This is more challenging than I thought it would be, and I am open to suggestions. Here is my thought process:
- Coming out of the US election, I decided I wasn't really in a position to a) claim I knew anything or b) complain/feel dejected as I hadn't put any time or work into shaping the result.
- After reflecting some more, I've decided that the break I've taken from the type of volunteering or work I was doing in politics is over.
- In finding a new organization to volunteer for, I'm looking for the following things (in order of priority):
- Are they effective? Do they have clear, easily digestable objectives. Do they have strategy and tactics that they stick to.
- For example, I've ruled 123Guelph out as, after emailing back and forth, I can't really tell what they are trying to achieve and how they are trying to achieve it.
- Are they working towards something I believe in?
- For example: I wouldn't volunteer for the group(s) protesting Nestle in Guelph, as I think there are more pressing water issues in Canada, and the impact of those issues are on marginalized and oppressed populations that don't have a very powerful voice.
- Do I feel a good fit with the organization?
- I don't want to repeat my Green Party experience, where it turned out that most members and leaders of the party were committed to ideals that weren't winning elections, and my involvement usually ended up in damaging conflict as I was committed to winning.
- Does the project make an impact on a large scale? (and use the skills I've built in this area)
- I already have a role with the Guelph Community Boating Club that fits a fun/local niche. I don't want a project that would essentially duplicate this (e.g. Hiking Trails, Big Brothers/Sisters, Guelph Hospital, etc.)
I'm not entirely sure what this means, and am open to suggestions. Here are some of the ideas I have:
- I'm meeting with Fair Vote Canada, as I'm a fan of eliminating FPTP voting as soon as possible...but my perception is that they seem more interested in discussions and rallies, which don't seem to have had much of an impact on elected officials.
- I could find a potential candidate for the Municipal election in 2018 and help them run. But in Guelph that may be tough. If the seat isn't open, and they aren't aligned with Mayor Guthrie's vision, it's a very high degree of difficulty to win.
- I could find a vulnerable currently elected official who I like, and help them win re-election, but I'm not sure there's anyone who meets that definition.
- In order to prevent Kelli Leitch's Trump-style politics from being in the national conversation after the Conservative leadership race, I could follow the lead of a few of my friends and volunteer for Michael Chong, who I have a lot of respect for.
- With a lack of meaningful local reporting on politics, I could approach someone like Adam Donaldson and guelphpolitico to ask if I can help in coverage of local politics. This wouldn't really use the skills I've built around point 4 above, but could be interesting and fills a void.
Feel free to comment with any suggestions you may have for me! Has to fit around my job at the University :).
