The Solidarity Dialogues

Strengthening our Shared Spaces in Times of Conflict

The Solidarity Dialogues is a transformative initiative that prepares front-line community leaders across Greater Montreal to facilitate dialogue for groups in conflict, focused on navigating the complexities of polarization while building trust and developing empathy amongst individuals who stand otherwise divided by deep-rooted conflicts.

Following training, community leaders will facilitate dialogue groups within and between their wider communities to promote narrative exchange, cross-community reconciliation, and constructive action.

The impact of this initiative will be amplified as it will provide a community-led model that can be replicated across Canada to tackle polarization, promote ongoing community dialogue, and address the local dynamics in Canada’s unique but diverse cities during times of conflict.

Upon completion of the project, leaders will be equipped to:

Effectively lead and facilitate meaningful dialogues and narrative exchanges within their communities or organizations in times of conflict
Apply identity strategies that are inclusive and culturally competent
Implement policies and practices that promote understanding, open and respectful dialogue
Promote diversity, inclusion, and social cohesion within their communities and organizations

Webinar Series

PLEDJ seeks to make the impactful lessons learned, and conversations arising from this initiative, accessible to the public. Subscribe to our newsletter and follow our social media to keep updated on sessions from the Solidarity Dialogues Webinar Series.

Find out more

Why are the Solidarity Dialogues needed?

This community-led project addresses the impacts of global and domestic conflicts, and the tensions, fears and polarizations they create in Canadian communities, schools, non-governmental institutions and places of work. The noticeable rise polarization threatens an essential pillar of democracy – civil discourse – that relies on influential voices within communities to promote Canadian values of tolerance and diversity.

This results in increased tensions, fear on campuses, censorship, a rise in hate crimes, and strained inter-community relations. This project addresses the urgent need for safe spaces where nuanced, vulnerable and brave conversations can rebuild the social harmony and free civil discourse that is threatened by polarization.

Who should get involved in this project?

In the first stage, this project is tailored for:

Senior leaders within civil society organizations
Educational leaders from universities and colleges
Religious and indigenous community leaders
Professionals in conflict resolution and mediation
Policy makers and public servants aiming to enhance community cohesion

Following the training of the leaders, community members at large are invited to apply to participate in community dialogue sessions.

How is the project set up?

First, during four (4) full days of Practice Seminars and using a holistic, experiential, active learning approach, the leaders will:

Gain deep insights into the dynamics of polarization, with a focus on their impact on communities and public spaces
Develop a comprehensive understanding of identity dynamics and their influence on social interactions and community life
Learn practical tools and techniques for facilitating intergroup dialogues amongst conflicted groups, including creating safe spaces for vulnerable exchanges and brave conversations
Develop strategies for engaging diverse voices and fostering mutual understanding and empathy
Explore best practices in community dialogue from around the world, with insights tailored to the Greater Montreal context

Subsequent to the Practice Seminars, the leaders in pairs will lead and facilitate twelve (12) intra- or inter-group dialogue sessions with diverse community groups.