The Referents

Numbering three, for the same reasons as those cited for the coordinators, the referents are contacted directly by members or, in some cases, by referents from another cell who submit a request to them. They maintain an up-to-date register, called a directory, which contains information about members (name, first name, address, phone number, email, skills and various talents, material resources, etc., that could provide assistance to the network). This directory exists in 3 copies, one held by each of the referents, and it is regularly synchronized. For confidentiality and sustainability reasons, the directory must also exist in paper form and never leaves the cell. Only the referents know its contents. The referents personally know their counterparts in neighboring cells. Where necessary, they take steps to get to know them.

The directory

The directory can also be seen as an inventory of the resources (skills and materials) of a local cell.

New members of a cell obtain a blank form on the solaris-quebec.org website, or on the Telegram group of their cell.

They fill in their personal information to list the resources they can make available to the network in case of a request.

The referents gather, by copy-pasting, the information from all the members of their local cell into their “master file,” and also keep a printed copy.

The directory and the personal information of the members do not circulate on the network. They are only accessible to the referents of your cell. They are only transmitted in case of a request, on an individual basis.

We receive many questions about directories, which are sometimes incorrectly presented as obligations even before people have had a chance to meet.

When you create a new cell, other people will join you, initially virtually.

You will then need to quickly meet in person, to get to know each other and build connections, to get started.

No one is required to enter their data into the directory right away. Everyone is free to do so when they decide to.

However, keep in mind that participating in the network without contributing to the directory means you won’t be able to help others, as “mutual aid in times of need” is one of the network’s core principles.

Once you have met, you can together assess the strengths and weaknesses of your local cell. Everyone can evaluate the skills, resources, and situation of their place of residence, and the group can begin to organize based on their observations in the field.

Informal meetings and thematic inter-cell workshops are a great way to get to know each other, share experiences, and expand synergy in your area.

We encourage you to meet as often as possible with members of neighboring cells.

📣 Let’s remember, we do not lend equipment, unless it is a personal choice. We will assist on-site with the appropriate equipment when requested. This is to avoid accidents or damage to the equipment.