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RAWQ Facts

1. What is the Regional Association of West Quebecers?
    

• RAWQ is a non-profit community organization committed to enhancing the vitality of the English Speaking Community of West Quebec. 
• We do this through programs, projects and activities centred on promoting English language heritage and rights in our institutions, our community and our organizations. 
• We have three staff members and a 20 member volunteer Board of Directors.
   

2. Where is RAWQ’s base of operations?
    

• RAWQ is located in the beautiful Victorian-style McKay House situated at 53 Principale Street in the City of Gatineau’s Aylmer sector. Feel free to drop in anytime and get to know us!
   

3. Who is the English-speaking Community of the Outaouais?
    

• There are approximately 53,000 English speakers in West Quebec and the percentage varies with location.  For example, Shawville is 97 % Anglophone, the City of Gatineau is 15 % and the Aylmer sector is 35%. 
   

4. How does RAWQ advance the interests of English-speaking West Quebec?
    

• We meet with the political and other representatives of all levels of       government to ensure that the concerns of the English-speaking community are neither forgotten nor overlooked.
• We network with other local community based organizations as well as regional associations and sector groups from across Quebec in order to share information and resources as well as provide opportunities for consultation and joint action.
• We help facilitate or carry out projects that are of benefit to the English speaking community of West Quebec. 
• We provide assistance for individuals and groups who are having difficulty accessing government services in English. 
• We act as advocates for individuals whose linguistic rights have been abused.
• We provide a strong, recognized and representative voice for the concerns of our members, our affiliated organizations and the whole ESC of the Outaouais. 
• We create opportunities for dialogue among citizens about issues that are of concern to the community as a whole. 
   

5. What issues or concerns does RAWQ focus on?
    

• RAWQ's activity touches on virtually every aspect of community life, however, Health, Education, Youth, Economic Development, Culture, Heritage and Language issues are the mainstay. 
• We perform a continuous role of advocacy on behalf of our constituents and offer such services as media relations, information and referral and public education.
• We also frequently organize and promote both cultural and non-partisan political events for the benefit of the community.    
              

6. How does RAWQ operate?
    

• The volunteer Board of directors is responsible for all of RAWQ's activity. 
• The Board relies upon the standing committees to supply data and recommendations for action in various spheres of activity including Fundraising and Membership, Health and Social Services, Youth, Cultural Affairs, New Residents, Research and Finance. 
• The President, who is elected annually by the general membership, and the Executive Committee direct the day-to-day activity of the permanent staff members of the association.
   

7. Where does the support for RAWQ come from?
    

• RAWQ is a federally funded organization, under the Quebec-Communities Agreement, sponsored mostly by the Department of Canadian Heritage (Official Languages Support Program). 
• It also receives support from its membership, in the form of membership fees and donations, as well as fundraising initiatives. 
• Finally, when RAWQ becomes involved within projects, it generally (but not always) receives funds to manage and implement them.
   

8. What can I do to help?
    

• Become a member, serve on a committee, volunteer for a short term project or activity, and make your voice heard! Let us know what is going on in your life as an English speaker in the Outaouais. Your commitment through membership, financial support and/or committee involvement is what makes the Regional Association of West Quebecers an effective resource and a credible voice for our community.  
   

9. What is RAWQ’s membership structure?
    

• Single membership is $ 10
• Single Membership including a subscription to The West Quebec Post weekly newspaper is $ 25
• Corporate or Affiliate Membership is $ 25
• Corporate or Affiliate Membership with the West Quebec Post is $ 50
   

10. Can members use their membership receipt for tax exemption purposes?
     

• No.  This has been a sensitive issue with RAWQ members for years. The federal government, via the Treasury Board, refuses to allow groups like RAWQ (those who do some advocacy work) to issue tax receipts for its donors.  So, we are forced more and more to look for funds in really unique places.

   11. Can members use RAWQ office services?

• Yes, for a fee that is established from time to time by the Board of Directors. Call the RAWQ staff for more information.

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