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The Foundation for a Path Forward successfully hosted a Youth Engagement event in North Vancouver, bringing together students, parents, and educators for an essential conversation about racism, discrimination, and the importance of fostering inclusive communities. Held at Sutherland Secondary School, the session was organized in collaboration with the North Vancouver District Parents Advisory Council (DPAC) and spearheaded by Vicky Sra, who has been a strong advocate for increasing awareness among parents about the realities of racism in their children's lives.The event was designed to challenge the misconception that racism is not an issue in North Vancouver or that it is often dismissed as unintentional. Attendees, including students, parents, SD 44 staff, school administrators, and members of the school board, heard firsthand accounts from speakers about the personal impact of racism, discrimination, and bias. These stories highlighted how exclusionary experiences—sometimes dismissed as harmless—can have lasting effects on an individual's sense of belonging, mental health, and overall well-being.One of the core objectives of the session was to move beyond abstract discussions and focus on the lived experiences of racialized individuals. Rather than framing the conversation around politics, the session emphasized how racism manifests in everyday interactions and how it affects those who experience it. Speakers shared their personal journeys, detailing the emotions and challenges they faced and what could have made them feel more supported and safe. The discussion also explored the role of education in combating discrimination, urging parents and educators to take a more proactive stance in addressing both implicit and explicit biases.The presence of school district representatives and administrators underscored the significance of these discussions in shaping policy and school culture. A recurring theme throughout the evening was the need for schools and communities to take bias, perceived racism, and discrimination seriously. The session made a strong case for ongoing education and awareness-building efforts to ensure that individuals cannot continue to hide behind ignorance or dismiss harmful behavior as unintended.The Foundation for a Path Forward was proud to facilitate this important and timely dialogue. The event reinforced the urgent need to equip parents, educators, and students with the tools to recognize and confront racism in all its forms. As the evening came to a close, there was a shared sense of commitment to continue these conversations beyond the event, fostering an environment where discrimination is actively challenged and inclusion becomes the standard.

Foundation Youth Engagement with The Other People at Sutherland Secondary School, North Vancouver

<figure id="figure-1fnpwbxcgrm6ukzukw"><img id="1fnpwbxcgrm6ukzukw" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2e2vZme4oM8OLKzFmB3NsvEpbRlTfAsD1RNSQTiuO6tHvA6G8ZtMZdtlSeeSCyww.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>To mark World Earth Day on April 22, 2025, "Saving Our Planet: Faith in Action 3" will bring together faith leaders, environmental advocates, activists, and community members to engage in hands-on, solution-focused environmental action. This gathering will take place at St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church. This is not just another speaking event—it’s a working, collaborative engagement where people from different faiths and backgrounds meet, collaborate, and take real action to address climate change and environmental justice.The event will include multi-faith and intercultural dialogue, interactive projects, and cooperation for environmental initiatives, ensuring that attendees leave with new partnerships, tangible action plans, and a commitment to protecting the Earth.Objectives<ol><li>Beyond Awareness — Take Action: Move from dialogue to real-world solutions and collaborative projects.</li><li>Interfaith &amp; Intercultural Collaboration: Leverage shared values from different traditions for environmental justice.</li><li>Sustainable Community Building: Connect people to work together beyond the event for lasting change.</li><li>Support &amp; Resource Sharing: Support grassroots environmental efforts led by diverse communities.</li></ol>

[UPCOMING EVENT] Saving Our Planet: Faith in Action 3

The Foundation for a Path Forward recently delivered a compelling workshop at the University of Manitoba, titled Online Harms, Islamophobia, and Resilience. This crucial event brought together scholars, community leaders, and students to address the pressing issue of digital hate and its impact on marginalized communities, particularly in the face of rising Islamophobia. The workshop provided a platform for critical discussions on the harmful effects of online intolerance, while also equipping participants with strategies to counteract these threats and build stronger, more inclusive digital spaces.Through interactive sessions and expert-led conversations, attendees explored the real-world consequences of online hate, examining how misinformation, stereotypes, and discriminatory narratives contribute to a more hostile digital environment. The Foundation for a Path Forward emphasized the need for proactive engagement, sharing practical tools to navigate and challenge online Islamophobia effectively. From digital literacy techniques to community-driven advocacy, the workshop encouraged participants to take an active role in fostering digital well-being and resilience.This event was not only an opportunity to learn but also to connect with others who are committed to creating safer, more respectful online spaces. By bringing together diverse voices, the workshop reinforced the importance of collective action in addressing online harms. The Foundation for a Path Forward remains dedicated to empowering communities with the knowledge and tools needed to combat digital hate, ensuring that the fight against Islamophobia continues beyond the workshop and into everyday digital interactions.

