What is Political Involvement? The Other Side of Apathy

by Apathy is Boring — August 1, 2007

    Much of Apathy is Boring’s work is dedicated to bringing the facts to the people; informing Canada’s youth about the sorry state of the relationship between youth and the political process.  And we have been pretty darn good at getting the point across.  Well, we can’t take all of the credit really.  With youth voter turnout so low and the political involvement of youth dwindling, most of the time we just let the statistics speak for themselves.  So really, it is Canada’s youth we should be thanking!  But that is not enough for us – we are not happy with only education as our job and duty.  Our first aim is to help educate and empower youth.  Beyond this though, we hope that what you come across on our site and the places we point you to will help you develop some political awareness, and through this we aim to provide your gateway into the political world.  It is just like pointing you towards the door.  But alas, you are the one which must walk through it.  That’s right, action is our second goal. 

    It is the aim and desire of Apathy is Boring that our organization no longer exists.  We envision a world where our target demographic puts us out of business (well that is really not too hard considering we are a not-for-profit).  This would mean that youth apathy was no longer a problem.  This would mean that Canada’s youth would be heavily involved in politics and that the ranks of political parties are swelling with swarms of excited and enthusiastic youth asserting their political will.  Under these conditions, we would happily leave Apathy is Boring behind.  But unfortunately this day has yet to come.  The statistics still don’t lie: Youth do not vote in Canada, so we still have a job to do!

    What we are encouraging for everyone is that they breach that gap between their individual life and the rest of society and become politically active.  It is one thing to be politically aware, but that is not enough.  Thought and intention must be converted into action in order for your beliefs and values to mean anything.  Ever heard of universities or the academic world being referred to as the Ivory Tower?  Well, the point is often made that all these geniuses and smart people sometimes spend their lives holed up in their offices or studies, dreaming up these brilliant theories about society.  But without any action, these people are forever locked in their ivory towers, detached from the real and active world. 

    So what does political involvement mean then?  Well, it is the opposite of being apathetic.  It means becoming an active member of society and sharing your political and social views.  No, this does not mean that you must take to the streets or get up in everyone’s face, although protest is a form of popular social action.  Political and social involvement can be as simple as sitting and having a conversation with your neighbour, or helping out at a community centre.  Political involvement means being an active member of your community.  Yes, whether you realize it or not, you are a member of a multitude of communities.  Let’s call it a layered identity.  On the outside, you are part of a Canadian community.  Then underneath, you are a member of a provincial or territorial community.  Under this, you are a member of a local community.  I can keep on going here if you really want me to.  Even your hockey team = community. 
    Apathy Is Boring is trying to encourage active membership in your community.  It does not have to be at every level, but it is essential that you are active in at least one of these layers.  That is what we are asking and encouraging every person to do.  We believe that if everyone does this, our society will be more democratic and will be enriched by this process of dialogue sharing.  Oh what a world it could be.

    We understand though that one may not know where to begin on this seemingly perilous journey into political life.  The world can often be a scary or intimidating place.  For this reason, we will break down and give you some points of entry into the political world.  To begin there are two general paths:  the conventional “within the system” mode or participation outside of the existing institutional structures.

Participation From Within: 

This entails political or social activities which take place within the existing political structure, meaning already existing formal or government institutions.  These will generally be available in all jurisdictions or areas of the country.

•    Political Parties:  Political parties are a great way to enter into the political fray, for their structures are already well established and they are normally larger organizations.  So even within political parties, you will have the opportunity to give support on different levels.  You could be active specifically within your riding and work to support a local candidate.  There may also be opportunities to work on the national scene and promote and work for party leaders.  On this one we did most of the leg work for you, so check out our document entitled "How to Become a Member of a Political Party".

•    Federal Parties: These are the big boys and there is always room for one more volunteer on the campaign trail. 
•    Provincial Parties:  Even though parties could have associations on both the federal and the provincial scenes, each is an independent association.  Decide where you would prefer to throw your support.
•    Municipal Politics:  Although provincial politics does not often involve political parties, in large cities a lot of the times they do.
•    In Your City or Town:  Within every city, town, district or wherever you reside you will find a plethora of political opportunities waiting for you.  Local politics are often overlooked but oddly enough it is in the smaller localities that one can effect change most easily.  It is also local politicians that have control over a lot of services which affect your life, like policing, fire marshals, school boards and the like.  Contact your own municipality to find out about different opportunities in your town
•    Chambers of Commerce: Local chambers of commerce are also great places to contact to find out about different opportunities on the local scene. 

Participation from the Outside: 

Now I know the title is saying a lot, but remember here that it is only one community, one society.  So in reality there is no great division between being outside or inside the “system”.  It is the same political or social sphere, the point always being the same – get involved!

•    Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs):  You have surely seen this acronym thrown around a lot.  Check out our article on NGOs for some basic information.
NGOs can often be divided into the following:
    - Umbrella Groups or Coalitions:  These are organizations or movements whose membership is made up of other organizations or NGOs.
    - Decentralized Movements/Organizations:  Sometimes organizations will be less institutional and more informal.   This means no offices or websites and most often small budgets.
    - Protest Groups/Events:  Sometimes groups or movements will develop for a single time or for a specific campaign.  Sometimes, social actions (protests) or events will coincide with a special day, such as international women’s day. 
    - Single Issue Groups:  Sometimes groups exists to highlight or to punctuate one specific issue.  They build their entire analysis and campaign solely around this issue, such as abortion or the legislation of marijuana. 

•    Community Organizations:  These can take the form of small or local initiatives which may or may not have any formal affiliations or institutional basis.  Community organization is often one of the most fulfilling types of organizing as it allows you to interact and get to know your neighbours and the people you see most often.  Check in your community to see what is offered.  Good places to ask are your municipality but you can ask around.  There may be youth centres, a mission or a homeless shelter, or possibly a site of support for the disabled or elderly.  In this type of work, mentoring is often involved and the transfer of skills is an essential aspect of the work. 

•    Old School Philanthropy:  While this is a little tough to qualify, I would count here any support or involvement in any organization or group, but which is often considered “volunteering”.  This may be the type of involvement which is less of a commitment then direct work with a community centre or organization.  It doesn’t matter what form you choose.  You just have to use the time you have.  Perhaps you only have enough time to help out in a soup kitchen two hours per week.  Don’t think that this means you are not making a difference.

What we have done though, to really spoon-feed all of you newbies, is compile a list of preliminary entry points into the political life.  Check out this list which has been provided to see what a number of organizations and efforts out there are doing to make some change in this world: "Points of Departure".

Don’t like any of the organizations we have suggested?  Well check out this webpage then and look into making your own organization:  http://ngoinabox.org/ - here you will find a ton of resources which could be helpful in starting your own initiative.