About RAWQ

First established in 1982, RAWQ is a not-for-profit association dedicated to serving and supporting the minority English-speaking community (ESC) in the Outaouais. It plays a significant role in initiatives that support the ESC in the Outaouais by means of advocacy, networking, information and programs for youth, seniors and more.

Advocacy

Identifying needed improvements to accessing services in English
Making representations to government and public agencies on improving access in English to these services
Supporting new residents in the region by providing a comprehensive package outlining services available in English

Networking

Seeking opportunities to build bridges with the Francophone community through information sharing and dialogue
Recognizing outstanding contributions by individuals to the ESC
Partnering with other community groups and networks with shared interests in community projects

Support for Youth

Participating in initiatives that enhance youth employment
Working with community groups across the province to address the needs of English-speaking youth in Quebec

Information

A website geared to the needs of the English-speaking community
Directories that list community services that provide services in English
Monthly E-Bulletins and quarterly newsletters that inform members and community partners about upcoming events, news, and other initiatives
Workshops and learning opportunities
Referral centre for information on available municipal and community services
Support for community initiatives

Mission Statement

To serve and support the English-speaking population of the Outaouais

Encourage the creation and implementation of health, social, educational, and cultural programs
Improve access to English services and information, and to instruction in French as a second language
Support cultural and artistic activities in the English-speaking population
Provide the means for youth to exercise influence within the association and the community at large
Nurture relations with the French-speaking majority
Serve as an information and resource center for the community
Encourage the participation of English-speaking people in the region's decision-making bodies
Promote the rights of minority official language communities across the country
Advocate to political authorities for the interests of the English-speaking community of West Quebec.

Motto

Supporting the English-speaking community in West Quebec.

A healthy English-speaking community in a secure French-speaking Quebec.
A strong Quebec in a united Canada.

Funding Recognition

The Regional Association of West Quebecers is funded by the Federal Government, under the Collaboration Agreement, and sponsored, primarily, through the Department of Canadian Heritage under their Official Languages Support Program.

In addition, RAWQ undertakes individual projects which may be funded, or partially funded, by various levels of government - municipal, provincial, federal - or by fundraising activities initiated by RAWQ and its members.

Furthermore, there are times when RAWQ may participate in a province-wide project initiated and funded by another organization.

Finally, and by no means least, RAWQ receives financial support from its membership, in the form of donations.

The Regional Association of West Quebecers is a member of the Quebec Community Groups Network (QCGN)

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