It may seem tiring to get involved, but
it will be even more tiring to face four more years of Conservative rule. As Margaret Mead reminds us: Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. Imagine what 83000 strong can do?! Let’s Engage. Politicize. Mo- bilize. Organize. Energize. Yes, we can!
10 WAYS EDUCATORS CAN GET ENGAGED IN THE 2022 PROVINCIAL ELECTION
1. Be an informed voter: We can get informed on election issues right at our computers; we can attend webinars, expert talks, read websites for information, search the hashtag #onpoli on Twitter and so much more. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the parties’ platforms (read them in full on the political parties’ websites or in summary form from trusted organizations like ETFO or OFL).
2. Talk with family, friends and neigh- bours: Learn about the challenges around you and how they relate to the major issues and proposed policies; discuss the issues and why they’re important; share what you learn and try to learn more. Get known for want- ing to talk politics.
3. Engage via social media: Follow orga- nizations fighting for workers’ power, who offer rich resources related to elections; visit the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) and their Power of Many campaign or Fight for 15 and Fairness; visit ETFO’s Build-
ingBetterSchools.ca; and more, including organizations local to your region.
4. Show up: When there are activities hap- pening, in person or online, related to issues that matter to you in the election, be sure to attend. Show up for rallies, demonstrations/ political actions, events, local meetings and more. Being present is the first step to get- ting involved and meeting others commit- ted to the same issues.
5. Join your ETFO local’s political action committee (PAC): Your ETFO local’s PAC will not only be engaged in the election, it may even endorse a candidate in your area. Your local PAC will also be able to direct you to opportunities to engage with the election through your local union. This could mean attending rallies, leafleting, hosting a debate for the local candidates, to list a few possibilities.
6. Find your election issue and join a campaign: For many of us, the issue is public education, but there are so many oth- ers that affect our public schools and com- munities. Some people prefer to get deeply engaged in one policy area or political issue. If this is how you feel, find an organization working toward the same goals you are and ask how you can take part. Between phone zaps, events and other campaign activities, your help is needed and your participa- tion is wanted. Even if it’s a bit awkward to connect with a new group the first time you show up, people will be glad you came out and the awkwardness will pass and I bet you’ll find it was worth it.
7. Join a political campaign for a local candidate: If there is a local candidate you want to actively support, call up their cam- paign and ask how you can help. Depending on the time you have to contribute, help can look like anything from counting signs and leafleting to canvassing door to door or on the phone.
8. Engage with the district labour council: Similar to joining a PAC, and potentially connected with your local PAC’s election activities, the regional labour council will coordinate larger political events and campaigns for the area
ELEMENTARY TEACHERS’ FEDERATION OF ONTARIO 13
generally in line with your ETFO local. This is another great place to get engaged by attending events, joining campaigns and participating in political actions.
9. Attend a debate: Every riding will have local debate(s) throughout the election period, and engaged audiences with great questions make debates better; register to attend one in your area – it’s a powerful way to become informed on the candidate actu- ally getting your vote.
10. Contribute/donate and sup- port: Whatever you can offer helps and money isn’t the only way to contribute to a campaign. Activists and civic leaders can tell you of the importance of meals and babysitting as contributions that support them. Help and donated expertise can also be incredibly valuable. Whatever you do, I hope you can find a way to contribute, help out and be engaged. n
Cindy Gangaram is a member of the Hamilton- Wentworth Teacher Local.
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