Rad Frosh

So What is Rad Frosh?

Rad Frosh is a three-day long alternative orientation to McGill University and Tiohtià:ke (Montreal) during the weekend of August 25 – 27 organized by QPIRG-McGill. This unique experience will give you the chance to get to know activist and community groups on campus and beyond, while also introducing you to more social justice issues. We have a schedule packed full of fun, workshops, food and so much more! Some of the weekend’s activities include a dance party, radical guided tours, workshops, a karaoke night, and a drag show! We can’t wait to have you!

The theme for Rad Frosh 2023 is Resistance and Resurgence. As wildfires and rage at the status quo burn, it is becoming increasingly apparent that we are at a crossroads from our current extractive, exploitative way of life towards a new, joyful and regenerative one. Not only must we resist the systems of oppression that bear down on marginalized people in our society in every way we can, we must also build up novel ways of relating to and caring for one another. We are heavily inspired by the dedicated groups of activists, artists, community services, and advocacy organizations – on campus, in Tio’tia:ke/Mooniyang, and beyond – that practice resistance and anti-oppression. Indigenous land, water, and community defenders are a central inspiration of resistance to the colonial state and are guides for developing strategies and compassion needed to achieve collective resurgence. None of this work can be possible without practices of rest, care, and slowing down so that we can continue this work sustainably. We all need space for healing, art, music, joy, and everything that rejuvenates our souls and our capacity to create a just world.

 

Rad Frosh is open to all McGill students! Contact us for more information: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rad.frosh/

Email: radfrosh@qpirgmcgill.org 

Workshops & Tours

Rad Frosh offers a bunch of different workshops, on everything from social justice podcasting to safe(r) sex practices!

Three people holding hot dogs and smiling in a park.
Two people blowing party horns and smiling. Behind them are four rows of flowers that are tied together.

DIY Fair, Movie Nights, Parties & More!

Rad Frosh offers a wide variety of alternative events, with casual night events, a Do-It-Yourself Fair, and so much more!

Annual Benefit Concert

Rad Frosh’s annual concert showcases local bands and performers, and the proceeds are donated to radical Montreal community initiatives!

A group of five people dressed in party clothing against a bright backdrop.

Schedule

Friday August 25th

On Friday, we start the day off with sign in and group introductions. Get to know your facilitators and each other with some fun and games! Then, we will take a  radical guided tour of campus and Milton Parc, the community surrounding McGill University. In the evening, we will have a Community Artivist Fair, where we will be able to meet different activist groups and artists in a chill, relaxed environment. Afterwards, we will have a delicious dinner prepared by Midnight Kitchen!

That evening we have two different activity options. The first option: a dance party at Co-op Bar Milton-Parc, featuring NGL Flounce and BUHBUH LØ – join us to dance the night away! Or, if you’d prefer, you can also join us for a Radical Film Screening with the Milton Parc Citizens Committee.

Saturday August 26th

We’ll start day 2 with brunch from Midnight Kitchen and a keynote address from Taïna Mueth, a mixed-media artist and community organizer of Haitian and Cameroonian heritage. You can then choose between three afternoon workshops, hosted respectively by the Trans Patient Union, Let’s Eat McGill, and Banking on a Better Future! You will then have some lunch prepared by Parc-Ex Curry Collective, and head to a radical Alternative Libraries tour!

That evening, we will have a picnic in the park with food prepared by Nilufar. Then you can choose between an open mic and poetry night at Brique par Brique, or a board games night with Queer McGill!

Sunday August 27th

We’ll start the final day of Rad Frosh with lunch prepared by Parc-Ex Curry Collective, followed by a keynote address from Mike Standup, who is a Mohawk spiritual healer and teacher from Kahnawake. We will then have a slipcasting workshop session with the Pointe-St-Charles Art School at Bâtiment 7, where you will learn to make your own ceramics! Later, we will join the Black Healing Centre for a nature walk at Parc Angrignon.

That evening, we will close out Rad Frosh with a bang – join us at the Red Kiki Ball, hosted by Haus KFC, at Sala Rossa! You can also join the Union for Gender Empowerment for a zine making workshop!

Registration

 

Registration for Rad Frosh 2024 is coming soon. You can email us at info@qpirgmcgill.org for any questions related to Rad Frosh.

Registration for Rad Frosh 2023 was $90, with a $30 flex ticket option. Rad Frosh operates to be as accessible as possible, and offers a pay-what-you-can option on the registration platform.

Accessibility

 

Accessibility is a priority at Rad Frosh. Here are some of the measures we are taking to make sure everyone gets the most out of their frosh experience. We’ll keep updating this as planning continues, but please contact us if you have specific questions or requests, we’re happy to chat over the phone or email!

    • Rad Frosh is Pay What You Can, and no one will be turned away for a lack of funds.
    • Instructions for making interaction signal badges will be sent to all participants of Rad Frosh prior to the event and their use is encouraged throughout the weekend (the use of interaction signal badges originated at a conference by and for people on the Autism spectrum, and can also be useful for those who experience social anxiety).
    • Participants can opt to be in smaller Frosh groups if they prefer (groups as small as 3-5 participants).
    • Participants will not be required to have their video or microphone on at any time during our Zoom events.
    • To ensure that participants from all time zones can enjoy our workshops and events, most events will be recorded and shared with participants.

Accessibility Measures Available with 2 Weeks’ Notice

To request any of these services, please contact us ASAP – we need at least 1 weeks notice to arrange to provide them! Please contact us with your requests even if you miss this deadline and we will do our best!

We ask that you please request these accommodations by Friday, August 12 so that we can make proper arrangements.

    • Childcare (for participants who are the primary caretakers of children)
    • ASL interpretation at selected events.
    • French translation at selected events.

Further accessibility requests are welcome and encouraged, and the coordinator will do their absolute best to meet any access needs that come to light.

Help Make Rad Frosh Possible!

 

Rad Frosh is truly a community effort. We rely on volunteers to plan and execute Rad Frosh, and we are so grateful to the activists and community groups who host workshops, tours, and DIY Fair tables! There are always ways to get involved with Rad Frosh!

Become a Facilitator!

We are not currently looking for Rad Frosh facilitators, but you can get updates on next year’s Rad Frosh by signing up for our newsletter!

Contact the coordinators with your questions or concerns, or to request a full or partial bursary!
radfrosh@qpirgmcgill.org
Like us on Facebook!
514-284-2664
QPIRG McGill
3516 Av du Parc
Montreal, Quebec
H2X 2H7