TNC Kinship Dojo: Practicing Relational Equity in Community Work
What if equity work wasn’t just about learning concepts but practicing new ways of being together? That was the idea behind the Kinship Dojo, a six-month pilot launched by Toronto Neighbourhood Centres (TNC).
Inspired by dojo culture, this unique initiative created a practice space where 30 participants from across the TNC network gathered to explore how to live the change they want to see. Rather than focusing on perfection or outcomes, the Dojo emphasized practice — making space to slow down, falter, reflect, and try again.
“It was about building muscle, not performance,” said one facilitator. “A place to strengthen our collective ability to stay with complexity and hold each other with care.”
What Happened Inside the Dojo?
Participants met regularly, guided by a team of facilitators, to:
- Explore relational approaches to anti-oppression work
- Practice staying grounded in discomfort and difference
- Cultivate shared language, accountability, and purpose
- Reimagine leadership rooted in humility, joy, and imagination
Rather than aiming for fixed outcomes, the Dojo fostered shifts:
- Greater awareness of how identity and power shape relationships
- Stronger capacity to hold tension and conflict
- Deeper commitment to kinship, both within and beyond the network
What Comes Next?
The Kinship Dojo raised important questions that continue to guide TNC’s work:
- How do we sustain kinship practices in our daily lives?
- How do we stay present in difference without rushing to resolve it?
- What does collective accountability look like when no one is in charge?
The pilot has ended, but the ripple effects are just beginning. Many participants are already bringing these practices into their local centres and daily leadership. 📩 For questions or reflections, contact Sree Nallamothu – sree@neighbourhoodcentres.ca
