Come Together Week 2025: Celebrate inclusion, equity and diversity at Georgian
Feb. 18, 2025
51ÊÓƵ will celebrate Come Together Week 2025, from March 3 to 7. This inspiring event is part of Simcoe County’s #ITSTARTS campaign, a yearly public awareness initiative dedicated to fostering acceptance, equity and diversity while combating racism and discrimination.
At Georgian, we’re proud to contribute to this meaningful movement by hosting a series of events that celebrate culture, amplify student voices, and promote inclusivity. Come Together Week is your opportunity to connect with peers, learn from unique perspectives, and be part of a community that champions unity and understanding.
What is Come Together Week?
Come Together Week is led by Georgian’s International Education and Development Department, with support from departments across the college. The goal is to create welcoming spaces for all students, employees, faculty and community members to engage in meaningful conversations and activities that align with the values of #ITSTARTS.
Whether you’re attending your first Come Together Week or you’ve participated before, this year’s lineup will inspire and ignite action. Here’s what you can expect:
- Student-led initiatives: From the World café to The Art of Origins, experience events designed to celebrate diversity and creativity.
- Interactive experiences: Engage in hands-on activities that encourage reflection and conversation about identity and acceptance.
- Community involvement: Join campus events highlighting the collective power of inclusion and equity in Simcoe County.
By taking part in Come Together Week, you’re contributing to Georgian’s commitment to creating a more inclusive, supportive, and equitable campus. These events are more than just opportunities to learn—they’re moments to build connections, share stories, and take steps toward lasting change.
Come Together Week events at Georgian
Barrie Campus
Persian Heritage MonthÌý
March 3 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in C277 (in front of the Marketplace and the International student lounge)
Discover Persian culture with the Barrie Persian Association. Learn about traditions, history, and the rich heritage that makes Persian culture so unique.Ìý
Through My Door: Housing Experience – Hosted by Housing OfficeÌý
March 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in C277 (in front of the Marketplace and the International student lounge)
Step into the reality of student housing experiences through interactive displays that share real-life stories of both challenges and successes in shared living spaces.Ìý
Cultural gardenÌý
March 3 to 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., March 6 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in C277 (in front of the Marketplace and the International student lounge)
Just like a garden thrives with diverse plants, our community flourishes with different cultures. Share a cultural fact about yourself and help grow a vibrant, inclusive space where everyone’s story is valued.Ìý
Art of originsÌý
March 3 and 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in C277 (in front of the Marketplace and the International student lounge)
Express your identity through art! Create a piece that represents who you are and contribute to a visual celebration of diverse backgrounds.Ìý
Cultural dancingÌý
March 4, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in C277 (International Student Lounge)
Join students and employees in learning and sharing cultural dances from around the world. Whether you’re an expert or a beginner, everyone is welcome!Ìý
Hidden messagesÌý
March 4 and 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., March 6, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in C277 (in front of the Marketplace and the International student lounge)
Words matter! Explore common phrases that have harmful origins and learn how language can be transformed to be more inclusive.Ìý
Cultural food giveawayÌý
March 6, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in C277 (in front of the Marketplace and the International student lounge)
Experience the flavours of the world! Enjoy free samples of international cuisine and learn about the cultural significance of different dishes.Ìý
Your voice, our commitment: Shaping the anti-racism statement
March 6 , 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in C277 (in front of the Marketplace and the International student lounge)
Hosted by EDIB, review and contribute to Georgian’s anti-racism statement to ensure it reflects the diverse voices of the student community.Ìý
Brick by brick: Conversations for change
March 6, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in C277 (in front of the Marketplace and the International student lounge)
Hosted by the Housing Office, engage in meaningful discussions on how to build a more inclusive community, one conversation at a time.Ìý
World University Service of Canada (WUSC): Arabian nightsÌý
March 6, 6 to 8 p.m. in C277 (International student lounge)
Immerse yourself in Arabian culture through storytelling, games, and activities while learning about the work of WUSC.Ìý
Midland Campus
Cultural food giveaway
March 5, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the front foyer
Hosted by Midland GCSA, experience the flavours of the world! Enjoy free samples of international cuisine and learn about the cultural significance of different dishes.Ìý
Cultural gardenÌý
March 5, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the front foyerÌý
Just like a garden thrives with diverse plants, our community flourishes with different cultures. Share a cultural fact about yourself and help grow a vibrant, inclusive space where everyone’s story is valued.Ìý
Muskoka Campus
Cultural food giveaway
March 4 , 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the student lounge
Hosted by Muskoka GCSA, Experience the flavours of the world! Enjoy free samples of international cuisine and learn about the cultural significance of different dishes.
Cultural garden
March 4, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the student lounge
Just like a garden thrives with diverse plants, our community flourishes with different cultures. Share a cultural fact about yourself and help grow a vibrant, inclusive space where everyone’s story is valued.
Hidden messages
March 4, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the student Lounge
Words matter! Explore common phrases that have harmful origins and learn how language can be transformed to be more inclusive.