Foundation's University of Manitoba Workshop - Online Harms, Islamophobia, and Resilience

<figure id="figure-lf3yzxrzsm682uadi" class=""><img id="lf3yzxrzsm682uadi" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2ced8AbSCNmybxcpDAVyY6MiHpeH5lYRd3gyAIdm7VViRuTaXittr2hG48nCIFe6.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl selected" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2ced8AbSCNmybxcpDAVyY6MiHpeH5lYRd3gyAIdm7VViRuTaXittr2hG48nCIFe6.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-mce-selected="1"></figure>This two-day event will build on the South Asia Regional Hub’s work over the past two years, bringing together local elected leaders and other city officials, as well as representatives from national governments, civil society organisations and international partners to exchange insights, deepen collaboration and co-create innovative solutions. It will offer participants a platform to share the impact global crises have had on social cohesion in their city and learn more about human rights-compliant practices that have helped local governments address the proliferation of hate, violent extremism and polarisation. Participants will engage in dynamic discussions, peer-to-peer learning and breakout sessions on multiple topics designed to generate actionable outcomes for cities to take forward.&nbsp;<figure id="figure-arvg7uqktm682zpkw"><img id="arvg7uqktm682zpkw" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/65bPhPirbrk5q7yh37RxHi89Smmi6eNpNrOkj0OzIrARWENCI5m9RKYvk95hhbw1.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/65bPhPirbrk5q7yh37RxHi89Smmi6eNpNrOkj0OzIrARWENCI5m9RKYvk95hhbw1.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Focus Areas Include:<ul><li>Maintaining social cohesion amid urban growth and often uncontrolled migration.</li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">Leveraging urban planning strategies to enhance inclusion, cohesiveness and <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">resilience of cities in the face of natural disasters, violence, migration and population growth.</li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">Empowering women leaders to address pressing local issues through greater inclusion in decision-making processes and addressing structural barriers that prevent them from leading and/or contributing to local initiatives.</li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">Strengthening local government capacities to effectively engage young people to drive social cohesion and community resilience in their cities. This includes developing strategies for integrating youth voices into local decision-making, fostering civic engagement and equipping young leaders to address pressing urban challenges.</li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">Addressing online hate and threats to information integrity – and thus mitigating their offline harms -- by building digital resilience.</li></ul>

Global Crises, Local Impact: City-Led Prevention and Response in South Asia Colombo, Sri Lanka

