The RAWQ Report

AN OPPORTUNITY TO CONTRIBUTE

The Regional Association of West Quebecers or RAWQ (founded in the Spring of 1982 as Outaouais Alliance) is entering its third decade with an ambitious set of plans. The organization now known as the "West Quebecers" met with representatives of the English-speaking community in September to develop its priorities for the immediate future.

The mission of the West Quebecers is "to serve and support the English-speaking population of the Outaouais by fostering an environment in which it can thrive."

To achieve this mission, the organization undertakes activities in six related categories:

• developing health, social, educational, and cultural programs;
• giving youth a strong voice within West Quebecers and, by extension, the community at large;
• nurturing relations with the larger French-speaking population;
• serving as an information resource centre for the entire Outaouais community;
• encouraging the participation of English-speaking people within all the region's decision-making bodies; and
• cooperating with other groups to promote the rights of minority official language communities across the country.

Achieving results depends upon active volunteer support from the community itself. Here are a few of the planned activities, indicating how individuals can assist the organization in its work.

First, serving on the Board of Directors. The Board meets every three months to set policy, establish priorities, and advise the President and Executive Director on overall direction. These meetings are organized to be constructive, friendly, and results-oriented. Nice people engaged in important work!

Board members also can represent the West Quebecers, and the larger community, in advocating policies on language, culture, and other matters to the political movers and shakers (such as the council of the new City of Gatineau).

They can help the organization participate in the work of the Quebec Community Groups Network, preparing strategies for the benefit of the English-speaking community within the Province of Quebec.

Finally, closer to home, we have started work on a new project, advising new residents in our region on the availability of services, and providing information on how things work in our region. Mrs. Linda Sparks, coordinator of the New Residents Program, is currently compiling a list of new residents. If you are new to the area or know of someone who is, please contact her at our office at 53 Principale in Aylmer. Tel: (819) 682-9602 or Toll Free: 1 877 733 0177
Email: newresidents@magma.ca

The West Quebecers will happily respond to questions about its purpose, its activities, and how one can become a member and help us with our work. Those who do so usually find the experience rewarding. Contact our Interim Executive Director, Rick Henderson, Tel:(819) 682-9602 Email: wq@magma.ca

Written by Mr. Jay Atherton,Director and Treasurer, RAWQ
The Regional Association of West Quebecers - 682-9602

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