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Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion

Community Building Working Group

Five people sitting in a circle outside surround by trees on a sunny day

Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU)’s Community Building Working Group was  formed in 2024 at the direction of President Mohamed Lachemi and is led by Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion, Dr. Tanya (Toni) De Mello.

The Working Group is composed of representatives from offices that play a pivotal role in front-line support to TMU community members, including the Office of the Provost and Vice-President, Academic, the Office of the Vice-President, Administration and Operations, and University Relations.

Acknowledging the challenges arising from numerous global and geopolitical crises, the working group adopts a comprehensive approach to community-building, essential to fostering an equitable and engaged campus culture. Originally formed to support the TMU community in managing impacts of the war in Israel and Palestine, it also offers broader support for students, faculty and staff impacted by a range of global conflicts and issues.

Adopting a comprehensive approach to community-building

TMU is committed to creating an environment that values learning through open discourse and constructive disagreement while fostering a strong sense of belonging. The TMU community thrives when we respect and protect the fundamental human rights and freedoms to which every person is entitled, even amid differing political ideologies and perspectives. 

The group’s objectives are:

  1. Supporting individual and community well-being.
  2. Building trust, belonging and positive engagement across the university community.
  3. Strengthening capacity for navigating difficult conversations and conflict resolution.

Key areas of focus 

Feedback from the  (google form) community survey (external link)  and ongoing consultations affirmed that diverse communities have distinct needs. The working group and partners across TMU have organized a range of engaging initiatives aiming to address these needs since 2024. They include: 

  • exploring how the mind, body, feelings and actions contribute to our learning process
  • recognizing the role universities play in protecting human rights and freedom of expression
  • understanding different kinds of racism and oppression and how they affect our communities 
  • building practical skills for dialogue, conflict resolution and respectful engagement across differences

The Community Building Working Group, OVPECI and campus partners offer initiatives that support wellbeing, strengthen connection and build capacity for dialogue across differences. The listings below include collaborative initiatives and activities led by campus partners.

Upcoming initiatives: Fall 2026

  • November 5, 2026: Strengthening Dialogue Capacity, Part 2: Putting Dialogue Skills into Practice. Delivered with Alicia Kuin and C-Space (external link)  for Lincoln Alexander School of Law students and faculty. Participants will practise staying engaged during difficult conversations, using tools to manage stress responses and examining how conflict narratives can reinforce polarization.
  • November 12, 2026: Strengthening Dialogue Capacity, Part 2: Skills. With Alicia Kuin, for CBWG members and partners who attended the first session. Through campus scenarios, participants will practise responding to tension and charged language while maintaining connection, trust and dialogue.
  • November 19, 2026: Strengthening Dialogue Capacity: Sustaining Dialogue in High-Conflict Environments. With Alicia Kuin, for faculty and staff. This interactive session will explore de-escalation and constructive engagement in difficult conversations, with opportunities to practise responses to campus scenarios involving conflict and identity.
  • November 26, 2026: Strengthening Dialogue Capacity: Train the Trainers. With Alicia Kuin, for Athletics and Recreation participants from the earlier session and CBWG members. Participants will practise facilitating challenging conversations and develop ways to teach, model and support dialogue skills in preparation for student staff sessions. 

Recent initiatives: 2026

  • October 29, 2026: Strengthening Dialogue Capacity, Part 1: Understanding Conflict and Staying in Dialogue. Delivered with Alicia Kuin and C-Space (external link)  for Lincoln Alexander School of Law students and faculty. The session explored how conflict affects the body, how wellbeing influences engagement, and how storytelling shapes our understanding of conflict and one another.
  • October 27, 2026: Strengthening Dialogue Capacity: Sustaining Dialogue in High-Conflict Environments. With Alicia Kuin, for Athletics and Recreation staff and coaches. Using campus scenarios, the session focused on navigating difficult conversations, responding to identity-based situations and practising de-escalation and constructive engagement.
  • October 1, 2026: Antisemitism workshop for students with Sara Yacobi-Harris and Gabrielle Zilkha of No Silence on Race.
  • May 28, June 4 and June 5, 2026: Conflict mediation training series for staff.
  • April 28, May 5 and May 7, 2026: Conflict resolution training for staff.
  • April 20, 2026: Strengthening Dialogue in Challenging Times. A session supporting faculty and staff to navigate complex conversations, build trust and apply dialogue skills to campus situations.
  • March 26, 2026: A Teachable Moment on Islamophobia. Delivered by the National Council of Canadian Muslims for students.
  • March 12 and March 24, 2026: Human rights training for School of Medicine community members.
  • March 7, 8 and 14, 2026: Conflict Mediation Training for Students.
  • January 26–30, 2026: Holocaust Education Week, including an exhibit, documentary screening and discussion, museum visit, author conversation, survivor testimony, and a wellness debrief and Shabbat dinner.
  • January 22, 2026: A Teachable Moment on Islamophobia by the National Council of Canadian Muslims for faculty and staff.
  • January 20, 2026: University Dialogues Group session for TMU leaders with Alicia Kuin, Meredith Preston McGhie, Secretary General of the Global Centre for Pluralism, and Niki Landau. Topics included designing for inclusion, responding to protest and geopolitical conflict, and building trust through communication.

