Celebrate #ITSTARTS and Come Together Week with Georgian

March 6, 2024

#ITSTARTS is a yearly public awareness initiative that unfolds every March within Simcoe County. Its primary objective is to proactively address and combat racism and discrimination, fostering a community that champions acceptance, inclusion, equity and diversity. Throughout the month, various community events are organized under the umbrella of #ITSTARTS, promoting unity and engagement.  

Georgian’s commitment to #ITSTARTS is represented through Come Together Week, a dynamic initiative designed to showcase a range of on- and off-campus events in support of the campaign’s objectives. From March 18 to 22, this year’s Come Together Week promises to once again play a pivotal role in nurturing unity and inclusivity. 

Led and organized by The Segal International Centre, this week-long series of events is dedicated to creating an environment that not only promotes inclusion within Georgian but also extends its reach to local campus communities.  

Watch a video recap of Come Together Week 2023 

Come Together Week events at Georgian

Barrie Campus

Canadian idioms 

Monday, March 18, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Thursday, March 21, 10 a.m. to noon in the International Student Lounge (C279), Barrie Campus 

Join this fun, educational and engaging activity aimed at promoting cultural inclusivity and student engagement. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about Canadian idioms and phrases, fostering a better understanding and appreciation of Canadian culture and language. The goal is to help students overcome communication barriers when interacting with Canadians in college, the workplace, or social settings.  

Art of origins  

Monday, March 18, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Wednesday, March 20, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Segal International Centre student lounge (C277), Barrie Campus  

Participants are invited to express their identity through artwork. Participants will be provided with pieces of paper to create artwork that represents their unique identities. The goal is to connect individuals from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities through artistic expression. Also, the artwork will be shaped as “IT STARTS” to symbolize inclusivity and unity.

Human Flow documentary 

Tuesday, March 19, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Segal International Centre student lounge (C277), Barrie Campus

Come watch a screening of the documentary “Human Flow,” which focuses on the experiences of refugees. Attendees will have the opportunity to watch the documentary and discuss it while enjoying popcorn and candies.  

Maple syrup trip

Tuesday, March 19, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Tiffin Centre (Pickup from Barrie and Orillia campuses) 

Individuals will have the opportunity to explore the sweet world of maple syrup production. Join a trip to the Tiffin Centre, where you’ll learn about the process of maple syrup production – one of Canada’s trademark products. Register to save your seat. 

Indigenous cultural sharing 

Wednesday, March 20, 10 to 11:45 a.m. in the Segal International Centre student lounge (C277), Barrie Campus 

Indigenous Services will be sharing about Indigenous culture, traditions and history to start conversations about how the Georgian community can move toward fostering greater understanding and appreciation while working together to combat racism.   

Human library 

Thursday, March 21, 10 a.m. to noon in the Segal International Centre student lounge (C277), Barrie Campus 

The human library is an opportunity for participants to connect with individuals they might not typically engage with. Just like borrowing books from a library, readers can “check out” human books and engage in meaningful conversations about culture and how our community can become more welcoming and inclusive.  

Cultural food giveaway 

Friday, March 22, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Segal International Centre student lounge (C277), Barrie Campus 

Get the chance to savour and celebrate cultural diversity through a delectable array of food and drinks. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy diverse samples of various edibles, immersing themselves in the rich tapestry of global cuisine.   

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Downtown Barrie location

Cultural food giveaway  

Tuesday, March 19, 10 a.m. to noon in R116, downtown Barrie location 

Get the chance to savour and celebrate cultural diversity through a delectable array of food and drinks. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy diverse samples of various edibles, immersing themselves in the rich tapestry of global cuisine.  

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Midland Campus

Cultural food giveaway 

Wednesday, March 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the front foyer, Midland Campus  

Get the chance to savour and celebrate cultural diversity through a delectable array of food and drinks. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy diverse samples of various edibles, immersing themselves in the rich tapestry of global cuisine.  

