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

Amplifying Marginalized Voices: SAFE Attends NCCM’s Leadership Summit and Day of Advocacy on Parliament Hill

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.

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.

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.
 

Together, we can turn lived experience into leadership—and policy into progress.