Your Story
There is no single right way. We begin with listening and research—Phase 1 is open now. Phases 2 and 3 will open as the project grows, once we understand what participants need and want.
At Voices Heard, we acknowledge that healing is an individual journey. Each person’s needs, comfort levels, and readiness are different. We have seen healing come to participants without direct encounter or confrontation between the person harmed and the person who caused harm — and we have seen how collective truth-telling can transform trauma into strength.
Our team listens to lived experiences of those who have been harmed. We believe that those who have been harmed should have voice and choice — control over when they are ready to share, what they share, where and how they share their story, and who is present during their sharing time.
Pathways to Be Heard offers options to engage in a restorative process, designed around choice, flexibility, and respect. You may choose one option, combine options, or take time before deciding.
Ways to Share Your Experience
Each option below is shaped around your comfort. Mix and match, take your time, or start with a single conversation.
On your own time
Share your story in writing at your own pace.
Standalone option
You do not need to meet with the facilitation team to sign up for research. Contact the researcher directly as a standalone Pathways to be Heard option.
From wherever you are
Speak privately with the Voices Heard team over Zoom.
In a space you trust
Share your experience in a setting that feels comfortable and safe.
Only if and when you’re ready
If and when you feel ready, you may choose to share directly with organizational representatives.
Participation in the Organizational Representatives pathway is entirely optional and will only happen with your consent and preparation.
The Six Pathways
Six pathways open across three phases as the project grows. You are welcome to start in Phase 1 and choose whether to engage with later phases.
Phase 1
Choosing how you'd like to be heard.
Open now — starting July 2026
To support structured engagement where appropriate, with preparation and care.
To gather learning — with consent and care — so experiences inform meaningful change.
Phase 2
Being met with care, on your terms.
Opening later
To offer space for experiences to be shared and heard, without pressure for dialogue or response.
To support connection, belonging, and shared humanity beyond testimony.
Phase 3
Acknowledgement, repair, and honouring who you are.
Opening later
To support meaningful acknowledgement of harm and responsibility.
To honour culture, identity, and shared ways of being before any restorative engagement.
Phase 1 is open now. Voices Heard team members and the researcher are ready to meet with individuals who want to share their experiences. This first phase is about listening, understanding, and honoring your story on your terms.
Phase 2 will open after we understand what processes alumni desire. If individuals are interested in meeting with other alumni, we will offer virtual healing and connection spaces or creative and reflective expression spaces.
Phase 3 will open after the project has been widely shared and alumni who want to participate in the earlier phases have had a chance to engage.
You are welcome to start in Phase 1 and choose whether to participate in later phases as they become available. Your participation in one phase never obligates you to join another.
Stories shared through these pathways will be handled with care and respect, help identify patterns of harm and systemic issues, and inform recommendations and restorative processes. You may choose whether and how you would like to stay informed about how your contribution is used. Your identity will not be disclosed outside the Voices Heard team in any recommendations or reports that are distributed.
The facilitation team will offer a confidential intake conversation — on Zoom or, if you prefer, in person. We’ll listen, share options, and clarify whether this project can help meet your needs. Meeting with us does not obligate you to participate.
Reach out when you’re ready