At the Global Evidence & Impact Conference (GEIC) 2025, not all impact came from data or policy discussions. Some of the most powerful moments came from simple, honest truths that challenged how we show up in everyday spaces.
One such moment came from Renee Fehr, Development and Membership Specialist, whose message centered on something many avoid but all recognize.
Her call was clear:
real change begins when we stop avoiding uncomfortable conversations.
Key Highlights:
1. Accountability Requires Action, Not Silence
Renee Fehr raised a critical question,
what does it truly mean to hold people accountable?
Too often, accountability is discussed but not practiced. Difficult issues are left unaddressed because speaking up can feel uncomfortable.
But silence comes at a cost.
When nothing is said, harmful systems and behaviors are allowed to continue.
2. It Is Time To Have The “Awkward” Conversations
A central theme in her message was the need to embrace discomfort.
Conversations about racism and inequality are not easy, but they are necessary. Avoiding them does not make the issues disappear, it allows them to persist.
According to Renee Fehr:
- Discomfort is part of growth
- Honest dialogue is essential for change
- Avoidance only reinforces the status quo
The real work begins when we are willing to lean into these moments.
3. Recognizing That Racism Exists Everywhere
Another powerful reminder was the acknowledgment that racism is not distant or isolated, it exists within everyday environments.
This recognition is important because it shifts responsibility:
- From “someone else’s problem”
- To something we all have a role in addressing
Change starts with awareness, but it must move quickly into action.
4. Strength In Collective Action
Despite the weight of the topic, Renee Fehr ended on a hopeful note.
Being in a shared space, engaging in these conversations, and recognizing that others are equally committed creates a sense of collective strength.
We are not alone in this work.
And together, the impact is far greater.
The Bigger Reflection
This session reminded us that progress is not always comfortable, but it is necessary.
Avoiding difficult conversations may feel easier in the moment, but it delays the change we seek.
The Ripple Continues
As the conversations from GEIC 2025 continue, one truth stands out:
change does not happen in silence, it happens in dialogue, courage, and collective action.
Because sometimes, the most powerful step forward is simply this:
speaking up when it would be easier to stay quiet.
Want to dive deeper into the insights? Visit c4p-bli.ca/2025geic/ for more information and to stay updated on our upcoming initiatives.