MCM Presents!

Over the next few months, we will be asking our staff, board and volunteers what inspires them about their work with MCM.  Today we launch this series with Just Solutions co-coordinator Andrea Dawes.

The dictionary defines inspiration as "stimulation of the mind or emotions to a high level of feeling or activity".  As co-coordinator of MCM's Just Solutions legal info clinic, I feel so fortunate to work in an environment where my mind and emotions are indeed in high gear on a daily basis!  

An important source of motivation is the incredible dedication and passion I witness in the work of my colleagues, and in that of the wider refugee advocacy community, both in Montreal and across the nation.  The people we assist tell us, time and time again, how important it has been for them to feel supported and accompanied through seemingly endless and extremely stressful immigration processes.  Providing individual support and collective advocacy has become all the more essential in an increasingly difficult administrative and political climate.

My primary source of inspiration is, of course, our clients.  In the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, they share difficult memories from the past and their hopes for their future; whenever possible, with a smile and a sense of humour!  I am an admiring witness to their courage in the face of adversity I will never know, as they confront what must feel like a million doors slamming shut.  Their hopes and dreams are centered on one goal: to provide a safe, secure and happy future for their family - something we should all have the chance to do.