Est. 2024 | Ongoing Project
Solidarity Dialogues
Strengthening our Shared Spaces in Times of Conflict
The Solidarity Dialogues is a participant-led project developed by PLEDJ in collaboration with Peace Network for Social Harmony that 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.
Polarization threatens an essential pillar of democracy – civil discourse – that relies on influential voices within communities to promote Canadian values of tolerance and diversity. Our project trains civil society leaders in inter-community dialogue, creates "in-between'' spaces where communities can have brave conversations and vulnerable exchanges, and provides pathways for diverse voices to be heard, thereby creating mutual understanding and empathy, and fortifying peoples’ resilience and ability to respond to conflict.
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The Solidarity Dialogues are tailored for diverse groups working across sectors in Canada. These include:
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Senior leaders within civil society organizations
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Educational leaders from universities and colleges
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Religious and indigenous community leaders
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Professionals in conflict resolution and mediation
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Policy makers and public servants aiming to enhance community cohesion​​​
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Project Objectives
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Expand the capacities of and provide tools for participants to navigate polarization and division in order to promote safe and brave conversations;
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Organize intergroup dialogue across sectors in Canada to constructively address polarization;
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Raise public awareness on the importance of solidarity, shared values, respectful and non-violent freedom of expression, and the maintenance of Canada as a nation of peace;
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Organize an annual public rally for solidarity and social harmony in Canada to be championed by influential figures and the project’s participants.
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Solidarity Dialogues Goal
The goal of the Solidarity Dialogues is to create sustainable and replicable mechanisms that add to the resilience and solidarity of Canadian communities in times of conflict and deep-rooted divisions, by creating spaces for open and safe dialogue, involving inclusive and constructive discourse, and resulting in increased empathy and mutual understanding.
Solidarity Dialogues Participant Spotlitght
Media Highlight
Recognition of the Solidarity Dialogues: Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate
Media Highlight
Global News: Montreal community group launches project to ease tension, by Phil Carpenter
Publications and Outputs
Solidarity Dialogues: Practical Guide
Statement of Solidarity - Montreal
In response to the increased tensions, polarization, and fear among different communities in Montreal due to the intensification of geopolitical conflicts, Dr. Amal Elsana Alhjooj (PLEDJ Founder and Executive Director) and Mr. Brian Bronfman (Founder and President of the Peace Network for Social Harmony) issued a joint Message of Solidarity from Civil Society, ​calling for unity, respect, and social harmony, while firmly rejecting hatred, intimidation, and any form of violence as a mode of self-expression. This message brought together a broad and diverse group of signatories, including prominent figures from across sectors of Montreal’s civil society: Robert Charlebois, Fabienne Colas, Kevin Deer, Thupten Jinpa, Phyllis Lambert, Farida Mohamed, Andrew Molson, and Fabrice Vil, among others.
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Following its media release, a press conference was held on Tuesday, December 12th, 2023, to publicly present the statement and to begin charting a path from words to action. Several signatories spoke about the urgent need to foster respectful dialogue and uphold shared values of coexistence during times of tension.
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This gathering lit the flame that would go on to spark the creation of the Solidarity Dialogues.
The Launch of the Solidarity Dialogues
On May 22, 2024, over 80 people gathered in Montreal to celebrate the launch of the Solidarity Dialogues. To mark the occasion, PLEDJ hosted a panel discussion on using dialogue as a tool against polarization and broadcast it online as the first webinar of the series. We were honoured to welcome the following changemakers to join the panel discussion: Dale Dione, Indigenous community leader and specialist in restorative justice.
Rabbi Lisa Grushcow, Senior Rabbi at Temple Emmanu-El-Beth Shalom, with a long history of interfaith bridge-building. Imam Hassan Guillet, founding member of the “Table interreligieuse de concertation du Québec,” which builds bridges between communities of faith in Quebec. Patrice Brodeur, Associate Professor at the Université de Montréal with extensive experience in interfaith dialogue.
The panelists brought diverse backgrounds and expertise, discussing and exchanging ideas on how we, as community members, can transform shared spaces into ones of unity and
understanding. It was a powerful event, leaving guests feeling inspired and hopeful
“Il faut connecter avec la personne à un niveau profondément émotionnel et spirituel dans le sens humain.”
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