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Les Lilas Society is a platform for everyday people to practice using their voice and find meaning in their story.
Over 3000 women, men and teens have attended their events, between storytelling convo nights and workshops for organizations and schools. Launched in 2016 by longtime friends Joëlle Martina and Desiree Ruiz, Les Lilas Society started as a night with their close friends centred around story sharing. "The realities we were living at the time (a divorce, motherhood, miscarriage) left us feeling very isolated and in need of connection." "We wanted to create an evening to unite our different circles of friends. An intimate cocktail and dinner where women could learn from one another, through story sharing." Women were invited to share a part of their personal journey - a first for many! The only requirement to attend, was to listen with an open heart. The events aka CONVOS quickly grew outside of their personal networks and in 2019, they extended the platform to men and teens. People were drawn to the safe and judgement free space, the diversity, the vulnerable stories shared and most importantly, the community. In the beginning, they were just 2 friends with a need. Since then, they’ve hosted events that have collectively brought together thousands of people to share meaningful, real stories which make them feel more connected with themselves and the community. Desiree and Joëlle are committed to their mission to "spark empathy and kindness in the world, so we can all feel more connected!" |
Testimonials
"Thank you for allowing women to be raw, it was a therapeutic experience. In some way I was liberated."
"The realness and the safe space created for people to be raw and honest. It's easy to be myself and everything is relatable. I feel like I belong."
"It is a great atmosphere, just sitting and listening to people share their stories both good and bad is a breath of fresh air. It's nice to know I'm not alone.
"It's such a privilege to have Les Lilas in our community, a space to hold space for others, be heard, be held.
Feeling the unconditional love, sisterhood and acceptante in the room is priceless, couple that with a cocktail and a fun place and you got a winner!"
"Great moments of true sharing where great people get to listen to great people without any judgement. Something not very common in our North American male society."
"We never have time to talk with our classmates. The workshops help me build trust with them, it's such a relief "
Student (9th grade), on our Sharing Practice
"The realness and the safe space created for people to be raw and honest. It's easy to be myself and everything is relatable. I feel like I belong."
"It is a great atmosphere, just sitting and listening to people share their stories both good and bad is a breath of fresh air. It's nice to know I'm not alone.
"It's such a privilege to have Les Lilas in our community, a space to hold space for others, be heard, be held.
Feeling the unconditional love, sisterhood and acceptante in the room is priceless, couple that with a cocktail and a fun place and you got a winner!"
"Great moments of true sharing where great people get to listen to great people without any judgement. Something not very common in our North American male society."
"We never have time to talk with our classmates. The workshops help me build trust with them, it's such a relief "
Student (9th grade), on our Sharing Practice