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<h3>Amplifying Marginalized Voices: SAFE Attends NCCM’s Leadership Summit and Day of Advocacy on Parliament Hill</h3><figure id="figure-7lstt2dbezma6bpllq" class=""><img id="7lstt2dbezma6bpllq" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/24CqjprlecoaigPh1F1hzYlp7zYReMaogoopASaTxozqpTM3QNtIxHRXTQfprge4.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/24CqjprlecoaigPh1F1hzYlp7zYReMaogoopASaTxozqpTM3QNtIxHRXTQfprge4.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;"></figure>This past month, Shadi Sakr and Amber Rehman, on behalf of SAFE (Strategies for Advocacy, Freedom, and Empowerment), were honoured to attend the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) Leadership Summit and Day of Advocacy on Parliament Hill.<figure id="figure-v8xoh5uhywma6cjbk0"><img id="v8xoh5uhywma6cjbk0" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/25DtniKEPgJW2XDW1BCqll1GdXE80n9g5RoLihqot1CBBIzReLQlf2BVgVGDd2Mm.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>Hosted in Ottawa, this landmark event brought together Muslim leaders, advocates, and allies from across the country to advocate for equity, justice, and systemic change. SAFE was proud to stand alongside civil society leaders in a united call for policy reforms that reflect the lived realities of marginalized communities.<figure id="figure-03bsmj0g39pma6cituo"><img id="03bsmj0g39pma6cituo" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/bWD4fftvQNB9NdfIlqHRxGgQtkCaMVabebaFJj3yDyM78DZP6WXmOti5fdd7YgV7.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/bWD4fftvQNB9NdfIlqHRxGgQtkCaMVabebaFJj3yDyM78DZP6WXmOti5fdd7YgV7.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Why We Showed Up At SAFE, our mission is rooted in empowerment through education, community engagement, and courageous advocacy. This summit was an opportunity not only to learn from grassroots and national leaders—but also to ensure that the voices of racialized, disabled, and system-impacted individuals were present at the policy table.Our participation focused on:Advocating for stronger anti-hate measures across Canada Addressing barriers to mental health and education access for racialized and immigrant youth Pushing for inclusive policy frameworks that acknowledge intersectional realities and community-led solutions A Day on the Hill The Day of Advocacy involved direct meetings with Members of Parliament, Senators, and policymakers—where Shadi and Amber shared tangible community concerns and policy recommendations informed by our frontline work. It was a powerful reminder that advocacy doesn't end in classrooms or workshops—it must extend to the halls of power.Looking Ahead Participating in NCCM’s Leadership Summit was both an affirmation of the work we do at SAFE and a call to deepen it. We return to our communities more connected, more informed, and more committed to advancing justice through education and collective action.For partnerships, speaking engagements, or advocacy workshops, reach out to us at safecommunitynow@gmail.com. &nbsp;Together, we can turn lived experience into leadership—and policy into progress.

NCCM’s Leadership Summit and Day of Advocacy on Parliament Hill

<h3>Speaking Out Against Hate: Reflections from Lethbridge</h3><figure id="figure-lhwrgzee9ima6aqxlq" class=""><img id="lhwrgzee9ima6aqxlq" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2fsDkdDB4gj8fEwdph6caTVTKB9ZXPqviILbux57MIKBZiY6HcBbOaNV2WDExgsI.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2fsDkdDB4gj8fEwdph6caTVTKB9ZXPqviILbux57MIKBZiY6HcBbOaNV2WDExgsI.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Last week, we had the honour of attending a powerful workshop in Lethbridge designed to equip residents with the tools and confidence to speak out against discrimination. As the founder of SAFE: Strategies for Advocacy, Freedom and Empowerment, I was deeply moved—not just by the turnout, but by the sincerity, courage, and solidarity in the room.This workshop couldn’t have come at a more important time. Across Canada, we are witnessing a disturbing rise in Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, and other forms of hate. For many in our communities—whether they wear a hijab, speak with an accent, or come from a racialized background—the experience of discrimination is far too familiar. But events like this one in Lethbridge remind us that we are not powerless. We can—and must—respond.The session offered practical de-escalation techniques, guidance on safe interventions, and space for participants to share stories, fears, and hopes. What stood out most to me were the moments of collective learning: when someone asked, “What can I say when I hear someone make a racist joke?” or “How do I support someone who’s just experienced hate?” These are the kinds of questions that SAFE was created to answer.At SAFE, we believe in meeting people where they are—acknowledging that not everyone feels equipped to challenge injustice on their own. That’s why we design our programming to be trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and grounded in real-world scenarios. Whether it’s a bystander training, a youth empowerment circle, or a community dialogue, our goal is the same: to help people move beyond fear and toward action.What I witnessed in Lethbridge was more than just a workshop. It was a spark—a moment of collective resolve to make our communities safer and more inclusive. We know this work is ongoing, and it’s often difficult. But it’s also essential. As someone who grew up navigating systems that weren’t built for me, I carry this truth with me every day: silence can be a form of harm—but so can speaking without preparation. That’s why education and training matter so much.To everyone who showed up in Lethbridge—thank you. Your presence was a statement. And to those reading this who want to get involved, I invite you to connect with us at SAFE. Let’s keep the conversation going. Let’s keep showing up. Together, we can build communities rooted in dignity, equity, and courage.

Speaking Out Against Hate

Empowering Educators: Hamza Sakr and Amber Rehman Lead Online Harms Workshop at Fraser Academy<figure id="figure-gl7m54uudma6a1fpw"><img id="gl7m54uudma6a1fpw" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/31QaJ1QQA6TMzdvrVA6eqyrtJV7uyFuCnRI2N3VbPRKSco9ojifLSUnYiVbQ2wXx.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 60% undefined%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="60%" data-positiony="undefined%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/31QaJ1QQA6TMzdvrVA6eqyrtJV7uyFuCnRI2N3VbPRKSco9ojifLSUnYiVbQ2wXx.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 60% undefined%;"></figure>In today's digital age, educators face the critical task of safeguarding students from online threats. Recognizing this, Fraser Academy recently hosted a comprehensive workshop on online harms, led by experts Hamza and Amber.Workshop Highlights The session delved into various facets of online safety, including:Understanding Online Harms: Identifying and addressing issues like cyberbullying, misinformation, and digital addiction. Digital Literacy: Equipping teachers with tools to foster critical thinking and responsible online behavior among students. Preventative Strategies: Implementing classroom practices to mitigate potential online risks. Educator Engagement Teachers participated in interactive discussions, sharing experiences and strategies. The collaborative environment encouraged the exchange of ideas, enhancing the collective approach to student online safety.Looking Ahead Fraser Academy's commitment to student well-being is evident in initiatives like this workshop. By proactively addressing online harms, the school ensures a safer digital environment for its students.For more information on Fraser Academy's programs and initiatives, visit their official website.

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NCCM’s Leadership Summit and Day of Advocacy on Parliamen...

Speaking Out Against Hate

Empowering Educators