Orangeville Campus
Cultural food giveaway
March 4, noon to 1 p.m. in the Student Resource RoomÌý
Hosted by Orangeville GCSAÌý, experience the flavours of the world! Enjoy free samples of international cuisine and learn about the cultural significance of different dishes.Ìý
Hidden MessagesÌý
March 4, noon to 1 p.m. in the Student Resource RoomÌý
Words matter! Explore common phrases that have harmful origins and learn how language can be transformed to be more inclusive.Ìý
Recipes from homeÌý
March 4, noon to 1 p.m. in the Student Resource RoomÌý
Share a cherished family recipe and the story behind it to connect through food traditions.Ìý
Orillia Campus
Cultural garden
March 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Ìý| March 5, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Grizzlies GrottoÌý| March 7 | 11 a.m. to noon (Global Engagement Centre)Ìý
Just like a garden thrives with diverse plants, our community flourishes with different cultures. Share a cultural fact about yourself and help grow a vibrant, inclusive space where everyone’s story is valued.Ìý
World café
March 4, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Grizzlies Grotto
Hosted by Orillia GCSA, join friends and new acquaintances in discussing how we can foster a stronger sense of belonging while enjoying international cuisine.ÌýÌý
Indigenous conversations and film: Wandering Spirit Survival School with Luanna Harper ShirtÌýÌý
March 4 ,1 to 3 p.m. in C112 (Orillia Campus Theatre)
You’re invited to join for a screening of the National Film Board’s Wandering Spirit Survival School with an intimate conversation with Luana Harper Shirt.ÌýÌýÌý
The school, founded on the vision of Luana’s parents, Pauline Shirt and Vern Harper to create a learning environment that was culturally attuned to Indigenous Identity for their children.Ìý
Cultural food giveaway
March 5, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Grizzlies Grotto
Experience the flavours of the world! Enjoy free samples of international cuisine and learn about the cultural significance of different dishes.Ìý
Art of originsÌý
March 5, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Grizzlies Grotto
Express your identity through art! Create a piece that represents who you are and contribute to a visual celebration of diverse backgrounds.Ìý
Blackout poetry
March 5, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Grizzlies Grotto
Hosted by Lakehead University, take part in a creative and impactful activity where participants transform existing texts into powerful blackout poetry. By highlighting key themes of inclusion and diversity, this activity encourages meaningful conversations and actions around the #ITSTARTS campaign.Ìý
Hidden messages
March 5, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Grizzlies Grotto
Words matter! Explore common phrases that have harmful origins and learn how language can be transformed to be more inclusive.Ìý
Through my door: Housing experience
March 5, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Grizzlies Grotto
Hosted by the Housing Office, step into the reality of student housing experiences through interactive displays that share real-life stories of both challenges and successes in shared living spaces.Ìý
What’s in a name?Ìý
March 7, 11 a.m. to noon in the Global Engagement CentreÌý
Your name is a key part of your identity. Join us in sharing the correct pronunciation of your name and the story behind it. Whether it carries cultural significance, family history, or personal meaning, this is a chance to celebrate the uniqueness of every name and the diversity within our community.Ìý
Owen Sound CampusÌý
Cultural garden
March 3, noon to 3 p.m. in the B wing hallway across from the LibraryÌý
Just like a garden thrives with diverse plants, our community flourishes with different cultures. Share a cultural fact about yourself and help grow a vibrant, inclusive space where everyone’s story is valued.Ìý
Cultural food giveaway
March 3, noon to 3 p.m. in the B wing hallway across from the LibraryÌý
Hosted by Owen Sound GCSA, experience the flavours of the world! Enjoy free samples of international cuisine and learn about the cultural significance of different dishes.Ìý
What is your favourite band or song from home?Ìý
March 4, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the B wing hallway across from the LibraryÌý
Share your favourite song from home on a community playlist and celebrate the power of music to unite cultures.Ìý
Guess the language
March 5, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the B Wing hallway across from the LibraryÌý
Hosted by Owen Sound GCSA, can you guess the meaning? Explore common phrases displayed in multiple languages and put your skills to the test. Challenge yourself, learn something new, and see how many you can get right.
South 51ÊÓƵBay Campus
Cultural food giveaway
March 6, noon to 1 p.m. in the main hallwayÌý
South 51ÊÓƵBay GCSA, experience the flavours of the world! Enjoy free samples of international cuisine and learn about the cultural significance of different dishes.Ìý
Cultural gardenÌý
March 6, noon to 1 p.m. in the main hallwayÌý
Just like a garden thrives with diverse plants, our community flourishes with different cultures. Share a cultural fact about yourself and help grow a vibrant, inclusive space where everyone’s story is valued.Ìý
Tabling locations and times
Make your voice heard by visiting a #ITSTARTS pledge card and selfie table to fill out your own #ITSTARTS pledge card and share what matters most to you. Plus, take your photo and tag @CountyOfSimcoe @IC51ÊÓƵto demonstrate your commitment to inclusion, equity, and diversity.Ìý
Barrie Campus
C277 (in front of the Marketplace and the International student lounge)
March 3 to 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., | March 6, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Downtown Barrie Campus
March 5, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Midland Campus
Front foyerÌý
March 5, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Muskoka Campus
Student lounge
March 4, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Orangeville Campus
Student Resource RoomÌý
March 4, noon to 1 p.m. Ìý
Orillia Campus
Grizzles Grotto
March 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Ìý | March 5, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.Ìý| March 7, 11 a.m. to noon (Global Engagement Centre)Ìý
Owen Sound Campus
B wing (hallway across from library)Ìý
March 3, noon to 3 p.m.
South 51ÊÓƵBay
Main hallway
March 6, noon to 1 p.m.
Originally published in March 2024 and updated in February 2025.