Boyle McCauley News

Since 1979 • April-May 2024 • Circulation 5000

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New REACH Edmonton McCauley Community Coordinator

My name is Mark Davis and I’m pleased to introduce myself as REACH Edmonton’s McCauley Community Coordinator.

REACH is Edmonton’s Council for Safe Communities – a community-based organization that facilitates inclusive dialogue to address safety concerns. Its vision is “a city in which every citizen contributes to a community where everyone is safe and feels safe.” REACH may not “fix” communities, but it can help create the conditions to make positive things happen.

I bring to this position 18 years as an advocate for persons with intellectual disabilities, seven years as the co-owner of a still-successful small business, and a degree in Native Studies and Anthropology. I’ve lived in McCauley for nearly 14 years, and this is where my wife and I have chosen to raise a family. I hope my background will assist me in playing a neutral role in building community connections to help make McCauley a safer place to live.

In my time in McCauley, I’ve attended all manner of meetings and had countless conversations about the betterment of our community. Through connecting with community members, it has become clear that many are stressed by the safety issues they are facing, some are puzzled by the roles various groups play in promoting safety, and some are fatigued by meetings and reporting mechanisms that may not yield the results they are looking for. I have felt these things myself. At the same time, the desire to promote community connectedness remains very strong. A connected community is a safer community. The number of individuals and organizations working to improve the community is impressive and inspiring. We all share a mutual interest in making McCauley a safer place. Ultimately, we are all are pulling in the same direction. By engaging with as many stakeholders as possible and by pulling together, a safer community is a goal that we can achieve.

The position of Community Coordinator is a new one. I am learning the job on the job. It is humbling to realize that there is so much I still need to learn about my own community. I have something to learn from all members of the community. My role will be guided in partnership with residents, community groups and the City, and will evolve in response to McCauley’s ever-changing needs. I will endeavour to build relationships, support community interaction and resource sharing, and encourage community engagement. I will assist in connecting individuals and groups to the resources they need.

For more information on REACH, visit www.reachedmonton.ca.

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