Association Day: Nice residents in search of social connection and commitment

On Tuesday, September 23, the Palace of Exhibitions hosted the Day of Associations. Between the desire to practice, the need for meetings and the search for commitment, visitors came with very different motivations.

In the aisles of the Palace of Exhibitions, visitors did not all come with the same idea in mind. Some are looking for an activity for themselves, others want to get involved or develop their network. But behind these approaches, the same question arises: what drives people from Nice to walk through the door of an association?

For Marie-Thérèse, a recently retired woman who moved to Nice, this day is first and foremost an opportunity to find activities that match her interests: “I am mainly looking for activities around yoga and alternative medicine.” While she has been practicing yoga for several years, this is the first time she has participated in this type of event since arriving in the city.

Finding an activity, but above all making connections

For this visitor, however, the search does not stop at an activity. Direct contact with associations counts a lot in her choice. “It’s to be able to talk to people directly,” says Marie-Thérèse. This retired woman had already tried to contact certain organizations in the past, without necessarily managing to go further. The Day of Associations thus allows her to move from online research to concrete contact.

Nevertheless, several criteria can come into play: “The price could be a barrier in my choice.” For her, a good feeling about the place and the people met can however make the difference in choosing an association.

For other visitors, the association represents less a recreational activity than a way of creating connections around a professional field. Maxime Cosquer, commercial manager of the Union of Café and Restaurant Owners, thus highlights networking. “Knowing as many people as possible is always interesting,” he points out before continuing that days like this represent a real asset for associations. They allow them in particular to gain visibility, but also to meet other actors and develop their network. In the case of his union, these exchanges can also help professionals find partners and solutions suited to their needs.

The desire to act, despite lack of time

Among the visitors present, Perrine also came with a particular interest in the associative world. A member of an environmental association, this resident of Nice wishes to contribute to projects related to ecological transition. A commitment that responds to a desire to actively participate in the life of the territory: “The idea was also to help build something positive for the territory.” She also sees it as a way to “pass on values” around issues that seem important to her.

But this regular commitment can run into the constraints of daily life. “When you work, have a family and children, it’s especially the time and the difficulty in committing long-term,” explains Perrine. According to her, this lack of availability can more than anything hinder commitment than the cost of membership.

The Day of Associations thus shows several reasons for seeking an activity in Nice: taking care of yourself, meeting people, developing your network or participating in a collective project. The remaining difficulty is a common one: you still have to know where to find the right organization. For Perrine, associations are not always easy to identify, especially for lack of a place that lists them all: “You really have to search to find the association that suits you.”