, and research which directly impact their lives.
PLEDJ works with academic and policy-making partners to develop interdisciplinary programs that provide innovative education and training solutions that address unequal balances of power that marginalized peoples face.

VIDEO GALLERY

The Solidarity Dialogues Launch - Panel Discussion (May 22, 2024)

The Solidarity Dialogues Launch - Panel Discussion (May 22, 2024)

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