Citizen involvement thrives in the West End

It seems like a small wonder, considering this is the kind of newspaper that likely ends on West Enders' doorsteps at least once a month. We are perhaps so used to being surrounded by a multitude of citizens' groups here that we can sometimes forget just how impressive it really is. We can choose to shrug off the smile of little Jake Shtem, the nine-year-old boy who battled cancer and decided he should try to help out other children who suffer from serious illnesses and stay in hospitals where they often do not have the comfort of home to keep them company. His group is holding a fundraiser event on Aug. 24.

We can also decide not to pay attention to Les Amis de Meadowbrook, an environmentalist group which believes the Meadowbrook golf course is a green space worth preserving, and is clearly going to send the message to any who attend its concert on Aug. 23, in collaboration with three surrounding municipalities.

Meanwhile, another eco-group, ValoEco, is holding a concert to promote environmental friendliness a day later at Girouard Park.

We take these things for granted in the West End and decide to ignore them, but the truth is, for such a relatively small area, our towns are bursting with volunteers and organizations of all stripes. Never mind developing countries where the average citizen with a lot more on their mind cannot afford the time to think of the lives of others. Several places in Canada, or even Montreal, do not have the same, healthy citizen involvement that we enjoy.

You do not always have to agree with people who do get involved in the community. One citizen recently berated Côte St. Luc council for what he considered poor urban planning involving a townhouse project. There will inevitably be those who side with him, and those who do not, but the fact he decided to appear at a council meeting and voice his opinion is remarkable regardless. Democracy thrives best with citizen activity, and dies when it ceases.

Another thing to keep in mind is that these people are mostly volunteers. They do not get paid to do this work, which is usually on top of other occupations like full or part-time jobs, studying, and social obligations to loved ones. They do it because they believe in it. They deserve, if not our support, at least an acknowledgement of their labour.

So if you're looking for something to do next weekend, you have three different local events to choose from, and each of them deserves your attention for some worthy goals. You could do worse than attending one.