QCGN partners release toolkit for building leadership in rural Quebec

MONTREAL , GASPÉ, LOW, and NETAGAMIOU, QC, Jan. 26 /CNW Telbec/ - Quebec's English-speaking communities face multiple types of isolation and young women in these communities who are emerging as new leaders experience unique challenges that conventionally designed projects fail to effectively address. "Supporting these young women while contributing to effective community development in the official language minority context is a complex task," commented Sylvia Martin-Laforge, Director General of the Quebec Community Groups Network, who noted it is challenging to design projects that are structured enough for widespread delivery and efficient implementation, but flexible enough to be relevant across different communities with their unique needs. "In English-speaking Quebec , with its diverse challenges, isolated rural communities, and lack of cohesion, finding the balance between structure and flexibility is difficult, to say the least," she said.

In March 2009 , the QCGN sought to create a project specifically for the context of Quebec's English-speaking communities that could be implemented provincially, while being effective locally. The Building Leadership in Rural Quebec project involved 28 young women across three areas: the Lower North Shore, the Gaspé, and the Outaouais regions. In each location, eight to ten participants formed a collaborative team, working together to effect change in their communities, while learning about community development, leadership, and group dynamics. Twenty-one women acted as mentors and countless community members participated directly and indirectly in this project through donations, volunteering, and providing other support.

The toolkit we are launching today is the result of the documents that were assembled during the process, said Mrs. Martin-Laforge, noting the toolkit is aimed linguistic minorities interested in best practices for rural community development; individuals or groups who want help developing their rural communities; young women wishing to develop their leadership or community development skills; as well as community organizers, project coordinators, and other professionals.

For the complete press release, click here (http://www.qcgn.ca/page.asp?intNodeID=39775).

The Quebec Community Groups Network (www.qcgn.ca) is a not-for-profit organization bringing together 32 English language community organizations across Quebec . Its mission is to identify, explore and address strategic issues affecting the development and vitality of English-speaking Quebec and to encourage dialogue and collaboration among its member organizations, individuals, community groups, institutions and leaders.

For further information: Rita Legault, Director of Communications, [phone], ext. 223, cellular: [phone]. [email protected]