Come Together Week 2025: Celebrate inclusion, equity and diversity at Georgian

Feb. 18, 2025

Georgian College 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 Month 

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. 

Through My Door: Housing Experience – Hosted by Housing Office 

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. 

Cultural garden 

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. 

Art of origins 

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. 

Cultural dancing 

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! 

Hidden messages 

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. 

Cultural food giveaway 

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. 

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. 

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. 

World University Service of Canada (WUSC): Arabian nights 

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. 

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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. 

Cultural garden 

March 5, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the front foyer 

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. 

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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.

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Orangeville Campus

Cultural food giveaway

March 4, noon to 1 p.m. in the Student Resource Room 

Hosted by Orangeville GCSA , experience the flavours of the world! Enjoy free samples of international cuisine and learn about the cultural significance of different dishes. 

Hidden Messages 

March 4, noon to 1 p.m. in the Student Resource Room 

Words matter! Explore common phrases that have harmful origins and learn how language can be transformed to be more inclusive. 

Recipes from home 

March 4, noon to 1 p.m. in the Student Resource Room 

Share a cherished family recipe and the story behind it to connect through food traditions. 

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Orillia Campus

Cultural garden

March 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | March 5, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Grizzlies Grotto | March 7 | 11 a.m. to noon (Global Engagement Centre) 

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. 

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.  

Indigenous conversations and film: Wandering Spirit Survival School with Luanna Harper Shirt  

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.   

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. 

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. 

Art of origins 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

What’s in a name? 

March 7, 11 a.m. to noon in the Global Engagement Centre 

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. 

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Owen Sound Campus 

Cultural garden

March 3, noon to 3 p.m. in the B wing hallway across from the Library 

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. 

Cultural food giveaway

March 3, noon to 3 p.m. in the B wing hallway across from the Library 

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. 

What is your favourite band or song from home? 

March 4, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the B wing hallway across from the Library 

Share your favourite song from home on a community playlist and celebrate the power of music to unite cultures. 

Guess the language

March 5, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the B Wing hallway across from the Library 

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.

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South Georgian Bay Campus

Cultural food giveaway

March 6, noon to 1 p.m. in the main hallway 

South Georgian Bay 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 6, noon to 1 p.m. in the main hallway 

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. 

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 @ICGeorgian to demonstrate your commitment to inclusion, equity, and diversity. 

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Originally published in March 2024 and updated in February 2025.