The Iranian community in Vancouver has been in diaspora for 44 years and has long been divided. However, the killing of Mahsa Zhina Amini briefly united the community, but differences resurfaced and things returned to square one. The reasons for this are unclear, but the community wants to learn from this experience and move forward.

In the spirit of healing years of deep trauma, the community is organizing an event to bring people together and ask questions. The event will feature organizers and individuals with political knowledge who will share their perspectives on how the community can do better in the future.

The event will begin with land acknowledgements by Nikta Razavi, followed by  introduction of panelists, then the audience will have an opportunity to participate in an interactive Q&A session, all in Farsi language. Refreshments will be served.

The event is organized by Voicezforchange, a community group focused on promoting unity and acceptance. Their motto is that change starts within each individual, rather than waiting for external factors to cause change. The ultimate goal is to embrace the shared humanity of the community, despite differing ideologies.

Doors open at 5:30pm
Event runs from 6 - 8pm
Language: Farsi
RSVPs are helpful

RSVP HERE

Panelists
Hamid Zarshenas - member of the Center for Supporters of Justice, a graduate in judicial law, and a political activist with over 40 years of experience.

Abbas Mandegar - organizer of Saturday rallies through “Solidarity with Iranians," Socialist and political activist, served on the Vancouver and Victoria Labour Councils, represented his local unions, chaired the Human Rights and International Solidarity committee of the labour council.

Shilan G.M Zade - Co-founder of Voicezforchange, a faculty member, certified humanitarian, life coach, board member consultant at the International UNESCO, Body & Mind Wellness Club, University Womans Club of Vancouver.

Melody Moheb - founding member of "We Are Mahsa" organization, and a political activist who has organized Saturday rallies, currently works as the public relations person for MLA Fin Donnelly and the Immigrant Link Centre Society, combating food waste in BC.

Mehrdad Rahbar - self-trained Iranian-Canadian painter, sculptor and Urbanist. He graduated in Architecture and Urban Studies at McGill University. Mehrdad is known as an activist artist and his art focuses on humanity, social justice.

Overall, the event aims to bring the Iranian community together and encourage community members to learn from past experiences to create a better future.

در این انقلاب، نیازمندیم که با یکدیگر مکالمه کنیم، نظرات را بشنویم و تفاوت‌های جامعه را قبول کنیم. برای این منظور، یک فضای امن برای مطرح کردن سوالات و نظرات ایجاد کرده‌ایم که شاهد گفتگوهای سازنده و پویا باشیم.

هدف ما این است که از طریق این تبادل نظرات، ایده‌ها و پیشنهادات جدیدی برای بهبود شرایط به وجود آوریم.

در صورتی که سوالی دارید که میخواهید حتماً به آن پاسخ داده شود ( زمان بحث و پاسخگویی در این پلتفرم محدود است)، لطفاً سوال خود را به ایمیل زیر ارسال کنید

team@voicezforchange.ca

Banner image: Shima Parsa