CNERJ is not just facilitating conversations – it is creating a movement.
We have brought together community leaders, researchers, and advocates from across the country for two multi-day landmark national conferences, each designed to move us closer to meaningful change. This was made possible by the convening of community leaders and advocates at our local roundtables where they shared insights, concerns and priorities. The roundtables also created relationships with local Indigenous leaders.
From Data to National Engagement: Our first national gathering in March 2025 marked a pivotal step as we presented findings from 15 sector-specific research reports commissioned by CNERJ, and discussed national conversations in the context of the real, lived experiences of diverse communities. The result was more than dialogue. It was a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead.
From Engagement to Action: Our second national gathering a year later was a working conference with a clear purpose: To turn insight into impact. Community leaders from across the country came together to build consensus, shape practical solutions, and lay the groundwork for coordinated, collective action.
Together, these gatherings reflect our commitment to moving beyond discussion and toward real, measurable change.
By grounding national advocacy in local insight, CNERJ ensures that collective action stays community-driven and focused on the issues that matter most to racialized communities.
- Local experiences provide a grounded understanding of the challenges and systemic barriers faced by marginalized groups and communities in Canada.
- Discussions with local input are not one-size-fits-all but instead take into account the diversity of experiences across the country. Thus, taking local insights to the national level offers transformative benefits that amplify impact and drive meaningful change.
- Another advantage of national convenings is cross-learning and innovation. Local innovations often address challenges creatively, offering ideas that can inspire broader, more impactful initiatives when shared nationally. Community-driven strategies support a collaborative culture that accelerates progress and avoids “reinventing the wheel.”
- Additionally, incorporating local voices into national discussions promotes legitimacy and trust, and it encourages active participation in implementing future solutions.
To learn more about discussions at the national level and to connect with those activists you can watch our videos.