8.3.6 Activism
Completion requirements
8.3.6 Activism
How should I respond to globalization?
Citizens in democracies have the power to make change. Although many people are increasingly distrustful of politicians, the only way for positive change is for citizens to stay active and informed.
Membership in political parties: Although you might not be old enough to vote right now, you can become a youth member of a political party. Youth members can attend conferences and receive newsletters informing them of their party's platform and proposed actions. Political parties listen to youth members because youth are the future. Often, youth members can vote for delegates for leadership races. For example, in the 2006 leadership election for the Alberta Conservative Party, the voting age was 16. That means that young people who were members of the political party had a voice in who became the next premier of Alberta.
Informed voting is one of the most important ways citizens in democracies influence decision-making. When you are old enough to vote, be sure to vote in an informed way. Our leaders not only make decisions about our local world, but they influence our country's actions on global issues. If you feel strongly about an international issue, find out the positions of candidates or political parties on that issue. Vote for the person or party that represents your view, or lobby for a change that reflects the action you support.
Membership in political parties: Although you might not be old enough to vote right now, you can become a youth member of a political party. Youth members can attend conferences and receive newsletters informing them of their party's platform and proposed actions. Political parties listen to youth members because youth are the future. Often, youth members can vote for delegates for leadership races. For example, in the 2006 leadership election for the Alberta Conservative Party, the voting age was 16. That means that young people who were members of the political party had a voice in who became the next premier of Alberta.
Informed voting is one of the most important ways citizens in democracies influence decision-making. When you are old enough to vote, be sure to vote in an informed way. Our leaders not only make decisions about our local world, but they influence our country's actions on global issues. If you feel strongly about an international issue, find out the positions of candidates or political parties on that issue. Vote for the person or party that represents your view, or lobby for a change that reflects the action you support.
One of a series of photographs taken at the Climate Strike event held at Quinte West City Hall, Trenton, Ontario, on 27 September 2019.
Courtesty Flickr Community Archives.
Courtesty Flickr Community Archives.
Election workers in East Timor, March 2012. East Timor held its first elections in 2002 after being a colony of Portugal and then Indonesia. Courtesy Paula Bronstein/Getty Images
Protesters voice their views on the "Fair Elections Act" in April 2013. After widespread protest and a petition, the Canadian government changed the legislation to enable more people to vote.
Courtesy Council for Canadians
Courtesy Council for Canadians
Making your voice heard at home: Although leaders might appear to have definite ideas and never change their minds, almost all people in authority listen to their constituents because voters elected them to represent their interests. Phone calls, e-mails, and letters are considered when decisions are made. Be sure to be respectful in your tone and informed in your comments. Put your critical reasoning skills to work when explaining your point of view. A well-reasoned argument can be very persuasive even when it comes from a student.
Making your voice heard around the world: With today's communications technology, you can contact leaders from all over the world. A leader or representative from another country may be impressed particularly by an e-mail or letter from someone in a foreign land.
Rallies and peaceful protests are other ways to present messages. The right to assemble is a fundamental democratic right. Large numbers of people can express the desire for action on any issue though public displays. Violence is often far less effective when legal and legitimate means of protest are available.
Should you run for office?
As a high school student, you are probably too young to run for election in most municipal, provincial, or national elections, but you can take positions of authority in other organizations. This will help you learn how decisions are made, how to be accountable to others, and how to manage meetings. Most people never consider running for office, but leaders are people like you who decided to make a difference.
Complete the Activism survey on the next page.
Making your voice heard around the world: With today's communications technology, you can contact leaders from all over the world. A leader or representative from another country may be impressed particularly by an e-mail or letter from someone in a foreign land.
Rallies and peaceful protests are other ways to present messages. The right to assemble is a fundamental democratic right. Large numbers of people can express the desire for action on any issue though public displays. Violence is often far less effective when legal and legitimate means of protest are available.
Reflect
Should you run for office?
As a high school student, you are probably too young to run for election in most municipal, provincial, or national elections, but you can take positions of authority in other organizations. This will help you learn how decisions are made, how to be accountable to others, and how to manage meetings. Most people never consider running for office, but leaders are people like you who decided to make a difference.
Complete the Activism survey on the next page.