BEYOND The Conversation is a Canadian registered grassroots for-impact society established in 2016 with the goal of ending social isolation in local neighbourhoods and beyond.
BEYOND The Conversation is not in the healthcare business, not ESL, not therapy groups and definitely not a bureaucracy. What we are is a shoulder to cry on, a friend to laugh with and a place of warmth and belonging. Of course, it will look different everywhere we go around the world. But to move beyond the conversation, from just words to acts of lovingkindness and friendship towards our neighbours will remain the same. Bold steps, acts of random kindness, standing up for and with others are trademarks of the BEYOND Way.
Our vision
To end social isolation and loneliness and to see human flourishing through true friendship and community.
Our mission
To understand the causes and take bold action in service for those who feel the pain of social isolation and loneliness through bold action, innovation and breaking down social barriers in our world.
All in pursuit of true friendship and a true community.
Everyone knows what needs to be done, and we move forward … together in unison. No special side agendas or competing for resources or attention. The mission is what matters, the community that is us and who we serve matters.
...but what about the rules?
We decided to skip them. It’s more important to recognize people’s humanity than to create an organization full of machines. Of course, we have certain basic rules we have to keep by law, but more importantly, there is no law against loving each other. Instead, we have a few guiding principles: Be Curious. Have Fun. Love People.
That’s it!! If we are doing these things, we are changing the world. A large part of why people are lonely and isolated is because of too many rules and exclusionary systems in our world today. We have to tear down those barriers by acting and thinking differently, not doing more of the same and expecting different results. Of course, this path is messy, unpredictable and thus largely unplanned and loosely structured because it’s fully human.
Check out our media coverage
Here to Help: Building strong community through meaningful conversation
https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/visions/loneliness-and-social-connection-vol14/beyond-loneliness
CBC: Living alone during the pandemic? Tips on how to make the best of the holidays (Dec 13, 2020)
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/living-alone-pandemic-1.5838912
Richmond News: Destigmatizing virtual walk takes place (Oct 24, 2020)
CBC Listen: The Early Edition with Stephen Quinn - Loneliness as an election issue (Oct 8, 2020)
https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-91-the-early-edition/clip/15802180-loneliness-election-issue
CBC Listen: BC Today with Michelle Eliot - B.C. election: front-line workers, loneliness (Oct 8, 2020)
BC Brain Wellness Program: Wellness Wednesday: Social Connections and Your Community (March 4, 2020)
https://www.bcbrainwellness.ca/events/wellness-wednesday-social-connections-and-your-community
CBC News Vancouver: Lonley Together (November 25, 2019)
https://newsinteractives.cbc.ca/longform/lonely-together
NewToBC.ca: Beyond the conversation: Re-imagining Social Connectedness (January 9, 2019)
https://newtobc.ca/2019/01/beyond-the-conversation-re-imagining-social-connectedness/
CBC News: 'We're all lonely': Vancouver event aims to end stigma around loneliness Social Sharing (September 10, 2018)
Vancouver Sun: Walkers gather in bid to help end social isolation in Vancouver (Sep 09, 2018)
Vancouver Courier: Walking event takes steps to thwart social isolation in Vancouver (Aug 29, 2018)
Vancouver Is Awesome: Vancouver group tackles loneliness, language barriers through conversation (February 27, 2018)
https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/vancouver-news/beyond-the-conversation-vancouver-1936082
Toronto Star: Lack of friends and language barrier can lead to social isolation, but this organization is trying to change that (Feb 27, 2018)
Community is a place where our small efforts can have a lasting impact towards creating positive change.
