Intercultural Dialogue Institute GTA
Aim
Intercultural Dialogue Institute aims to promote enduring interfaith and intercultural cooperation, tolerance and dialogue by sharing our differences and similarities in an effort to enhance civil society, to promote the development of human values, and to advance diversity and multiculturalism in the society. The Institute aims to eliminate or reduce false stereotypes, prejudices and unjustified fears through direct human communication. By this mission IDI aims to contribute to improvement of diversity, pluralism and multiculturalism throughout Canada.
History
IDI was formed in 2010 as a joint effort of several organisations and currently have 11 chapters and regional offices in major cities of five Canadian provinces. The GTA branch of IDI was established with the name Canadian Interfaith Dialogue Centre in 2005. It has then changed its name to Canadian Intercultural Dialogue Centre. Until July 2013 it was known as IDI Toronto. In July 2013 it was re-branded as IDI GTA to represent the whole Greater Toronto Area.
IRD Activities
- Interfaith Platform
IDI organises various forums for faith traditions to express views around various common topics, to gain understanding of each other and to help unite communities in order that the spirituality of all individuals be heard in a space that is free of dogmatism, criticism, oppression, and fear. The forums include: interfaith gatherings, interfaith conversations, book clubs, circle of Abrahamic hospitality programme, church/temple visits, community projects, interfaith trips, lecture series and panels, exploring faith programmes, and conferences
- Intercultural Youth Platform
It aims to bring youth with diverse cultures or faiths together in an environment of tolerance and mutual understanding by assisting them in networking and capacity building, increasing their participation and exchanging good practice, and establishing projects towards social needs with a specific focus on youth and youth related subjects
- Community Outreach
By promoting interaction and communication among people of various backgrounds, the Institute aims to increase awareness regarding diversity and cultivate cooperation by emphasising common interests, shared values, and collective experience. In addition, through the Community Outreach and Partnership Projects, IDI aims to support the pursuit of social justice through programmes that create awareness and provide opportunities for community activism and volunteerism. In this regard, the Institute encourages pluralism by providing opportunities for people of all cultures, communities, and faith groups to be engaged in dialogue. Activities include: cultural nights, Meet Your Neighbours programmes, coffee nights, Noah's Pudding campaigns, film screening and panel discussion, community engagement dinners, lecture series and panel, discussions, exhibits, courses, senior house visits, shelter visits, tree planting campaigns
Main Focus Countries of Activities
Canada - Turkey - Canada - Canada