Laugh, Cry, Cringe Storytelling Series
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 | 12:00pm - 2:00pm | Hybrid: MN5128, (Maanjiwe nendamowinan UTM) or online via Zoom
Hart House
UTM Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Office
Join Hart House and the UTM Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Office for the Laugh, Cry, Cringe Storytelling Series titled, Laughter as a Lifeline: Humour in Times of Adversity with Youness Robert-Tahiri.
In this session, Youness will be sharing a series of personal stories where humour became a lifeline - diffusing danger, creating belonging, and helping him navigate youth homelessness and other adversities. Through these moments, he will be exploring how laughter can transform fear into connection, and chaos into meaning. He will then connect these lived experiences to his current work developing HaHaHelps, a comedy-based mental health program for youth facing adversity, demonstrating how humour can be taught intentionally as a tool for resilience.
Photography, audio and video recording may occur throughout this event. Therefore, by attending the event, you hereby authorize the University of Toronto to take your photograph, video and/or record your voice and grant the university all rights to these sounds, still or moving images in any medium for educational, promotional, marketing, advertising or other such purposes that support the mission of the university. If you do not consent to this, please speak with one of the event organizers upon your arrival.
Objectives:
Create brave spaces
Build skills to create and engage in inclusive spaces for sharing personal stories and fostering collaboration.
Debunk misconceptions
Address misconceptions about underrepresented communities through storytelling that promotes empathy and cultural awareness.
Normalize and shift narratives
Practice engaging in respectful and inclusive dialogues to support personal and interpersonal well-being and promote equity in everyday conversations.
Strengthen storytelling skills
Develop and apply communication strategies that clearly express ideas, foster emotional connection, and motivate action in diverse settings.
Inclusive Event Planning: Equity and Accessibility Considerations
Thursday, February 19, 2026 | 1:00pm - 2:30pm | Instructional Centre, IB 320 (In person)
UTM Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Office
This interactive session introduces key principles of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI), and Accessibility and explores applying these frameworks to planning inclusive in-person and virtual campus events. Participants will collaborate with peers to brainstorm and learn practical strategies for creating events that are welcoming, accessible, and reflective of the diverse university community.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify key principles of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI), and Accessibility and understand their importance in planning inclusive campus events.
- Assess potential barriers to participation in events through collaborative activities and develop a proactive event planning checklist.
- Reflect on your role and responsibilities in fostering an inclusive, accessible and welcoming campus environment.
If you have any accommodation requests or questions, please contact the UTM EDI Office at: edio.utm@utoronto.ca
Announcements
To view all equity-related announcements and news to UTM students, staff, faculty, and librarians, please visit the Office of the Vice-President and Principal website.