IDI was formed in 2010 as a joint effort of several organizations and currently have 11 chapters* and regional office in major cities of five Canadian province. It was founded by Turkish Canadians inspired by the teachings and example of Fethullah Gulen.
The Institute is not a religious or ethnic organisation. It aims to facilitate dialogue on a whole range of social issues, regardless of any particular faith or religion. It stands for democracy, human rights, the non-instrumentalisation of religion in politics, equality, and freedom of speech.
GTA branch of IDI was established with the name Canadian Interfaith Dialogue Centre in 2005. It has then changed its name to Canadian Intercultural Dialogue Centre. Until July 2013 it was known as IDI Toronto. In July 2013 it was re-branded as IDI GTA to represent the whole Greater Toronto Area.
Intercultural Dialogue Institute is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to advance social cohesion through personal interaction by promoting respect and mutual understanding among people of all cultures and faiths through dialogue and partnership.
IDI aims to promote enduring interfaith and intercultural cooperation, tolerance and dialogue by sharing our differences and similarities in an effort to enhance civil society, to promote the development of human values, and to advance diversity and multiculturalism in the society. The Institute aims to eliminate or reduce false stereotypes, prejudices and unjustified fears through direct human communication. By this mission IDI aims to contribute to improvement of diversity, pluralism and multiculturalism throughout Canada.
In this regard, IDI organizes social, educational, and cultural activities such as lectures, seminars, conferences, discussion forums, luncheons, informative dinners, programs for students and youth, intercultural exchange trips, courses, and outreach programs.
“Meet Your Neighbour” is a program where families affiliated with IDI invite guests to their homes to have dinner together. In these programs, families meet, greet, and create a joyful family atmosphere. Families also maintain good relations with their neighbours, regardless of what their religion, beliefs, culture, or race may be.
The purpose behind these programs is to build bridges between communities and experience intercultural interactions. Through these experiences, exchange of ideas, tolerance, development of new forms of dialogue and new friendships are gained. This brings about kindness, respectfulness, generosity and above all else cultural harmony.
Whether you choose to host a visit or be a guest, you are taking a powerful step toward breaking down barriers.
It’s completely natural to have questions or even a little hesitation about trying something new—especially when it involves meeting new people. We want you to feel confident, comfortable, and fully informed before you join in. Below, we’ve answered the most common queries to put your mind at ease and get you ready for your first connection.
MYN is a community-building initiative organized by Intercultural Dialogue Institute and local community partners to bring together individuals from diverse cultural, faith, and social backgrounds through shared meals, conversation, and seasonal events. It’s about turning strangers into neighbours through trust, hospitality, and dialogue.
Everyone is welcome! The event is open to the public, including families, newcomers, students, seniors, community leaders, and anyone who values connection, inclusion, and shared community spaces.
Safety and comfort are our top priorities. We have a registration and vetting process for all participants—both hosts and guests—to ensure a secure environment. We also provide a “First Meeting Guide” with tips to help everyone feel relaxed and safe during the visit.
Absolutely not. The sole purpose of Meet Your Neighbour is to foster dialogue, understanding, and friendship across different communities. Proselytizing (trying to convert others to a different belief or religion) is strictly against our guidelines. We are here to learn from each other, not to change each other.
Not at all! Everyone is welcome. Whether you are deeply religious, spiritual, agnostic, atheist, or simply curious about the world, your perspective is valuable. Our diversity is what makes these conversations so enriching.
What do we talk about? It’s very relaxed! A typical visit usually involves sharing tea, coffee, or a simple meal. The goal is just to have open, friendly conversation. You might talk about your families, your work, your hobbies, or share stories about your cultural backgrounds. We also provide optional “conversation starters” if you need them.
Each event typically includes:
No. While Meet Your Neighbour includes participation from diverse faith communities and may include reflections or blessings from different traditions, it is not a religious service. It is designed to be welcoming and respectful for people of all beliefs and backgrounds.
MYN events range from larger community table gatherings to intimate neighbour-to-neighbour family style dinners. The only investment required is your time, an open mind, and a willingness to connect with someone new in your neighbourhood. While many events are free, some may include a small symbolic fee to honour the hospitality of host families. Voluntary donations are also welcome to help sustain and grow the program.
You can register through Eventbrite (via the flyer or our website), complete the form at meetyourneighbour.ca, or reach out directly at info@idialogue.ca.
Yes! We are always looking for Volunteer Ambassadors to help greet guests, lead table conversations, or assist with logistics. Email info@idialogue.ca to express interest.
Yes! Children are welcome and there will be activities or seating arrangements that accommodate families.
