Community Clean-up

Published by Karim | Filed under Uncategorized

There was an article in last weekend’s Gazette about McGill students and community associations working together to clean up their neighbourhood and to improve relations between students and other residents (McGill students get their hands dirty: by Monique Muise).

Students do get a bad rap for being litterers, loiterers and public disturbers, but I think these criticisms are often over-exaggerated. Like every group, there are some bad apples that tend to be the noisiest of them all, but as someone who works at Concordia University, I can tell you that the trouble makers are the minority. Most students are respectful and understanding of their surroundings; they have become more socially and environmentally conscious, and actually go above and beyond to make a positive impact. However, those efforts tend to be drowned out by the aforementioned ‘bad apples’.

I know that in my district there have been numerous incidents where residents, merchants and students have clashed and I have personally seen some of the property damage and filth that residents often complain about. I see this as even greater reason for everyone to open a dialogue and work together.

I love a good old fashioned neighbourhood clean-up - heaven knows, I’ve participated in dozens of them in the last few years! In Peter-McGill, the Eco-Quartier and local associations like Shaughnessy Village, Sustainable Concordia and others, organize a neighbourhood clean-up every year, which I have been proud to support. It is really an inspiring sight to see neighbours working with other volunteers, literally sweeping the streets, it really makes a positive impact on the neighbourhood.

I would love to see students participate (volunteer) in more community initiatives. Not only would it bring students and local area residents closer together, but it would also break-down the ‘us vs them’ barriers that seem to splinter our society. Of course I didn’t even mention the mutually beneficial networks that would also be created. And as for residents and merchants, it would give them a chance to put a human face to the student population that surrounds them.

I look forward to continuing to support and expand neighbourhood clean-up initiatives and commend those already rolling up their sleeves and taking control of their living environment.

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