Volunteer Name: Philippe Dumont
Volunteer Title : Montreal Local Group - Volunteer Leader
Age: 24 years old
Location: Montréal
1] How long have you been volunteering for Greenpeace and why did you choose Greenpeace as a place to offer you time and energy?
I started with Greenpeace as intern in the volunteer unit in Quebec 1½ years ago. After my internship, I continued on with Greenpeace as activist and volunteer with the Montreal Local Group. I choose Greenpeace for its values and its use of direct action.
2] In general … what motivates you in volunteerism?
Volunteerism, for me, is like a school of life. I learn a lot about society and about myself. Besides, I get a lot of opportunity to develop useful social, artistic and personal skills. And, the more I learn, the better I’m able to serve my social and ecologic ideals. There are always new challenges to overcome. It’s very stimulating.
3] Do you have a most memorable moment/activity/project at Greenpeace?
It’s difficult to choose just one. But, a first time is always an important moment in a life. So of course, I will choose my first activity in Greenpeace: the “Beach Party” for the World Energy Congress in Montréal in September 2010. I was in charge of organizing logistics for the group of people who covered themselves of fake oil. This was the beginning of a new life for me. During this event, I met a lot of people with whom I have been doing intense activist work with ever since!
4] Do you have an inspirational message that you want to share with other environmental activists like yourself?
I don’t a see separation between us (humanity) and nature. Humans are not something apart from nature. Each of us comes FROM nature. Our society sometimes forgets this, but each of us IS nature. Destroying nature is ultimately destroying ourselves. So … I have come to see my environmental activism as letting nature defend itself through me … through my life. It’s NOT about being a “defender” of nature, rather, It’s about nature defending itself.
