Aller au contenu principal

Lasting peace and social cohesion by building trust and reconciliation across divides.

The Trustbuilding Program (TBP) aims to address divisive issues at the national and community level through strategic trustbuilding work, designed locally and tailored to local needs. In order to achieve sustained peace, not solely the absence of violent conflict, a deep level of mutual trust and understanding is needed.

 

We build trust by inspiring and equipping individuals with resources to mediate conflict in their communities.

We inspire and equip people with the inner qualities, practices and skills needed to build trust across deep divides, heal historical wounds, bring together diverse groups in honest conversation, and develop and sustain multi-sector networks working for social cohesion and equity.

We enhance the capacity and skills of IofC International and local IofC teams.

Each local project is designed depending on the specific context and need. We support the local teams in fundraising, project management, evaluation, communication and project design. The Trustbuilding Program is currently active in seven countries, each year we roll out the program to three/ four additional countries.

We create a global network of trustbuilders who are invested in the idea that change starts with oneself.

We focus on people’s personal responsibility, which breaks the cycle of denial, blame, and victimhood. Individuals become trustbuilders by being willing to take a fearless look at their own attitudes and behavior. 

3,305

People Reached

$175,469

In-Kind Contributions

5,000

Hours Volunteered

Read more about the work of the Trustbuilding Program

An African Imam and African pastor plant a sapling tree with the help of a young African man
The program is now operating in partnership with seven local teams and the Global Alumni Initiative (GAIN).
White hand and black hand touching fists together in solidarity
On the program level we have a major partner that we are happy to collaborate with; The Fetzer Institute.
Be the change you want to see in the world
GAIN, as part of the Trustbuilding Program, connects alumni of their programs with the trustbuilding projects.

Trustbuilding Program Countries

A divide exists between non-Indigenous Australians and First Nations Peoples. Through a process of ‘truth-telling and truth-hearing’ trust is built between them.
Discrimination is an undiscussed issue in Quebec’ society. Safe spaces for honest conversations are created for people willing to face these issues feeding targeted divides.
A deep unease among youth in the suburbs of French cities is increasingly leading to radicalization. Through workshops in schools, trust between youth and society, especially authority figures, is built.
Indonesia is facing increased intolerance and divides among religions and ethnicities, within the threat of violent extremism. Through interfaith camps and workshops, youth are equipped to advocate for trust.
Tensions and mistrust within interfaith and interethnic communities have led to violent extremism in Kenya. These issues are addressed through interfaith dialogues - developing mutual respect and understanding.
The gap that exists between Madheshi and Pahadi communities occasionally sparks violent conflict. Through trustbuilding activities, individuals are encouraged to deepen their understanding of each other and build trust between the communities.
Unhealed traumas of dysfunctional families are passed on to next generations, often leaving young people without male role models. Healing and trustbuilding repairs broken family structures.

WHAT CAN I DO?

Passionate about making a difference? Contribute your time and talents!
Sign up for our newsletter for the latest news, events and opportunities.
Every contribution goes towards supporting our efforts in building trust.

Learn more about the Trustbuilding Program

To achieve sustained peace, not solely the absence of violent conflict, a deep level of mutual trust and understanding is needed.

At a time of increasing polarization, trust is diminishing around the world. Communities face racial and religious divides, intergenerational conflict, as well as social divisions. 

Community cohesion lies at the center of what makes a strong, vibrant and safe community. Connecting fragmented communities demands the best of everyone, regardless of their race, political preference or belief systems. Building trust is the essential foundation for building healthy communities; it is not a technique that can be taught, but rather a style of citizen leadership which offers a vision of hope and opportunity for everyone. 
 
Quite often, reforms needed in our communities require levels of political courage and trust-based collaboration that can only be achieved by individuals who have the vision, integrity, and persistence to call out the best in others and sustain deep and long-term efforts.

Talia Smith 

Program Manager   

 

Alena Vasilyeva 

Program Assistant 

 

Rob Corcoran 

Program Design & Training consultant 

 

Manon Michelle Monhemius 

Communications Officer 

 

Jessie Sutherland 

Evaluations Consultant 

 

Hengi Bayat 

Fundraising Manager 

 

The Trustbuilding Program is governed by a Program Steering Group: 

Ron Lawler (Chair); Alex Wise; Roweida Saleh; Barry Hart; Firyal Mohamed; Mediatrix Masava; Imad Karam; and Shakiyla Smith (Fetzer Institute). 

Talia Smith - Planning Committee Chair 

Alex Wise - Fundraising Committee Chair 

 

The Trustbuilding Program is in line with UN Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

Trustbuilding Program EVENTS AND NEWS