As the world watches the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Initiatives of Change is pleased to release a historic film from the port of Rio. Men of Brazil tells the true story of Brazilian port workers struggle in the 1950s which saw the first democratic election in the history of the port. We celebrate the dedication and courage of the Brazilian port workers and their families in telling their story and of IofC’s work over the years in Brazil by presenting this film online.

To be a peacemaker means to be challenged and confronted with my own weakness, and to be tested by God and the universe in order to carry out the task properly.

The Quebec version of the “Blanket Exercise” was developed in Montreal by the Ecumenical Network for Justice, Peace and Ecology (ROJEP) from the version created by Kairos Canada (an ecological justice and human rights organization) in 1997.

IofC’s Quebec team realized the dream of launching the film Beyond Forgiving.

Initiatives of Change (IofC) in partnership with other organizations and networks will present four activities at the World Social Forum in Montreal from August 9 to 14.

At a Special meeting of the IofC Canada association held by web conference on July 23, members unanimously approved a resolution to amend the purpose of the association.

“I liked her honesty about things she has experienced,” said Nyawargak Joseph, a young Sudanese participant in the “Catch up with Ashley” session organized by Janyce Konkin, IofC’s Regional Coordinator of Programs in Alberta. “Her entire story motivated me to believe the South Sudanese Community can also benefit from the work of IofC.”

Friday, June 3 was the official opening of Initiatives of Change Canada’s 2016 AGM and Consultation weekend. Members met at Manoir d’ Youville for a weekend of reflection and decision-making.

Eight members of the Ottawa team hosted a farewell party for Viola Sebahana on the final day of her two years as office administrator in the national office. Viola worked with Initiatives of Change while pursuing her Master’s degree in social work, and upon her recent graduation accepted a full time professional position in her field.

At this year’s meeting, the membership said a grateful farewell to four departing IofC Canada Board members: Richard Batsinduka, Augustino Lucano, Firyal Mohamed, and Sara Vassigh. Co-chair Lorne Braun expressed great appreciation for their efforts and their devotion to the Board and the fellowship across Canada. In their place, four new board members were elected, two for one-year terms and two for three -year terms.