Multifaith and interfaith initiatives

These gatherings offer opportunities to learn about faith traditions, share perspectives and build relationships across the university community.

  • November 18, November 25 and December 8, 2026: Common Threads. A three-part interfaith lunch series exploring Welcoming a Stranger through facilitated, small-group text studies.
    • November 18, noon - 1 p.m.: Jewish perspectives.
    • November 25, noon - 1 p.m.: Muslim perspectives.
    • December 8, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.: Christian perspectives.
    • All TMU students, faculty and staff are welcome. No prior knowledge is required, and participants may attend one or more sessions. Space is limited; the location will be shared with registrants.
  • October 19, 2026: Multifaith Luncheon for all TMU community members.
  • March 24, 2026: OVPECI Multifaith Lunch for students, faculty and staff, creating space for reflection, relationship-building and dialogue across faith traditions and lived experiences.

Initiatives led by employee community networks and campus partners

Employee community networks and campus partners also create opportunities for connection, learning and community care. Examples from 2026 include:

  • October 28: Fall Pride Kickoff: Queeroke, hosted by Positive Space.
  • October 20: Antisemitism conference co-sponsored with the Jewish Employee Community Network.
  • October 7: Disability, Belonging and Building Bold Communities, hosted by the Employees with Disabilities Community Network.
  • June 15: Eid ul-Adha celebration, hosted by the Muslim Employee Community Network.
  • May 26: Asian Heritage Month Luncheon Celebration, hosted by the Faculty of Arts.
  • May 7: Everyday Wellbeing at Work: Space, Culture and Experience, hosted by the Asian Faculty and Staff Employee Community Network.
  • April 30: Global Perspectives in Immigration from a Canadian Lens, hosted by the Immigrant Employee Community Network.
  • March 23: TMU Community Networks Virtual Showcase for faculty, contract lecturers and staff.

Previous initiatives: 2025 

  • December 4, 2025 - "Introduction to Judaism: Identity, Belonging, and Intersectional Jewish Expressions (through the lens of Periphery)" with Sara Yacobi-Harris (TMU Staff and Faculty), Antisemitism project funded by Ontario Arts Council.
  • November 19, 2025 -  “Part 2: Building Bridges Through Understanding" (TMU Leadership session), facilitated by Project Shema.
  • October 30, 2025 -  “Part 1: Building Bridges Through Understanding" (TMU Leadership session), facilitated by Project Shema.
  • October 21, 2025 - A Teachable Moment on Islamophobia (TMU Deans, Faculty Staff session), hosted by National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM).
  • October 23, 2025 - “Cultivating relationships and wellbeing to build a better tomorrow” Wellbeing Week 2025.
  • October 14, 2025 -  “Part 2: Building Bridges Through Understanding" (OVPECI and partners session), facilitated by Project Shema.
  • October 9, 2025 - “Part 1: Building Bridges Through Understanding" (OVPECI and partners session), facilitated by Project Shema.
  • August 9, 2025 - Freestyle Socials (a science-based activity to build connections and bridge divides) with Anthony Morgan, co- hosted by the Office of the Vice Provost, Students (OVPS).
  • June 4, 2025 - Adam Kahane Book Launch: From conflict to system change, co-hosted in partnership with OVPS, Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CELT) and the Chang School.
  • June 4, 2025 - Tackling Negative Emotions, hosted by Yeates School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
  • June 25, 2025 - Urban Birding - Summer Splendor, hosted by Workplace Wellbeing Services.

