Organizations across the province marked the 23rd edition of National Autonomous Community Action Week from October 21 to 25. Organized by the Réseau Québécois de l’action communautaire autonome, the week gave voice to some 4,500 independent community action organizations and the essential work being done to support, promote, and advocate for communities throughout Quebec. These organizations are often at the heart of our small towns and municipalities, and they are deeply rooted in the diverse communities they serve.
There are several concrete examples in this edition of the important work being done locally by such groups, from the Association pour la défense des droits sociaux (ADDS) to La Bouffe Additionnelle, the Montérégie-West Community Network and the CDC du Haut-Saint-Laurent. For decades, these organizations – and many more across the Valley – have been working to weave a strong social fabric. However, it is becoming clear that some of the edges are starting to fray under the weight of surging demand and limited financial support.
Representatives from ADDS joined over 250 people in Quebec City on October 24 to protest the chronic underfunding of organizations that defend our collective rights. These same representatives and many more from other organizations across the region took part in protests in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield in late September, demanding environmental and social reforms under the banner of “For the Future of the World.” In many cases, those who work for community action organizations do much more than provide services. They are a resounding voice calling for change on behalf of our communities as well.
In these difficult times, our community organizations need our help to reinforce the stitches in our social safety net and lighten the load on our support systems. This is the community infrastructure we need to regenerate, and it will happen through volunteering, donating time and funds when possible, and building caring and solidarity into our everyday actions.
Sarah Rennie