The Comox Valley Community Justice Centre, a volunteer-powered non-profit that uses Restorative Justice principles and practices to support peacemaking and the resolution of conflicts for the community through resolution conferences, dialogue, and education, is presenting a conversation on polarization in partnership with North Island College on Feb. 19.

Merriam-Webster鈥檚 2024 Word of the Year is 鈥減olarization,鈥� and it鈥檚 not surprising. From conflicts in our communities and abroad to tensions at our dinner tables and on social media, the world seems to be pulling us further apart. That鈥檚 why the Community Justice Centre is proud to present 鈥淢oving Beyond Polarization: The Courage to Dialogue in Divided Times鈥� on Wednesday, Feb. 19, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Stan Hagan Theatre at North Island College in Courtenay.

鈥淲hile we are noticing the increase in polarization, we are also buoyed by calls from the community for tools in bridging these divides,鈥� says Karen McKinnon, Managing Director of the Community Justice Centre. 鈥淚t鈥檚 important we start having these conversations, and everyone is welcome to attend.鈥�

In this engaging presentation, Jennie Barron, Chair of the Mir Centre for Peace and Instructor in Peace and Justice Studies at Selkirk College, will offer insights into the dynamics of polarization, the underlying factors driving it, and what each of us can do to help reverse this troubling trend. Award-winning national journalist and North Island College鈥檚 Associate Director of Community and Public Affairs, Melanie Nagy, is helping to facilitate the talk.

鈥淚t鈥檚 clear that polarization is shaping our society, but through dialogue and understanding, we can turn division into collaboration,鈥� says Melanie Nagy. 鈥淚 look forward to helping facilitate a discussion that fosters empathy and explores ways to reconnect.鈥�

To reserve your spot, visit the event page: . No-cost tickets are required for admission, with donations gladly accepted.