Alongside individual events, CBWG and campus partners support community-building through education, dialogue and wellbeing programmes. These include:

  • Awareness and capacity-building sessions that deepen understanding of antisemitism and Islamophobia and explore ways to address them within the university.
  • Conflict resolution and constructive dialogue workshops for students, faculty and staff.
  • Student peer support programmes.
  • Employee meditation and writing-for-wellness programmes.
  • Active wellbeing programmes through Athletics and Recreation.
  • Spiritual counselling with Imam Yasin Dwyer through the Muslim Employee Community Network, in partnership with the Muslim Chaplain of Toronto.

For current programme schedules and availability, consult the relevant service or organizing unit. Counselling and other support services are listed below.

To explore these vibrant communities, visit ExploreTMU for a list of events and ways to get involved. You can search by event or organization or browse the comprehensive calendar to see what’s happening and get involved! If you have any questions, connect with Student Life and Campus Engagement at campusengagement@torontomu.ca.

  • September 17, 2024 – Freedom of Expression, Protests and Encampments, hosted by the Centre for Free Expression
  • Tuesdays from September 17 to November 19, 2024 – Mood Routes, hosted by Community Wellbeing and Thrive TMU
  • September 24, 2024 – Conflict Resolution with Alembic Workshop, hosted by Community Building Working Group and OVPECI
  • Fridays, from September 20 to December 20, 2024 – Friday Mindfulness Meditation, hosted by Workplace Wellbeing Services
  • Mondays, from September 30 to November 11, 2024 – Learning Helpful Habits, hosted by Student Wellbeing
  • Wednesday, September 25; October 9; October 23; November 6; November 20; December 4, 2024 – Grad Art Hive, hosted by the Yeates School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and Student Wellbeing
  • October 1, 2024 – Addressing Antisemitism and Islamophobia in the Workplace with the Bernardi Centre, hosted by Community Building Working Group and OVPECI 
  • Tuesdays from October 1 to November 26, 2024 – TMU Therapy Dogs, hosted by Student Life and Learning Support
  • Wednesdays, from October 2 to November 13, 2024 – Empowerment in Self Care, hosted by Student Wellbeing
  • October 3, 2024 – Leading with Integrity through Change, Crisis and Uncertainty, hosted by the Talent Management Centre of Expertise
  • October 8, 2024 – Stress Management and Self-Care, hosted by Student Wellbeing
  • October 8, 2024 – Body and Mind Connection through Yoga and iRest® (Integrative Restoration) Yoga Nidra with Jen Baradi, hosted by the School of Nutrition
  • Tuesdays, from October 8 to November 5, 2024 – Campus Connection Corner, hosted by Student Wellbeing
  • October 9, 2024 – Community Equity Networks Showcase
  • October 9 and October 16, 2024 – De-Escalating Potentially Violent Situations, hosted by Community Safety and Security
  • October 10, 2024 – Navigating Jewish Grief and Joy: Nothing so whole as a broken heart, hosted by the Jewish Employee Community Network
  • October 10, 2024 – Embodied Learning in Uncertain Times, hosted by the Community Building Working Group
  • October 11, 2024 – Writing for Wellness: Strengthening Relationships, hosted by Workplace Wellbeing Services
  • Tuesdays from October 15 to December 17, 2024 – Meditation for Everyday Life, hosted by Workplace Wellbeing Services
  • October 22, 2024 – Azad آزاد gathering for Queer Muslim employees, hosted by Positive Space and the Muslim Employee Community Network, in partnership with the OVPECI and the Community Building Working Group
  • October 22, 2024 – Equity Advocate Training: Inclusive Evaluation Practices in Tenure and Promotion, hosted by the Office of the Vice-Provost, Faculty Affairs
  • October 29, 2024 – Well-being and Faith: Supporting the Muslim community at TMU with Imam Dwyer and Dr. Tanya De Mello, hosted by the Muslim Employee Community Network, in partnership with the Community Building Working Group and OVPECI
  • October 31, 2024 – Mastering Difficult Conversations for Leaders, hosted by the Talent Management Centre of Expertise
  • November 1, 2024 – Writing for Wellness: Gratitude and Joy, hosted by Workplace Wellbeing Services
  • November 6, 2024 – Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA) and Freestyle Socials event, with Chang School Leaders and,hosted by the Chang School, the Community Building Working Group and OVPECI 
  • November 6 and November 13, 2024 – De-Escalating Potentially Violent Situations, hosted by Community Safety and Security
  • November 18, 2024 – Notice, Engage, Refer and Debrief, hosted by Workplace Wellbeing Services
  • ​​November 21, 2024 – TMU Leadership Volunteer Day in Support of St. John the Compassionate Mission