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Muskoka Campus

Cultural food giveaway 

Wednesday, March 20, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.  in the front foyer, Muskoka Campus 

Get the chance to savour and celebrate cultural diversity through a delectable array of food and drinks. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy diverse samples of various edibles, immersing themselves in the rich tapestry of global cuisine.

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Orangeville Campus

Cultural food giveaway

Thursday, March 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Resource Room, Orangeville Campus 

Come and enjoy samples of diverse cuisines while learning about the rich tapestry of food traditions. Come explore, savor, and celebrate cultural diversity—all while fostering a welcoming community.     

Indigenous cultural sharing 

Thursday, March 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Resource Room, Orangeville Campus 

Participants are invited to learn from Georgian student Samantha L. as she proudly shares about her Mi’kmaq Métis heritage. Through engaging dialogue, participants will explore Indigenous perspectives, traditions and ancestral wisdom.  

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Orillia Campus

Maple syrup trip

Tuesday, March 19, 1 to 5 p.m. at the Tiffin Centre (Pickup from Barrie and Orillia campuses) 

Individuals will have the opportunity to explore the sweet world of maple syrup production. Join a trip to the Tiffin Centre, where you’ll learn about the process of maple syrup production – one of Canada’s trademark products. Register to save your seat.  

Meet the culture and cultural food giveaway

Wednesday, March 20, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the cafeteria, Orillia Campus 

Participants will have an opportunity to try different cultural foods while engaging in conversations with three international students. These students will share their cultural traditions and dispel common misconceptions that people might have about their respective cultures. 

What’s in a name?

Wednesday, March 20, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the cafeteria, Orillia Campus 

Participants will share the origins and meanings of their names while also learning about those of others’ names.  

Jenga against racism 

Wednesday, March 20, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the cafeteria, Orillia Campus 

In this unique twist, the Jenga tower becomes more than just a stack of wooden blocks—it transforms into a powerful symbol where the tower symbolizes racism. As participants build higher, they’ll learn ways to combat prejudice and create an inclusive community.  

Origins woven – threads of unity 

Wednesday, March 20, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the cafeteria, Orillia Campus 

Participants will contribute to two collaborative art projects. They will add to our community tree by leaving their “thumbprint leaves” in a colour that represents their continents of origin. Participants are also invited to link “I CAN” statements to cut through racism in our thread art activity. 

Indigenous cultural sharing 

Wednesday, March 20, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the cafeteria, Orillia Campus 

Indigenous Services will be sharing about Indigenous culture, traditions and history to start conversations about how the Georgian community can move towards fostering greater understanding and appreciation while working together to combat racism. 

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Owen Sound Campus 

Say My Name

Wednesday, March 20, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the International Student Support table (hallway across from library), Owen Sound Campus 

Names hold a significant place in one’s identity, and their correct pronunciation is crucial. Individuals are invited to write their names and meanings on the wall. At Georgian College, addressing each other with respect and using correct names is emphasized. It’s essential to show consideration when referring to others by their names. 

We are better together

Wednesday, March 20, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the International Student Support table (hallway across from library), Owen Sound Campus 

Participants will be able to pause and contribute to the event by colouring the Come Together Week banner. Additionally, they can express their thoughts on belonging by writing on heart-shaped Post-it notes. It’s an opportunity to share perspectives on what belonging means to them.  

Cultural food giveaway 

Wednesday, March 20, noon to 1 p.m. at the International Student Support table (hallway across from library), Owen Sound Campus 

Get the chance to savour and celebrate cultural diversity through a delectable array of food and drinks. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy diverse samples of various edibles, immersing themselves in the rich tapestry of global cuisine. 

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#ITSTARTS photo collage

You’ll notice a few tables popping up on all campuses with a paper for the #ITSTARTS campaign. Fill in the blank spot on the page with a written pledge telling us what you think #ITSTARTS with to confront racial discrimination, then take a selfie! At the end of Come Together Week we’ll post a collage of everyone who participated in this activity to show all the different ways we can help each other make our communities a better and safer place.  

Tabling locations and times

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