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Turning Down the Heat is a community-led initiative based in Greater Victoria, BC, dedicated to cultivating constructive, respectful public dialogue and exploring innovative approaches to deliberative democracy.
In a world where conversations around political, social, and civic issues often become adversarial and polarized, we believe there is a better way to navigate disagreement. Our goal is to bring together cross-sector leaders—including public officials, academics, business leaders, Indigenous representatives, and community members—to listen deeply, explore consensus-building practices, and restore civic trust.
This initiative is powered by the shared vision and collaboration of three key community organizations:
External Affairs Committee of the Baha’is of Victoria: Serving as the primary driving force behind the project, the External Affairs Committee leads the organization and day-to-day operations, drawing on core principles of unity, consultation, and collective well-being.
Greater Victoria Peace School: Co-sponsoring the initiative to bring expertise and support grounded in nonviolent communication, conflict resolution, and the promotion of a culture of peace.
Victoria Multifaith Society (VMS): Co-sponsoring to lend a broad, multi-faith perspective that promotes cross-cultural understanding, ethical reflection, and harmonious community relations across diverse traditions.
Together, our organizations combine operational leadership, peacebuilding frameworks, and interfaith cooperation to help Greater Victoria turn down the heat and build healthier decision-making processes for everyone
Gita Badiyan
Over the past 30 years, Gita has collaborated with organizations committed to values-driven leadership as a management consultant, executive coach, facilitator, and university lecturer helping professionals make the leap to leadership as service. She is committed to making a positive difference in the world one day at a time.
Sharon Welsh
Sharon spent most of her adult life working in social services and with non-profit organizations in Victoria and abroad. After her retirement, Sharon was inspired by Dr. Mary-Wynne Ashford and Dr. Hossain Danesh to explore peace and peace education. This has led to an ongoing desire to better understand and support humanity’s complex path towards a peaceful, just and stable world… and a very busy retirement.
Sheila Flood
Sheila is Executive Director of the Victoria Multifaith Society and a board member of the Greater Victoria Peace School. She spent many years in Baha'i administration in Canada and abroad and has an abiding interest in creating a future based on spiritual & humanitarian ideals that contribute to global health and well-being.
Kathleen Bennett
Kathleen has spent much of her professional life working alongside Indigenous communities, organizations and families in areas related to children, families, community development and organizational leadership. She has a longstanding interest in how consultation, collaboration and respectful dialogue can help people move beyond division and find common ground.
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