  • November 22, 2024 – Writing for Wellness: Cultivating Optimism hosted by Workplace Wellbeing Services
  • November 27, 2024 – Part 1: Combating Islamophobia with the National Council of Canadian Muslims, hosted by the Muslim Employee Community Network, in partnership with the Community Building Working Group and OVPECI 
  • January 13-31, 2025 – Lunar New Year Celebration at the SLC
  • January 23, 2025 – Thriving in Academia: Notice, Engage, Refer and Debrief, hosted by the Office of the Vice-Provost, Faculty Affairs 
  • Mondays, from January 27 to March 17, 2025 – Women’s Peer Support Group by Student Wellbeing, in partnership with Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences
  • January 28, 2025 – Part 2: Combating Islamophobia with the National Council of Canadian Muslims, hosted by the Muslim Employee Community Network, the Community Building Working Group and OVPECI 
  • Wednesdays, from January 29 to March 5, 2025 – Learning Helpful Habits, hosted by Student Wellbeing, in partnership with Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences
  • Wednesday, January 29; February 5; February 12; February 26 and March 5, 2025 – Discovering Our Personal Growth, hosted by Student Wellbeing, in partnership with Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences
  • Wednesday, January 29; February 12 and March 12, 2025 – GRAD Art Hive, hosted by Student Wellbeing, in partnership with Yeates School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
  • Thursdays, from January 30 to March 20, 2025 – Men’s Peer Support Group, hosted by Student Wellbeing, in partnership with Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences
  • Mondays, from February 3 to March 3, 2025 – Basic Self-Defence Series for Women, hosted by Community Safety and Security
  • Tuesday, February 4; February 25; March 18 and April 18, 2025 – Underground Art Lounge, hosted by Student Wellbeing, Health Promotion Programs and Student Success Navigators 
  • February 4, 2025 – The 2025 Bold, Beautiful & Brilliant Event with Dr. John Carlos, hosted by TMU Athletics & Recreation
  • February 10, 2025 – Thriving in Academia: Principles of effective feedback, hosted by the Office of the Vice-Provost, Faculty Affairs
  • February 12, 2025 – MMIWGM2S events: Healing Through Crafting, Film Screening and Memorial Potluck Feast, hosted by Indigenous Initiatives in the OVPECI and Indigenous Education Council in the Office of the Provost and Vice-President, Academic
  • February 13, 2025 – Blooming with Kindness, hosted by Consent Comes First (CCF) 
  • February 22, 2025 – TMU Leadership Volunteer Day in Support of St. Felix's Coldest Night of the Year
  • February 26, 2025 – Supporting Faculty to Understand and Reduce the Impacts of Ableism, hosted by Academic Accommodation Support
  • Thursdays from February 27 to March 27, 2025 – “Let’s Talk About Us” Series, hosted by Student Wellbeing
  • March 5, 2025 – Pivot Point Speaker Series: Building career resilience with Rola Dagher, hosted by the Chang School of Continuing Education
  • March 6, 2025 – Transforming Communication Through Somatic Practices, hosted by Workplace Wellbeing in partnership with the Community Building Working Group and OVPECI 
  • March 6, 2025 – International Women's Day 2025 Panel, hosted by Student Life and Campus Engagement
  • Wednesdays from March 12 to April 2, 2025 – Queer Community Circle Peer Support Group, hosted by Student Wellbeing in partnership with Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences
  • March 19, 2025 – Carnival Connect TMU, hosted by Student Life and Campus Engagement, Faculty of Community Services Society and Always Carnival
  • March 20, 2025 – Black Journalism Panel Discussion, with the Mary Ann Shadd Cary Fellows, hosted by the Creative School Black Joy Committee
  • April 1, 2025 - ROM Guided tour of the Auschwitz exhibit: Not long ago, not far away, hosted by the Community Building Working Group and OVPECI
  • April 3, 2025 - Choose Your Wellness Adventure at Indigenous Health and Wellness Day, hosted by Gdoo-maawnjidimi Mompii Indigenous Student Services (GMISS)
  • April 8, 2025 - Building Bridges Through Understanding Virtual Educational Session with Project Shema, hosted by Community Building Working Group and OVPECI
  • April 22, 2025 - Introduction to Judaism: Identity, Belonging, and Intersectional Jewish Expressions (through the lens of Periphery) with Sara Yacaobi-Harris, hosted by Community Building Working Group and OVPECI
  • May 14, 2025 - Building Bridges Fireside Chat: Solidarity across Asian communities
  • May 21, 2025 - Navigating Difficult Academic News, hosted by Student Wellbeing
  • May 27, 2025 - Film Screening: The Artist's Daughter, hosted by the Jewish Employee Community Network

