The founding principles, mission, vision, and values that guide Symbiose.
1. About the Organization
Name
Symbiose
Legal Status
Non-profit organization (NPO)
Area of Operation
Canada (with initial roots in the community of Sudbury, Ontario)
Symbiose is a community organization dedicated to fostering intercultural connection, social integration, and the creation of lasting bonds between people from different cultures.
The organization serves as a space for dialogue, support, and mediation, enabling newcomers, citizens, institutions, and community partners to better understand one another and jointly build an inclusive society.
2. Mission
Symbiose's mission is to create spaces of encounter, listening, and support that foster the harmonious integration of immigrants and the development of positive intercultural relationships.
Through mediation, training, experience sharing, community activities, and access to resources, Symbiose supports individuals and organizations in reducing cultural, linguistic, and social barriers.
Symbiose helps build a community where every person can be heard, recognized, and encouraged to participate fully in society.
3. Vision
Symbiose aspires to become a reference centre for intercultural mediation, community integration, and the development of shared living in Canada.
Our long-term vision is the creation of a Symbiose Campus — an integrated community space where people can:
learn;
share their experiences;
develop their skills;
build social bonds;
take part in cultural, sports, and educational activities;
access support services.
This place will become a crossroads between cultures, generations, and institutions, fostering a society where diversity becomes a collective strength.
4. Our Core Values
Respect
Dialogue is at the heart of our approach. We create safe spaces where people can express their realities, concerns, and perspectives in a climate of listening and respect.
We believe mutual understanding begins with the ability to listen to one another. In our actions, we commit to:
foster active listening;
encourage respectful exchange;
facilitate peaceful conflict resolution;
build bridges between people and institutions.
Equity
Every person carries a unique value, story, and contribution. Symbiose is committed to creating accessible environments where all people can participate fully, regardless of origin, language, culture, belief, identity, or social situation.
In our actions, we commit to:
recognize diversity as a source of richness;
reduce barriers to participation;
respect the dignity of every person;
promote equity and community belonging.
Integrity
Trust is essential to our mission. Symbiose acts with transparency, responsibility, and professionalism in all of its decisions, partnerships, and interventions.
In our actions, we commit to:
honour our commitments;
protect confidential information;
use our resources responsibly;
act with impartiality and independence.
Storytelling (Human Stories & Experiences)
We believe human stories create understanding and bring communities closer together. Lived experiences are an important source of knowledge and social transformation.
In our actions, we commit to:
value individual journeys;
respect consent when sharing stories;
use stories as learning tools;
give voice to experiences that are often less heard.
5. Purpose of the Organization
Symbiose exists to:
1Foster the social, cultural, and community integration of newcomers.
2Develop intercultural mediation programs.
3Facilitate communication between citizens, institutions, and cultural communities.
4Offer training and workshops that promote intercultural understanding.
5Organize social, sports, artistic, and educational activities that support shared living.
6Guide people toward appropriate resources.
7Build partnerships with community organizations, public institutions, and businesses.
8Promote a society grounded in respect, collaboration, and civic participation.
6. Guiding Principles
All of Symbiose's actions rest on the following principles:
Respect for Human Dignity
Every person is welcomed with respect, without discrimination or judgment.
Neutrality and Mediation
Symbiose acts as a dialogue facilitator and does not replace legal, medical, or governmental services.
Empowerment
Our goal is to help people develop their autonomy and capacity to act.
Collaboration
We believe sustainable solutions emerge when communities, institutions, and individuals work together.
7. Community Engagement
Symbiose recognizes that integration is a two-way process. We also work with the receiving society in order to:
foster understanding of intercultural realities;
reduce prejudice;
encourage openness;
strengthen community bonds.
8. Governance and Accountability
Symbiose is committed to responsible governance based on:
transparency;
accountability;
sound financial management;
compliance with applicable laws;
ongoing evaluation of its programs.
The Board of Directors provides strategic oversight and ensures compliance with the mission and values of the organization.
9. Commitment to the Community
Symbiose exists to be a partner of trust. We believe strong communities are built when people can meet, learn from one another, and move forward together.
Our commitment is simple: to build bridges where distances exist, to create dialogue where misunderstandings exist, and to foster belonging where isolation exists.
Adoption and Effective Date
Adopted by: Symbiose Board of Directors
Adoption Date:
July 14, 2026
Effective Date:
July 14, 2026
Last Reviewed:
July 14, 2026
Next Scheduled Review:
July 2029
Review Cycle:
Every three (3) years, or sooner if required by changes in applicable legislation, organizational structure, strategic priorities, or Board resolution.
