Your Questions Answered
1. What is the Alliance of Canadians Combatting Antisemitism (ALCCA)?
The Alliance of Canadians Combatting Antisemitism (ALCCA) is a coalition of organizations dedicated to addressing the growing issue of antisemitism in Canada. Formed in response to the May 2024 Canadian Parliamentary Hearings on Antisemitism, ALCCA's mission spans a wide range of initiatives, from combating antisemitism on university campuses to addressing it in schools and broader society.
2. Why was ALCCA created?
ALCCA was established to ensure that diverse voices were heard during the Parliamentary Hearings on Antisemitism and to continue fighting antisemitism in Canada wherever it takes place.
3. What does ALCCA do to fight antisemitism?
ALCCA works on numerous initiatives, including Respectful Dialogue programs on university campuses, advocacy for systemic reforms in primary and secondary schools, and public awareness campaigns to combat antisemitism across Canada. Our members collaborate to influence policy, engage in public discussions, and promote educational reforms.
4. How does ALCCA promote Respectful Dialogue to combat antisemitism?
We know from decades of collective experience in this area that fostering respectful conversations – particularly on university campuses – is key to reducing antisemitism and other forms of hatred. Our members are actively involved in creating and delivering programs that encourage dialogue, education, and mutual understanding, helping to create a more inclusive environment in educational institutions and communities.
5. Who are the members of ALCCA?
Our members come from a wide variety of backgrounds, including Indigenous leaders, Catholics, Muslims, Hindus, doctors, professors, lawyers, national security experts, Jewish students, human rights advocates, and many others. This diversity gives us a broad perspective and a strong foundation to address antisemitism from multiple angles.
6. How can I engage with ALCCA?
There are two primary ways you can engage with ALCCA:
As an individual:
You can support ALCCA by participating in our various campaigns, attending our events, subscribing to our newsletter, and sharing our content on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). Your involvement helps amplify our collective voice against antisemitism.
As a member organization:
Organizations that share ALCCA's mission to combat antisemitism and promote respectful dialogue can apply to join the Alliance as members. As a member organization, you’ll collaborate on campaigns, contribute to educational and advocacy efforts, and gain access to our resources, newsletters, and collaborative opportunities.
7. Why should my organization become a member of ALCCA?
By joining ALCCA, you’ll be part of a diverse network of experts and advocates working to create meaningful change in Canadian society to combat antisemitism and hate. You’ll gain access to a range of resources, including expert knowledge, collaborative opportunities, and participation in nationwide campaigns.
Concrete benefits include - but are not limited to:
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Amplify Your Impact: As a member, you will join a coalition of experts and advocates working together to push for systemic change. Your voice will be part of meaningful efforts to combat antisemitism in Canada.
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Grow Your Engagement: With weekly access to ALCAA’s newsletter, your organization will have the opportunity to promote your activities to thousands of subscribers across Canada.
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Access to Resources: Members have unique access to a wealth of tools, research, expertise, and collaboration opportunities to enhance their advocacy efforts and engage their constituents.
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Agile Response: ALCCA has proven to be a go-to resource for members when it comes to rapid response initiatives in Canada as it affects the Canadian Jewish community. Our deep expertise and combined networks across all levels of Canadian society allow us to work effectively, efficiently, and sustainably on behalf of the community in its fight against antisemitism.
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Collaborative Approach: As part of our guiding principles, the Alliance works diligently to provide an inclusive and respectful environment for all members to be part of meaningful and systemic change in Canada.
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Unique Speaking Engagements: Gain access to exclusive speaking engagements with ALCCA’s Chair, as well as opportunities for participation in panels and discussions on pressing issues.
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Advocacy Opportunities: Engage your own members in impactful advocacy, such as signing ALCCA petitions, participating in letter-writing campaigns, and joining other initiatives aimed at combating antisemitism and influencing policy.
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Skilled Volunteer Recruitment Support: Access a network of committed professionals and advocates within the ALCCA community. As a member, you can tap into this skilled pool to help recruit volunteers for your organization’s initiatives.
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Timely Support for Antisemitic Incidents: ALCCA provides guidance, tools, and referrals to ensure that affected individuals feel supported and informed during these challenging situations.
8. Are there any fees associated with joining ALCCA?
There are no fees associated with joining the Alliance.
9. Do Alliance member organizations meet and if so, how often?
Alliance member organizations meet quarterly via Zoom. Alliance meetings focus on updates and discussions led by the Chair, and sharing coalition activities to foster collaboration and alignment.
10. How can I stay informed about ALCCA’s initiatives without becoming a member?
You can subscribe to our newsletter to receive regular updates about our work, educational resources, and upcoming events. Our newsletter also includes important action alerts, where you’ll be invited to participate in advocacy campaigns like letter-writing initiatives or petitions that can make a real impact.
11. What are action alerts, and how can I participate?
Action alerts from ALCCA are timely requests for participation in advocacy efforts such as letter-writing campaigns, petitions, or other initiatives aimed at influencing policy or raising awareness. They are sent out to subscribers of ALCCA’s newsletter. You do not need to be an ALCCA member to participate in Action Alerts.
12. How can my organization join ALCCA?
We welcome those organizations that share our mission to fight antisemitism and promote respectful dialogue across Canada to join our Alliance. Access the Become a Member form here to find out more.