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Past Meetings
FIRESTARTERS’ MEETINGS
UPDATES FROM LAST MEETING
Monday, July 14th, 2025 Meeting
In our recent session, Robin Padanyi shared highlights from his visit to IJM Bolivia, where a small but powerful team is tackling widespread violence against women and children. Despite limited resources, IJM Bolivia has trained hundreds of justice officials and empowered survivors to lead policy change and community education.
Robin emphasized the importance of including adolescent voices in creating child protection policies, noting that true transformation starts with listening to those most affected. His reflections challenged us to consider how we can create safer spaces—at home and abroad—by starting small and sharing what we know.
Thursday, May 15th, 2025 Meeting
Eugene shared insights from a vision trip to Kolkata, India, highlighting the IJM’s ongoing work to combat modern slavery.
Since 2006, IJM has partnered with local authorities in West Bengal to rescue victims of trafficking and strengthen the justice system. A key milestone: an 80% drop in trafficking in targeted areas between 2016 and 2021.
The trip included visits to cultural landmarks and sites connected to Mother Teresa’s legacy, offering deeper context to the challenges faced in the region. Eugene also shared about current efforts to fight labor slavery, including the rescue of families from a brick kiln in March.
His reflections emphasized three themes: the importance of context, the commitment of field teams, and the strength of community—supporters and staff working together to bring lasting change.
UPDATES FROM LAST MEETING
Monday, March 17th, 2025 Meeting
Heather Simmonds spoke about how much time we spend online and how easily we share personal info without realizing it. She stressed the importance of knowing our rights to privacy and protection—especially for youth.
She also highlighted the growing issue of online sexual exploitation, both globally and in Canada. Many victims are first contacted through friendly messages or fake opportunities.
Heather urged us to stay aware, protect ourselves and others, and take action against online harm.
This was a virtual event, so you can view the Zoom recording to hear from our Guest Speakers and our engaging Q&A session.
UPDATES FROM LAST MEETING
Monday, November 4th, 2024 Meeting
Sinead Finnegan invited us to take action and start meaningful campaigns for social impact. The presentation highlighted the initiative's mission to inspire and empower individuals to become change-makers in their communities. It encouraged participants to use the platform to launch their own campaigns, particularly becoming an advocate for Dressember, and emphasized that everyone has the potential to drive positive transformation.
We were reminded of the importance of starting today and using the tools provided to make a difference. If you missed the presentation, you can still join the movement and begin your journey toward change. Check your emails for more information on how to partake in Dressember!
This was a virtual event, so you can view the Zoom recording to hear from our Guest Speakers and our engaging Q&A session.
September 16th, 2024 Meeting
Lorianne Dueck delivered an insightful presentation on Advocacy and Public Engagement, highlighting the key differences between the two. She emphasized that effective advocacy involves being mindful of the "4 C’s" - Connection, Context, Commitment and Continue and the "ABC’s" - Accuracy, Brevity and Courteousness.
Lorianne also shared various strategies for public engagement and advocacy, such as reaching out to the right people, prioritizing the voices of affected groups, and forming strong partnerships. She encouraged us to recognize the power we hold and reminded us that even small actions can make a significant impact.
This was a virtual event, so you can view the Zoom recording to hear from our Guest Speakers and our engaging Q&A session.
UPDATES FROM LAST MEETING
June 3rd 2024 Meeting
On Monday, June 3rd, 2024, We had an engaging and interactive meeting with 2 profound speakers: Alison Hardman and Dr. Justin Dennison.
Alison Hardman serves as IJM Canada’s Director of Development and Mobilization. She served 7 years at a large church in Ontario, and previously at various charities in the GTA. She also has over 15 years of experience in fundraising.
Dr. Justin Dennison a retired doctor by profession and also an experienced Pastor and Counselor with a history of working within various religious institutions. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Bible Teaching, Life Coaching, Team Building, Empowering and Equipping Others.
This was a virtual event, so you can view the Zoom recording to hear from our Guest Speakers and our engaging Q&A session.
Firestarters Launch
On April 15th, 2024, the Firestarters group met with IJM Staff and Guest Speaker Julianne Healey over Zoom. Julianne, who has a background in criminology and serves as the Senior Lead for the Development team at IJM Canada.
Julianne gave a powerful coaching session for our Firestarters with a visual presentation of a Venn-diagram to help participants find their purpose, by considering what they love, their strengths, the world’s needs, and what they can be paid for, to analyze our Calling, Cause, Potential and Career. She shared her experience and recent field visit, which profoundly influenced her personal and professional perspective.
The event was virtual, and a recording of the session is available for those who missed it.
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