<figure id="figure-h8stib99lm69c5duo" class=""><img id="h8stib99lm69c5duo" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/85peltWeAScPga52QWfaRJD5cv1FFhaS1aDq5LjSZvra0TnNXdAbBkwntKThj47l.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/85peltWeAScPga52QWfaRJD5cv1FFhaS1aDq5LjSZvra0TnNXdAbBkwntKThj47l.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>The Foundation for a Path Forward spearheded the training titled "Enhancing Safety and Understanding Between Muslims and Law Enforcement," which brought together the Victoria Police Department and the Victoria Muslim community. The training aimed to foster understanding, bridge cultural gaps, and address Islamophobia through meaningful dialogue and education.The session began with an introduction by Brother Rachid Ouache, setting the tone for the day. Sheikh Sami Elsheikh followed with a welcoming statement, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and collaboration. Brother Yahya Jama then delved into the Muslim community's perceptions and interactions with law enforcement, offering valuable insights into the complexities of these relationships.<p style="border-color: rgba(229,231,235,var(--tw-border-opacity)); --tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-color: rgba(62,172,255,.5); --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-transform: translateX(var(--tw-translate-x)) translateY(var(--tw-translate-y)) rotate(var(--tw-rotate)) skewX(var(--tw-skew-x)) skewY(var(--tw-skew-y)) scaleX(var(--tw-scale-x)) scaleY(var(--tw-scale-y)); --tw-border-opacity: 1; --tw-filter: var(--tw-blur) var(--tw-brightness) var(--tw-contrast) var(--tw-grayscale) var(--tw-hue-rotate) var(--tw-invert) var(--tw-saturate) var(--tw-sepia) var(--tw-drop-shadow); --tw-backdrop-filter: var(--tw-backdrop-blur) var(--tw-backdrop-brightness) var(--tw-backdrop-contrast) var(--tw-backdrop-grayscale) var(--tw-backdrop-hue-rotate) var(--tw-backdrop-invert) var(--tw-backdrop-opacity) var(--tw-backdrop-saturate) var(--tw-backdrop-sepia); font-size: 18px; line-height: calc(28px * var(--body-fontHeight, 1)); font-weight: 400; font-family: Mulish, sans-serif;" data-mce-style="border-color: rgba(229,231,235,var(--tw-border-opacity)); --tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-color: rgba(62,172,255,.5); --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-transform: translateX(var(--tw-translate-x)) translateY(var(--tw-translate-y)) rotate(var(--tw-rotate)) skewX(var(--tw-skew-x)) skewY(var(--tw-skew-y)) scaleX(var(--tw-scale-x)) scaleY(var(--tw-scale-y)); --tw-border-opacity: 1; --tw-filter: var(--tw-blur) var(--tw-brightness) var(--tw-contrast) var(--tw-grayscale) var(--tw-hue-rotate) var(--tw-invert) var(--tw-saturate) var(--tw-sepia) var(--tw-drop-shadow); --tw-backdrop-filter: var(--tw-backdrop-blur) var(--tw-backdrop-brightness) var(--tw-backdrop-contrast) var(--tw-backdrop-grayscale) var(--tw-backdrop-hue-rotate) var(--tw-backdrop-invert) var(--tw-backdrop-opacity) var(--tw-backdrop-saturate) var(--tw-backdrop-sepia); font-size: 18px; line-height: calc(28px * var(--body-fontHeight, 1)); font-weight: 400; font-family: Mulish, sans-serif;"><img id="zq9lm4mq7m69c5pa6" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1fn8KcWFrKBGJ4AV68QVhPBxSCA6YvY9LgnukUWJm3h4f2PCotqHfW2kGGjWo92I.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="75%" data-positiony="100%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1fn8KcWFrKBGJ4AV68QVhPBxSCA6YvY9LgnukUWJm3h4f2PCotqHfW2kGGjWo92I.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 75% 100%;" style="border-color: rgba(229,231,235,var(--tw-border-opacity)); --tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-pan-x: ; --tw-pan-y: ; --tw-pinch-zoom: ; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-gradient-from-position: ; --tw-gradient-via-position: ; --tw-gradient-to-position: ; --tw-ordinal: ; --tw-slashed-zero: ; --tw-numeric-figure: ; --tw-numeric-spacing: ; --tw-numeric-fraction: ; --tw-ring-inset: var(--tw-empty,/*!*/ /*!*/); --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-color: rgba(62,172,255,.5); --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-blur: var(--tw-empty,/*!*/ /*!*/); --tw-brightness: var(--tw-empty,/*!*/ /*!*/); --tw-contrast: var(--tw-empty,/*!*/ /*!*/); --tw-grayscale: var(--tw-empty,/*!*/ /*!*/); --tw-hue-rotate: var(--tw-empty,/*!*/ /*!*/); --tw-invert: var(--tw-empty,/*!*/ /*!*/); --tw-saturate: var(--tw-empty,/*!*/ /*!*/); --tw-sepia: var(--tw-empty,/*!*/ /*!*/); --tw-drop-shadow: var(--tw-empty,/*!*/ /*!*/); --tw-backdrop-blur: var(--tw-empty,/*!*/ /*!*/); --tw-backdrop-brightness: var(--tw-empty,/*!*/ /*!*/); --tw-backdrop-contrast: var(--tw-empty,/*!*/ /*!*/); --tw-backdrop-grayscale: var(--tw-empty,/*!*/ /*!*/); --tw-backdrop-hue-rotate: var(--tw-empty,/*!*/ /*!*/); --tw-backdrop-invert: var(--tw-empty,/*!*/ /*!*/); --tw-backdrop-opacity: var(--tw-empty,/*!*/ /*!*/); --tw-backdrop-saturate: var(--tw-empty,/*!*/ /*!*/); --tw-backdrop-sepia: var(--tw-empty,/*!*/ /*!*/); --tw-transform: translateX(var(--tw-translate-x)) translateY(var(--tw-translate-y)) rotate(var(--tw-rotate)) skewX(var(--tw-skew-x)) skewY(var(--tw-skew-y)) scaleX(var(--tw-scale-x)) scaleY(var(--tw-scale-y)); --tw-border-opacity: 1; --tw-filter: var(--tw-blur) var(--tw-brightness) var(--tw-contrast) var(--tw-grayscale) var(--tw-hue-rotate) var(--tw-invert) var(--tw-saturate) var(--tw-sepia) var(--tw-drop-shadow); --tw-backdrop-filter: var(--tw-backdrop-blur) var(--tw-backdrop-brightness) var(--tw-backdrop-contrast) var(--tw-backdrop-grayscale) var(--tw-backdrop-hue-rotate) var(--tw-backdrop-invert) var(--tw-backdrop-opacity) var(--tw-backdrop-saturate) var(--tw-backdrop-sepia); --tw-bg-opacity: 1; width: 640px; aspect-ratio: 3 / 2; object-position: 75% 100%;">Brother Tariq Tyab, the co-founder of the Foundation for a Path Forward, delivered a compelling presentation on the history and cultural identity of the Muslim community in British Columbia and Canada. His talk underscored the rich diversity of the Muslim community while addressing historical and systemic challenges they have faced. The Foundation's commitment to fostering understanding and combating racism was evident throughout his address, which resonated deeply with participants.After a brief refreshments break, Brother Nour-Eddine Maghnaoui explored the nuances of intercultural communication and its role in preventing potential harm. His presentation encouraged participants to reflect on how thoughtful engagement can build trust and dismantle stereotypes.<figure id="figure-oorkimb7rdm69c8avp"><img id="oorkimb7rdm69c8avp" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1dYn9MWSm8Zlta8r6PM0YKwfpCeMOJbUinBl8UY31al0J0hlk4DwTBQkp26Tcx77.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1dYn9MWSm8Zlta8r6PM0YKwfpCeMOJbUinBl8UY31al0J0hlk4DwTBQkp26Tcx77.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>The event concluded with a Q&amp;A session and a discussion on actionable steps to continue fostering collaboration and understanding. Recommendations included mailing educational booklets to enhance law enforcement’s engagement with Muslims, initiating Friday Prayer engagements to encourage hate crime reporting, and recruiting outreach to invite more Muslim candidates to law enforcement roles. Proposals for ongoing training, the establishment of a Muslim advisory council, and quarterly meetings between the Victoria PD and the Muslim community were also discussed.The training was a success, with valuable feedback from participants, including constructive suggestions from Mandeep, to further improve the presentation. It was evident that the partnership between the Foundation for a Path Forward and the Victoria Police Department is laying the groundwork for sustained collaboration. These efforts not only aim to address Islamophobia but also build a framework for inclusive and community-driven public safety initiatives. The event underscored the importance of open dialogue and mutual respect in building stronger, more cohesive communities.

