We are Called to Love

One courageous conversation at a time.

With non-violent communication,
we facilitate learning in equity, diversity & inclusion.

We facilitate conversations, learning, and professional development in a variety of sectors responsive to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility.

Our team has the academic background and facilitation experience to help foster conversations in a variety of organizations on the inclusion of equity-deserving groups including 2SLGBTQIA+ workers, students, and staff in secular and religious spaces. We also can work alongside school boards and corporations to review policy and to create plans for short-term, mid-range and long-term implementation.

  • “One of the most valuable professional development opportunities I was fortunate enough to be a part of. Yvonne’s passion, knowledge and dedication was a pleasure to witness and learn from. She is an extremely talented speaker and teacher.”

    Charlene Hoffman–Program Coordinator,
    Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board

    Media & Publications

  • "I highly recommend Yvonne and Alec’s presentations about 2SLGBTQIA+ students, especially those relating to transgender students and their experience within school systems. "

    “Their concrete suggestions and information are based on research and a deep understanding of the issues of dignity, privacy, terminology and equity, and they have made a profound difference to the teachers of Wellington Catholic. The sensitivity, compassion, and understanding of the complexity of these issues shown by Yvonne and Alec is outstanding. Yvonne’s expertise in pedagogy, social justice, and gender and sexuality issues provides the framework; Alec’s reflective observations and insights about his own journey through the school system grounds the concepts in a person’s dignity. Discussion and reflection are encouraged and supported in a respectful manner that encourages growth. Together, Yvonne and Alec create a warm, welcoming and relaxed environment for all people to explore what are often difficult and challenging ideas and tensions, without ever losing sight of the fundamental dignity of all people, most especially the students within our care.”

    Jeffrey Warner–Program Coordinator,
    Wellington Catholic District School Board

    Media & Publications

  • “Yvonne has a brilliant mind, an expansive heart, and is a life-long learner. She has a remarkable ability to amplify the voices of those who find themselves on the margins and create a connection with audiences. She skillfully establishes safe, inclusive spaces for dialogue and learning. She is an authentic, engaging speaker, and facilitator of professional learning that is transformative.”

    Tamara Nugent, Retired Director of Education, Wellington Catholic District School Board

    Media & Publications

  • They brought home to all of us how important it is to hear and live the Church's teaching to accept and embrace everyone, including those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA

    On June 14, 2022, both Yvonne and Alec brought clarity and a broader understanding to the issues faced by queer youth, as well as the challenges of working as teachers, principals, superintendents, and directors in an environment of suspicion and an atmosphere of fear. They brought home to all of us how important it is to hear and live the Church's teaching to accept and embrace everyone, including those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ or who are still on the journey of discovering who God is calling them to be. We learned about appropriate language and terminology, we were given the chance to articulate some of the struggles of working in the environment of suspicion, and we witnessed the power of clear, non-judgmental thought, good scholarship, and humble witnessing to the truth of our students' lives. We heard about the importance of acknowledging that we are all still learning, that we only have the "best we know right now". We were reminded of the critical importance of listening over telling or correcting. Probably most moving was the story Alec shared of his encounter with an older woman in a Catholic Church, just as he was preparing for his graduation Mass. In a very open and honest dialogue, they discovered what was most important to each of them, and she affirmed him with the words,

    ‘The world needs more people like you.’

    A huge thank you to Yvonne Runstedler and Alec Dixon who so eloquently and thoughtfully led us through the "conversation" yesterday on this most important topic about how we accompany each other. Special thanks as well to Tamara Nugent, retired Director of Education with Wellington Catholic, who introduced us to Yvonne and Alec, and supported our learning event with her wise counsel and commitment to accompaniment. It is only together that we move forward.”

    Michael Nasello, retired Director of PVNC Catholic District School Board

    Media & Publications

Called to Love Services

Interested in working together?

  • Called to Love facilitates workshops in educational spaces on 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion.

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  • Called to Love presents keynotes in your organization based on your needs and their areas of expertise.

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  • Called to Love can co-facilitate book studies for multi-part PD series on a variety of topics related to 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion. Contact us to discuss titles relevant to the needs of your organization.

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  • Called to Love can provide customized training sessions for small groups of staff or individuals in areas related to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility. Our process includes consultation with Human Resources Departments in school boards or corporations to ensure sessions are appropriately tailored to the needs of each individual.

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  • Called to Love believes that inner work is required for a peace-filled world. As an experienced retreat facilitator, Yoga & Meditation instructor, and reflection creator, Yvonne can lead your next school or corporate retreat.

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