Addressing hate and building resilience with workshops and information sharing
In response to escalating instances of racism across BC, DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society is one of several community organizations called upon by the United Way British Columbia to bolster local responses and anti-racism efforts that provide support to people who have experienced hate and racism, including through the United Way’s own Racist Incident Helpline.
As an organization that opened its doors in Surrey, BC, 46 years ago in response to rising racism in the community back then, DIVERSEcity continues to explore new ways to bring people together and strengthen communities, to diminish the racism that endures in our daily lives, public systems and society.
“With the support of the United Way Anti-Racism Impact Grant, our goal is to bring people and communities together against hate,” says Lenya Wilks, Director, Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement, DIVERSEcity. “One of our strategic priorities as an organization is to strengthen community connection, especially by creating spaces for dialogue where every voice can be heard. Our new Together Against Hate project offers these spaces — both in person and online — for information sharing and advocacy against racism and hate.”
Bridging opportunities between communities
Starting in early 2025 until March 21, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, DIVERSEcity will be hosting several “Together Against Hate” workshops and panels that will bring diverse community members and partners, including Indigenous communities, together to foster honest conversations on racism and hate, cultural exchange, resilience-building and finding new ways forward, together.
“This work is critical because racialized individuals and newcomers face unique challenges in accessing supportive spaces free from discrimination. By offering culturally responsive workshops, we aim to help communities address hate and build resilience, while empowering individuals to cope, heal and support others,” Lenya adds.
Understanding how intersectionality affects discrimination in our communities is also imperative, as individuals’ experiences are made up of multi layers of identity, from religion to gender to socioeconomic status and more.
“By elevating the voices of those affected by discrimination, we aim to build a future where every community member feels valued, supported and inspired to create a more inclusive community,” Lenya says, adding that education — both learning and unlearning — continues to be one of the most effective tools for dismantling prejudice and fostering inclusion.
Upcoming anti-hate workshops
Together, with our community partners and the support of United Way British Columbia, we will share learnings, elevate voices and create spaces for transformational dialogue, through the following workshops, kicking off in January.
- Supporting Victims of Hate Crimes & Incidents: A Community-Centered Approach
- Pathway to Kinship: Bridging Indigenous and Settler Communities
- Breaking Barriers: Understanding and Overcoming Islamophobia
- Tackling Online Hate/ Bystander Intervention for Anti-Racists
More details and registration for the upcoming workshops will be available soon.
We will also be sharing some information, statistics and resources we are gathering in our exploration of hate, racism and their impact on society.
Want to share your experiences and ideas for this project? Email marketing@dcrs.ca.