Tsering Yangzom, a Tibetan, living in Toronto, and an M.A. student in East Asian and Asia-Pacific Studies at the Munk School of Global Affairs, University of Toronto took part in the 2015 Caux Scholars Program in Caux.

IofC Canada’s Board of Directors met in Ottawa for two days with the goals of getting to know one another better, identifying key issues and strategizing on ways forward. Our starting point was the material gathered at the 2015 AGM in Calgary. It both painted the picture of where IofC Canada is currently at and pointed the direction for a desired future as envisioned by the many people who contributed their prayers, dreams and hopes for what they see IofC Canada being and doing.

At Caux, on the other side of the world, I found a place where I knew I was meant to be. Overlooking a spectacular view, I was able to find out who I was and make connections with inspiring people from all over the world. Though I was a little nervous, I was sure from day one that the interns program was going to be an enlightening experience. Now I can say without a doubt that I was not wrong about it. The workshops, my departmental work in reception and my conference participation taught me many skills, and I was able to make connections I would never have been able to make at any other internship.

"We will be weaving together a picture of the real world needs, and the ways we are addressing them." With these opening remarks from Initiatives of Change International President, Dr. Omnia Marzouk, the 2015 Extended Global Assembly began. It was a time of reconnecting, relationship building and sharing in each others’ stories of building trust across the world’s divides.

The Caux Scholars Program aims to train young scholars in the fields of peacebuilding, transitional and restorative justice, and reconciliation. The 21 Scholars of the summer 2015 session were from 16 countries. The course is designed to enhance scholars’ already strong capacity to effect change in the world and in their communities. It helps to equip them to be effective advocates for change and positive voices as the world and international systems struggle with how best to achieve peace with justice. Scholars are also trained to be servant-leaders who put the interests of the community before their own.

A first experience in Caux is usually powerful. It was the case for Marie Émilie Lacroix, a teacher from Quebec City. In the last year, she has been a devoted aboriginal representative for IofC’s ‘Four Solitudes’ initiatives, including the launch of the film Beyond Forgiving in Quebec City on June 11.

I participated in the Caux Interns Leadership Program -- a five-week program focused on personal growth, leadership development, self-reflection, and the evolution of an individual's journey within a community based framework. The overall theme aligned with IofC's vision of building trust across the world's divides by becoming the change that you wish to see in the world.

The South Sudanese community here honoured Janyce Konkin, IofC’s Regional Coordinator of Programs in Alberta and several other people at their second annual gala dinner and Awards ceremony on August 15. The awards and certificates, presented by South Sudanese Community Association President Khor Reat Top, recognized people who have made a difference and have helped bring the community together. Close to 100 attendees enjoyed ethic food and a silent auction to raise funds for future events.

Regina, Saskatchewan hosted the annual North American Interfaith Network (NAIN) this year. One of the 15 sponsors was Multi-Faith Saskatchewan, of which IofC Canada is a member. Representing IofC Canada were Gwen McLean, who has been on the executive of Multi-Faith Saskatchewan for several years, and Janyce Konkin from Calgary.

Here are some observatons by Paul Chaffee of San Francisco, California, who edits the publication Interfaith Observer.

Quebec City, June 11, 2015-- After several months of ground work with five partner organizations, Beyond Forgiving, the IofC film made in South Africa, was screened to an audience of 56 diversified and enthusiastic participants in the spirit of the evening’s theme: “To come out of our solitudes - Dare to build together.”