---Regional Association of West Quebecers: a summer update

Regional Association of West Quebecers

The Regional Association of West Quebecers (RAWQ) has announced a new Executive Director, Jeanne Nivischiuk, and Community Engagement Officer, Hayley Campbell but continues service at our office locations in the Galerie Aylmer and Shawville. The events of the last year made it necessary to adapt our ties with the community as we focused on offering more services and conducting outreach virtually with our RAWQ Talks. Including, Coffee Chats and virtual FSL classes. Joined by our communication assistant, Alan Sibbald and outreach assistant, Jack Jerrett, we are anticipating a return to in-person events. However, we are still making accommodations for those that must or want to remain socially distanced. Many of our upcoming events, such as our AGM on September 23rd will be held in-person but allow for virtual participation.

We will continue to engage in local initiatives for English-speaking Quebecers, including ones such as our Community Information Session, which we held in Shawville on August 3rd. And additionally, was attended in person by over 100 people and 55 virtual participants. We will host another virtual session before the end of August and hope to organize another in-person session in Wakefield. Stay in touch with us to find out how you can participate.   

We are also offering other programs, such as the upcoming workshop series in collaboration with the Quebec Writers’ Federation’s StorySpacing Project on creative writing. This Fall, we will offer a four-part series with presenter Patti Warnock called ‘In Your Own Voice, In Your Own Words’; These sessions will take place every Tuesday from September 7 till September 28 from 3:30-5 pm. To register, please email oec@westquebecers.ca.

Another way we are getting involved in the community is through informal events both online and in-person. These include Morning Coffee Chats, financial literacy workshops with the Atwater Library and our upcoming Outaouais Writer’s Circle. Our partnership with YES Employment + Entrepreneurship allows us to assist businesses through monthly one-on-one business coaching and workshops for entrepreneurs and local businesses to help them achieve their respective business-related goals. Contact the RAWQ about how to access these services.

To hear more about our upcoming events and the other services we offer to the community, including our expanded Newcomer’s program, you can become a member for free at our website, www.westquebecers.ca. Contact us on social media or register in person at either of our office locations. RAWQ members receive our ongoing quarterly Newsletter and a monthly E-bulletin showcasing announcements and events taking place that are of interest to the English-speaking population of the Outaouais. Our offices are open Monday thru Friday from 10 am to 4:30 pm, and our website and Facebook page are kept current with our latest news. (RAWQ)