 

Student groups contribute to community life through cultural gatherings, education, dialogue and opportunities for connection. The examples below include student-led initiatives and events organized with student groups.

Previous initiatives include:

  • Ongoing – Shabbat dinners with Jewish community members, by Hillel TMU
  • March 14, 2024 – Peacebuilding in a Time of Crisis: In Conversation with Mohammad Darawshe (external link) , hosted by Hillel TMU
  • September 19, 2024 – Dinner and Discussion with Muhammad Zoabi, hosted by Hillel TMU
  • January 27, 2025 – The Last Goodbye: An Immersive VR Experience and Tabling Event, hosted by Hillel TMU and the Toronto Metropolitan Students' Union (TMSU)
  • January 28, 2025 – Memorial Ceremony and Survivor Testimony with Pinchas Gutter, hosted by Hillel TMU
  • January 29, 2025 – The Law and the Holocaust: A conversation on Human Rights, hosted by Lincoln Alexander School of Law’s Jewish Law Students Association 
  • January 30, 2025 – Crossing the River: From Poland to Paradise, a documentary screening and discussion with Allan Novack, hosted by Hillel TMU and the TMSU
  • February 7, 2025 – Multifaith Shabbat Dinner, hosted by Hillel TMU, in partnership with the President's Office
  • February 14, 2025 – Kirtan Night, hosted by the Sikh Student Association
  • March 4, 2025 – Ramadan Market, hosted by the Muslim Students’ Association (MSA)
  • March 13, 2025 – Nowruz event, hosted by the Iranian Students Association
  • March 21, 2025 – Grand Iftar Dinner, hosted by the MSA

To explore these vibrant communities, visit ExploreTMU for a list of events and ways to get involved. You can search by event or organization, or browse the comprehensive calendar to see what’s happening and get involved! If you have any questions, connect with Student Life and Campus Engagement at campusengagement@torontomu.ca.

Resources and support available to community members year-round

Students, faculty and staff can access support for their wellbeing and for concerns about discrimination, harassment or personal safety through the services below.

  • Students can access well-being services and support, including individual counselling support and/or individual peer support hosted by Student Wellbeing.
  • Students can access Good2Talk (external link) , a free, confidential mental health support service for all post-secondary students in Ontario, available 24/7/365. Access support by calling 1-866-925-5454 or by texting “GOOD2TALKON" to 686868.
  • Student Care offers support to students navigating a variety of complex factors while they study, including financial, academic, physical and mental health challenges. Students are encouraged to connect with them at studentcare@torontomu.ca.
  • Faculty and staff members can access support, including culturally specific, individual counselling, through TMU’s Employee and Family Assistance Program, Telus Health. This service pairs employees with counsellors who share experiences or specialize in areas such as gender, language, ethnicity, religion and more. To make a request, employees can contact the Care Access Centre at 1-844-880-9142.
  • There are also several faculty and staff community networks that employees can access for support.
  • Human Rights Services is available to all students, faculty and staff at the university if they believe they have experienced incidents that breach the Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Policy. This robust policy covers all forms of discrimination and harassment based on the protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code. Students, faculty and staff can contact Human Rights Services for information about the Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Policy and available resolution processes.
  • Community Safety and Security’s WalkSafe Program is available for all community members 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To request WalkSafe, call 416-979-5040 or email walksafe@torontomu.ca. Personal Safety Planning Sessions are also available for individuals, groups and teams.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the Community Building Working Group, please contact  equity@torontomu.ca.