This piece was submitted to the Citizen Journal project of the Peter-McGill Community Council. Please note that the opinions expressed in these articles do not necessarily reflect those of our organization. This project aims to create space for the voices of residents, students and friends of the neighbourhood through articles, photos, videos, and podcasts in any language. Are you interested in contributing? Contact us at benevolat@petermcgill.org!
Article by Muna M. Meet Alice, our new Mobilisation Agent !
January 24th, 2022
Hello Alice ! Tell us about yourself.
My name is Alice. I just graduated from a bachelor degree in Sociology. My academic background allowed me to sharpen my critical thinking and improve my knowledge on multiple social issues. About my professional background, I have worked for non-profit organizations before, as an cultural animator for MultiCaf and as a local coordinator for YMCA program Summer Work Student Exchange. I have always enjoyed volunteering for different non-profit organizations or events : I like feeling involved within the Montreal community and meeting new people. For me, working with citizens is great because human contact and helping each other are two vital things for me. I am really curious and I always want to learn more from other people. Also, when I take up a commitment, I’m deeply engaged !
One last thing about me: I consider my travelling experiences a big part of my life because it helped me define myself as an individual and an adult. My biggest accomplishment is travelling by myself for 6 months in Asia at the age of 19. I benefited from this experience because it reinforced my open-mindedness and my sensibility to different realities from my daily life.
What inspires you?
It is hard to say… but I would have to say that humanitarian and community aid inspire me a lot. Mutual respect and mutual support are essential in creating a peaceful environment and to create a sense of community. Social innovation and creativity are two qualities that also inspire me because I love to see humans working together to create something better despite the potential barriers. I’d like to think that partnership between organizations and people is a force for the general improvement of life standards. Cultural mediation is also something that speaks to me because I think that Art and Culture are great tools to send a message and reduce social inequalities.
What do you like to do in your spare time ?
When I have a bit of free time on my hands, I enjoy taking the time to read (maybe with a cup of tea to get comfy). These days, I read a lot of québécois literature and graphic novels. Recently, I started to work as a stylist on some creative projects and I really enjoy it. I love walking ! Whether it’s simply to walk around, or to go to Place-des-arts, to the Marché Jean-Talon or to hike in nature : for me, it is a form of meditation. I also play volleyball since high school. It probably is my favorite sport. Finally, music is pretty important for me. I love to discover new genres, songs, and I couldn’t live without shows !!
What does a mobilization agent do ?
As a mobilization agent, my goal is to implicate Peter-McGill residents in the political and social decisions of their neighborhood. Meaning, I need to approach citizens to learn about their realities (individual or collective) and to understand their needs and work with them to improve their quality of life. Community Council Peter-McGill has two main focuses today: affordable housing and green spaces.
The mobilization agent is also a great resource to refer citizens to other organizations or help resources. They are available if you have questions or need help.
What are you most excited for during your time with the Carrefour Jeunesse-Emploi and the Peter-McGill Community Council?
I can’t wait to meet the community where I work! For now, it’s hard to meet people because of the sanitary restrictions but I hope to have the chance to learn more about our residents and to build trustful relationships with one another. I wish to start new projects with the residents, projects that are important for them and that will help them have better life standards. I hope to develop stimulative and creative projects within the community, with citizens and partnerships. I can’t wait to learn from everyone and to improve my knowledge around multiple issues such as housing and green spaces.
Do you have any advice for residents who want to be more involved in the community?
I would probably say that the first thing is to be curious and to ask questions – to teachers or to different ressources. School can be a great way to get involved in your community on a small or a larger scale.
In a broader sense, volunteering or joining a committee are nice ways to get involved in your community and meet new people. Don’t hesitate to get informed about organizations and committees in Peter-McGill, by email, phone or on the spot. It can help you figure out where you want to get involved according to your interests. Non-profit organizations, committees, Carrefour Jeunesse-Emplois and Community Councils are really open and are all great places to start. Also, emailing me is always a great way to start!! Other mobilization agents are available for the various sectors of the community as well. They can help you in your journey of getting involved and guide you towards what you need.
Subscribing to newsletters and following groups on social media can help you know what’s going on in Peter-McGill. The Citizen Journal is also a great way to follow the news in your community. And if this project speaks to you, we are looking for interns to work with us on this specific project.
How can residents reach you?
First of all, I am always available and I’m excited to meet and chat with you. If you want to get involved in Peter-McGill community or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me by e-mail : aboisvert@cjemontreal.org or by phone: 514-543-2736 ext. 203.
I will also be in touch with you through the Vie de quartier Committee, social events and organizations in Peter-McGill. My goal is to establish a trustful relationship with residents and start a discussion about what concerns you the most. I want to help you get involved in social action and citizen democracy. I want to facilitate the process to a voice in your community. Social implication can help to break down the isolation and create a sense of belonging within your community. So please don’t be shy to contact me !!