Volunteer energy sparks life in Stoneham & Tewkesbury
In August, the CEDEC helped a team of dedicated volunteers organize the second annual Country Festival in Stoneham & Tewkesbury. With support from Service Canada, a summer student was hired to help coordinate the Virée Country festival, which featured a parade, horse competitions, dancing, and even a Western wedding.The CEDEC’s assistance in promoting, coordinating, and obtaining funding helped draw more than 5,000 visitors to this growing tourist attraction. The next round of this rolickin’ good time is scheduled for August 2006.
“Jamming” for the skate park
Following a forum attended by more than 70 youth interested in the development of a skate park, a local action group was formed. With the support of the CEDEC and local partners, these youth have organized activities to fund and animate their skate park. Last year’s highly successful “Skate Jam” featured skateboard demonstrations, competitions, and a live band. The youth continue to look after their skate park, which they work to keep safe, clean and graffiti-free.
Abitibi-Témiscamingue CEDEC
Moving towards the future
In 2005, the Abitibi-Témiscamingue CEDEC embarked on a series of initiatives designed to help the organization move to the next level.
After completing an auto evaluation process for accreditation for the first time, the interim CEDEC received its first Certification of Accreditation from the Community Table. Accreditation – an important step for the CEDEC – gives the Committee formal recognition as a full CEDEC and capacity-building resource for the English Linguistic Minority community in the Abitibi- Témiscamingue region.
Following the accreditation process, the CEDEC used the results to create an action plan describing their vision and the goals they will work towards over the next two years. In addition, to provide direction to CEDEC volunteers, the CEDEC also developed and approved their very first set of organizational guidelines.
Getting youth involved
Throughout the year, the CEDEC stayed active in the community. With the help of the CEDEC, Noranda School students wrote and presented a play “What are you waiting for?” designed to introduce the concept of Community Capacity Building and Community Economic Development.
The event attracted over 50 people, and offered a unique opportunity for the English speaking minority in Rouyn-Noranda to congregate and share ideas. The play also connected the CEDEC with two members of the community who volunteered to join the CEDEC team.
Liz Coleman Communications
Corporate writing, copywriting, editing, and proofreading services
Montreal, Canada
liz@lizcoleman.com
Liz Coleman is a proud member of the Professional Writers Association of Canada and the Editors’ Association of Canada.
© Liz Coleman Communications, Montreal, Canada 2005
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