Citizen scholars: From the classroom to back alleys

McGill students team up with neighbours to spruce up 'ghetto' streets

McGill students are about more than beer and books, and they are setting out to prove it. This Wednesday at noon, they will be fanning out from the edge of campus to clear garbage from the streets and alleys of the surrounding community. It is a gesture to show that learning to be a neighbour and citizen is a key part of university life.

"This event is a unique opportunity to form closer relationships with people from the community. Students have a lot to offer, and I think this is a great way to share goals and ideas with the greater community," says Jacqui Wilson, a third-year honours student who, in her role as a Community Ambassador, is one of the leaders of the event.

On September 7, from 1:30 pm onwards, dozens of students will congregate behind the Urban Ecology Centre, a local community organization, to share lunch with people from the neighbourhood. Many of these will be long-time residents who will share their perspective on living in an area dominated by students eight months of the year.

"The clean-up of Milton-Parc underscores that while McGill leads on the world stage, it is also deeply committed to community," says Bruce Shore, McGill's Dean of Students. "Our students have a long tradition of volunteerism and service to the neighbourhoods of Montreal."

Students wishing to sign up for "McGill in the Community" please email community [at] mcgill.ca by Tuesday, September 6, or just come by the Milton Gates between 11:45 am and noon this Wednesday.