"Enhancing Safety and Understanding Between Muslims and Law Enforcement" with Victoria PD and Victoria Muslim Community

The Foundation for a Path Forward recently participated in an insightful session at Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College, as part of a graduate-level capstone project in collaboration with Strong Cities and former Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto. This initiative focused on developing local hate prevention frameworks for cities across the country, with a particular emphasis on the role of community-based organizations in countering hate on college campuses.<figure id="figure-g6mgt7iikdm7kgpd5u"><img id="g6mgt7iikdm7kgpd5u" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/37hyDCPVOyPCYCUdUwwk1iGHjUoRZ387qmUt5tPLUJavqk16yp6cjSuUiAkCSlZQ.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>Bill Peduto, a Senior Adviser to the Strong Cities Network and a Distinguished Executive in Residence at Carnegie Mellon University, played a key role in guiding the discussion. With his extensive experience as the 60th Mayor of Pittsburgh and his background in public policy and political consulting, he provided valuable insights into policy-driven approaches to hate prevention. The session underscored the importance of collaboration between policymakers, academic institutions, and grassroots organizations in addressing the rise of hate and extremism in local communities.The Foundation for a Path Forward shared its expertise in community-led hate prevention, drawing from its work in fostering social cohesion and resilience in diverse communities. The discussion highlighted the importance of proactive engagement, digital literacy, and support systems for students facing discrimination and online harassment. Through its participation, the Foundation reinforced the need for sustainable strategies that empower students, faculty, and community members to take an active role in countering hate on campus and beyond.The session provided a valuable platform for students and experts to exchange ideas on practical solutions to hate prevention. As the project at Heinz College continues to evolve, the insights from this discussion will contribute to the development of frameworks that cities and institutions can adopt to create safer, more inclusive environments. The Foundation for a Path Forward remains committed to supporting these efforts and looks forward to continued collaboration with Strong Cities and Carnegie Mellon University.

Foundation for a Path Forward

Foundation News

Foundation Youth Engagement with The Other People at Suth...

[UPCOMING EVENT] Saving Our Planet: Faith in Action 3

Foundation's University of Manitoba Workshop - Online Har...

Global Crises, Local Impact: City-Led Prevention and Resp...

"Enhancing Safety and Understanding Between Muslims and L...

Foundation Presents at the Carnegie Mellon University Hei...