My first French Association

‘Associations’, or clubs, are a vital part of life and culture here. Not everyone, but many people, are involved in one or more association. And you can find an association for just about anything; sports, art, activism, cooking, choirs, wine, hiking, the list really goes on and on. In just our section of the city, there are hundreds of different groups. To help people choose a group, each September there is an Association Fair where many clubs get a small table to promote their groups. Ryan and I went with our friends in September and we were excited but nervous. Although we had prepared beforehand (which took hours to look at hundreds of groups and their descriptions in French) and knew which groups we wanted to talk to, when we arrived there was so much activity, we couldn't find any of the groups we had planned to search out. 

The Association Fair, booths were lined both outside and in the Mayor's building

We saw a few weddings finish up as a few newlywed couples
exited the building to loud cheers from their friends and family

After an hour and a half or so of exploring and talking with different club representatives we were starting to reach saturation point, when I noticed a very simple and discreet table with a small sign that said “new community garden in the 15th.” I had thought about a gardening association and had even noted a few that I was looking for, but this one was brand new. So I worked up the courage to go over, and waited patiently as 2 or 3 others pushed their way in front of me (this happens a lot to me, I am often too timid in situations like this). But once I made it up to the front, I had a nice chat with the woman, the President of this new association, and she said I was in luck as they still had space available and the garden was just a couple minutes walk from where I lived. I just had to write a 1 Euro check to the association to reserve my place. So I joined! 

A couple weeks later, I went to the first ever meeting for the association, and tomorrow, I will go and get a key to the garden. It is in an enclosed park space, but it will be open for the public to enjoy a few afternoons a week, and also when any of us are there to garden, we leave the gate open so nearby neighbors can come check it out. It will be a team gardening approach, so for each plot, 3 people will work together to plan, tend, and one day share in the harvest. I am still a little nervous, but mostly eager and excited to both get my hands dirty and to get better acquainted with several others who live nearby.