DAWSON CREEK, B.C. - The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is inviting residents to take part in a community conversation on some of the most pressing issues facing Canadians during the 8th annual Voices for Peace conference in Dawson Creek.
Volunteer Bashir Islam said this year’s event will focus on the theme, “When Crises Converge: Homelessness, Addiction, Climate Disaster and Economic Uncertainty.”
The conference aims to bring together experts and community members for a discussion on challenges affecting communities across Canada.
The free event will take place Saturday, September 19, at the Energy House on the Northern Lights College campus. Doors open at 12:30 p.m., with presentations and discussion running from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Islam said the Voices for Peace initiative has organized symposiums and conferences in cities across Canada, but organizers were encouraged to bring the discussions to smaller and more remote communities.
“We were requested to take this meaningful dialogue to smaller, more remote communities where we don’t get normal opportunities to interact with various segments of society,” he said.
The conference will be moderated by Rob Brown and feature presentations from Rev. Marilyn Carroll and imam Mousavi Bajwa, who will offer perspectives on the event’s themes, including discussion from the Muslim community.
Organizers say attendees will have opportunities to ask questions, socialize and engage directly with presenters before, during and after the event.
Islam said the conference is intended to shine a spotlight on issues that can sometimes be overlooked.
“If we look at our news media, most of the time what makes the news is big breaking headlines,” Islam said. “The real issues in smaller communities, homelessness, addiction, climate disaster and economic uncertainty, sometimes get brushed over.”
Islam added that building a stronger and more caring community can begin with simple acts of kindness and support.
Refreshments will be available before and after the conference. Organizers say all community members are welcome to attend.