Waterloo Region – Over 300 community members came together for Forward Together: Activating Change and Amplifying Belonging, a symposium that prioritized improving the wellbeing of the community.   

Hosted in partnership by The Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan, The Children and Youth Planning Table, and Immigration Partnership, the symposium brought together community leaders, industry experts, and local youth.  

Keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and panel discussions covered a wide range of topics centering on wellbeing and belonging in communities, such as: 

• The role of local governments in building belonging; 

• Intimate partner and gender-based violence; 

• Youth-led decision making; 

• Accountable systems; 

• Reporting and documenting hate; 

• The power of cultural communities, and more. 

By sharing knowledge, experiences, and insights, the symposium aimed to build relationships among community partners, while helping systems leaders and organizations meaningfully work towards Truth and Reconciliation and foster a sense of belonging for all. 

Learn more about the Community Safety Wellbeing Plan, Immigration Partnership, and Children and Youth Planning Table. 

QUOTES

“As leaders, community organizations, grassroots groups, and individuals, we have a sense of duty and responsibility to create a better Waterloo Region. This symposium allows us to share knowledge, experiences, and learnings and leave with meaningful takeaways for us to work toward collectively. Together we can build a region where every resident feels welcome, safe, well, and feels like they belong.” 

Regional Chair Karen Redman 

 “The Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan is created by community to create a better Waterloo Region for all. The learning, discussion, and discoveries that happened during the conference have energized us and will help move this important work forward. Together with Immigration Partnership and the Children and Youth Planning Table, we are taking concrete steps to making a community where every resident feels welcome, safe, and supported.” 

Fauzia Baig, Director, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at The Region of Waterloo 

“We’re excited that the Waterloo Region Immigration Partnership and Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan are coming together with us for this year’s annual conference. Time and time again through our work at the CYPT, we’ve seen that we’re stronger as a collective. This intergenerational event will help unite us to take actions that prioritize the well-being of our communities, and in particular, all children and youth.”   

Alison Pearson, Manager of the Children and Youth Planning Table of Waterloo Region. 

“We are living in a time when many feel they don’t belong in their local communities. After 15 years of working to build belonging for newcomers, we’re thrilled to co-host this conference with the Children and Youth Planning Table and Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan as a springboard for deepening action across the region to build belonging for all.” 

Tara Bedard, Executive Director Waterloo Region Immigration Partnership 

-30-