Waterloo Region – Supporters from local school boards, health care, police, municipalities, grassroots and community organizations came together today to launch collective action against hate and to call on the community to build belonging in Waterloo Region.  

The We all belong campaign asks the community to care for each other at a human level, and to celebrate the differences and similarities that unite everyone. The messages, “We all belong here” and “Hate is not ok. Name it. Report it,” are aimed at raising awareness of hate and harm based on identity and encouraging organizations and individuals to act across all levels – from institutional policy changes to asking a difficult question at the dinner table. 

The campaign was led by the Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan’s Combatting Hate Action Table (CHAT) and created by Indigenous designer Katie Wilhelm. It comes at a critical time, as community concerns and statistics show a rise in hate and harm. The Waterloo Region Community Foundation’s latest vital signs report also indicates that belonging is eroding. This is a vital human need and is essential to a thriving Waterloo Region.  

In addition to today’s launch, 15 mini-launch events will be held across Waterloo Region in the coming weeks by CHAT members and their organizations. Residents are encouraged to support and engage with the campaign in these ways: 

• Take the pledge at www.webelongwr.ca. 
  
• Learn about hate and harm and report it.  
• Talk about it: Support those harmed and have uncomfortable conversations.  
• Share the message through social media and other channels. 

The campaign is one of many ways the Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan (CSWP) is working together to address identity-based hate and harm. The CSWP is a community-led initiative that includes organizations and community groups from across the region working together on four key priorities: Combatting hate, creating safe and inclusive spaces, addressing mental health and addictions needs together, and Addressing Intimate Partner Violence, Gender Based Violence and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. 

Quotes: 

“It takes skills and intentional effort to view diversity as a strength and an asset as opposed to something we are going to have conflict with each other over. We want to work together to build a Waterloo Region where diversity is celebrated and we can all thrive, feel included, and be a valued member of the community.”  

-Laurel Boytim, CHAT member and Executive Director of The Ripple Effect Education (TREE) 

“What I appreciate about this campaign is that it is humble and gentle enough to invite people in as opposed to pushing people out. From a restorative justice perspective and my own lived experience, it's about joining people where they are at, from a place of understanding rather than shame. It’s not about justifying actions that may be causing harm to others; it’s about supporting people in walking closer towards building understanding.”  

-Kamil Ahmed, CHAT member and Director of Partnership and Knowledge Mobilization at Community Justice Initiatives 

“Addressing hate requires an all-of-community response. Having the perspective from a policing lens and ensuring evidence-based practices are used in the development of strategies is important. There will always be challenges, but seeing the effort put forward together from all community partners is something I’m proud of.”  

Pete Koonsakda, CHAT member and Sergeant with the Waterloo Regional Police Service’s General Investigations Unit - Hate Crime 

“The campaign slogan message, Hate is not ok. Name it. Report it means a lot to me because it’s not just about good intentions. It’s about taking action against hate by naming it and reporting it. We will know that we have succeeded when this is no longer a campaign – it is who we are.” 

-Fauzia Mazhar, CHAT member and Executive Director of the Coalition of Muslim Women Kitchener-Waterloo 

“We are fortunate to be part of a vibrant and diverse community where so much meaningful work is happening to foster inclusion and celebrate our differences. As a community, we recognize the importance of continuing to build on this foundation, creating spaces where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to express all aspects of their identity. Whether in our schools, workplaces, or local businesses, we are committed to working together to ensure that every person experiences a true sense of belonging, free from discrimination and harm.”  

Deepa Ahluwalia, Human Rights and Equity Advisor, Waterloo Region District School Board 

-30- 

About the Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan 

The Waterloo Region Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan is a community-led, all-of-community initiative focused on creating safety and wellbeing for all. Building on a framework co-created with community – partners across the region are working together on four key priorities for action. The plan is governed by diverse committees, working groups, and action tables committed to achieving outcomes for Waterloo Region residents. Together, our goal is for every person to feel safe, to feel like they are cared for, and to have the opportunity to thrive.