Building Bridges Program
The Building Bridges project, funded by the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, aims to develop safe and supportive spaces for members affected by racism. Participants will engage in peer support and trauma healing, develop tools and resources that raise awareness and reduce racism-hate in the LTC system, while also empowering residents, caregivers, staff and family councils to create customized responses for reducing racism within their local long-term care home.
Ontario thrives through multiculturalism and racial diversity. However, community building and belonging initiatives have slowly extended into our long-term care communities amongst residents, administrators, caregivers, and professionals. Home staff and family caregivers have reported to us their experiences of institutional racism, micro-aggressions and overt racism which negatively impact the quality of both life and caregiving within long-term care homes.
Term 1: May 15, 2022 to July 19, 2022
Term 2: Sept 26, 2022 to Nov 28, 2022
Term 3: Jan 16, 2023 to Mar 20, 2023
Terms 4-6 TO BE ANNOUNCED
Description of Methods
By addressing racial trauma through Gabor Mate’s Compassionate Inquiry program and training on Marshall Rosenberg’s Nonviolent Communication, our goal is to empower participants to effectively soothe challenging circumstances as they arise. Through holistic thinking and program design, the project evolves based on each home’s unique character. The result will be for racialized and non-racialized home members to compassionately discuss difficult conversations, share feelings and needs while strengthening bonds, amplify underrepresented voices and develop systemic changes towards creating inclusive communities.
We aim to further build belonging for all members in LTC and de-escalate future conflicts through healthy and empathetic communications.
Eligibility Requirements & Registration
We are seeking participants who may be staff, family council members and/or caregivers. Sessions will be held via ZOOM.
Participants must complete 1 CI + 1 NVC training throughout the year. Staff NVC sessions can be customized for a 2 hour training. Weekends & evenings possible.
Term 1: May 15, 2022 to July 19, 2022
Option 1: Compassionate Inquiry - 10 sessions total (must commit to all)
Tuesdays May 24th - July 19th —1pm-3pm.
Introduction session on Friday May 20th —1pm-3pm.
Option 2: Nonviolent Communication - 3 sessions total (must commit to all)
Friday June 3 – Foundation 1 - 12pm -3pm
Friday June 10 – Foundation 2 - 12pm -3pm
Friday June 17 – Foundation 3 - 12pm -3pm
Term 2: Sept 26, 2022 to Nov 28, 2022
Term 3: Jan 16, 2023 to Mar 20, 2023
Terms 4-6 TO BE ANNOUNCED
Program Resources
TBA