Meet Janyce Konkin, Alberta

I first became involved with IofC in 2006 when I joined (and helped establish) IofC @ UofC Club. At the time I was working on my undergrad majoring in Development Studies with a Minor in Law & Society. I attended Tools for Change in Caux in 2006 with the other Club members. In 2007 I went off to get my Master’s Degree in Peace Studies from EPU (European Peace University) in Stadtschlaining, Austria. While there I also managed to go back to Caux in August, 2007. I returned for the third time to Caux to the Caux Forum on Human Security this past July, 2009.

I love working for IofC – Calgary. I am the Coordinator of Programs for Alberta, which means I am directly responsible now for the two Clubs (Calgary & Edmonton); also the Bridges to a Common Future, and the Interfaith Youth Council program. Joy Newman & I also hope to be starting up a Peace Circle very soon. Meanwhile, I am also working to develop other interests through outreach activities: for instance a possible training film related to local Cambodian youth and expanding on contacts at UofC through the Peace Consortium which I also sit on as a Board Member. Bill Parker & I will be examining ways and means to increase funding for local programs. So it is a very busy and exciting position with lots of potential.

My Master’s thesis (which I am currently working on) is called “First Do No Harm: A Comparative Analysis of Western and African Methods of Conflict Transformation.” The comparison is based on meeting values or principles that ensure we treat others with respect, dignity, honestly, trust, forgiveness, etc. And that is what I also hope to bring to IofC, the idea that we operate in life from a commonality of principles or values.

Janyce Konkin

Meet Iman Al Ghafari, Ontario

Since arriving in Canada 5 years ago from Syria I’ve felt it was home and people I’ve got to know have made me feel like a family member.
I’ve worked as an Arabic teacher and as a children’s program coordinator. The opportunity to meet people from different countries who brought with them their beliefs, goals, passion and sometimes prejudice, as I did, has helped me to listen to different perspectives and ideas which enlightened and challenged me.
 
I was introduced to IofC through Jessie Henthorn in Toronto. I realised that the 4 standards that IofC call for weren’t different from my belief or any other belief.
I was interested and began attending meetings. Later on, I went to a Canadian gathering in Quebec City, where I met IofC members from many provinces as well as international visitors. People were motivated by goodness and great values, sharing the same passion and goals of building peace and bridges.
Being respected and supported made me feel part of the IofC family.
 
I’ve been with IofC for 3 years. I am the Regional Coordinator for southeastern Ontario and a Program Manager. I focus on creating opportunities for people from different cultures and religions to meet and build productive relationships where we benefit our societies and communities. My vision is that we will be able to create programs that help people and communities grow from the inside and outside and contribute positively nationally and internationally.
 
Being with IofC has made me more aware of myself and where I have needed to change. I pray that God will use me to promote peace and goodness among His people.

Iman Al Ghafari

Introducing Ottawa office staff 

For the last five years IofC’s Canadian operations have been headquartered in Calgary. As of October 1, many of the administrative functions are returning to IofC Canada’s Ottawa office. A big debt of gratitude is owed to the able and dedicated staff in Calgary some of whom, notably Treasurer Bill Parker and Vice-Chair Joy Newman, will continue to play crucial roles in the new administrative set up. The accounts will continue to be handled in Calgary by Wayne Friesen. 

The Ottawa office staff consists of Eve Wojciechowska, introduced in the last newsletter as Program Director, Richard Weeks who has been appointed Interim Director of Administration for IofC Canada and Shireen Ali, who started on October 1 as Office/Operations Administrator – the position filled by Sonja Bergen until August, 2009 prior to her departure to the Netherlands to study for a Master’s degree. Rosalind Weeks is taking over responsibility for MRA Books from Joy Newman, working from the Ottawa office. Book orders will now be processed from this address. 

Note the small but important change in the Ottawa office address, from Suite 403 to Suite 402. (It is not a ‘typo’!) The new space, just next door, is larger in order to accommodate the increase in functions. 

From now on please direct all correspondence and donations to: 
Initiatives of Change, Suite 402, 331 Cooper Street, Ottawa,  ON  K2P 0G5
Tel: (613) 230 7197       Fax number :  (613) 230 7198

To contact the Ottawa Staff click  on these links:

Richard Weeks Email
Rosalind Weeks Email
Eve Wojciechowska Email
Shireen Ali Email