Community Activism Needed

Last fall, there was a civic election in Winnipeg.  I had the privilege of meeting many candidates who wanted to serve our citizens to make a difference in our lives.  This year, Canadians will vote to elect our federal government.  Next year, Manitobans are back to the polls to elect a provincial government.  South of the border, the Democrats are already divided as to the strategy to defeat the orange menace. 

After the election was over last fall, I had an election hangover.  I was working for a friend of mine running for Council.  It was emotionally exhausted when it was over.  Happily, my friend is still doing what he can to make his corner of the world better. 

We need more people like my friend.  We need more people that are willing to get involved.  We need more people taking note of the issues and getting involved. 

Recently, the last hurdle was cleared by City Council for the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre to be built at the site of the Vimy Arena.  Ground should be broke this summer.  Since it is in my community, I attended an information meeting on the project.  I attended to learn more information.  My partner and I were dismayed by some of the people in opposition of the project.  I would like to say we became actively involved but we didn't.  However, we did what we could.  We talked positively about the project to everyone we met.  We tried to reach out to our neighbours.  We joined a facebook group in support of the project.  I emailed a letter of support to City Council.  The more we learned, the more we knew that this project had to succeed.  Of course, with anything positive, there are always unexpected gifts.  Through the facebook page, we met several new friends and enhanced some existing relationships.  We were proud to be on the right side of this issue. 

When we also found through our community involvement, it that there exists a great deal of apathy out there.  People don't want to get involved.  That is nothing new, but it still amazes me how many people do not exercise the most basic privilege as a citizen.  The majority of eligible Winnipeggers did not vote in the last civic election.  This is distressing and sad.  But, many people are cynical.  They think one person can't make a difference.  They think bureaucrats make most of the decisions, anyway.  They are jaded when politicians don't live up to their promises.  Sometimes, I am disappointed as well, but, I am also aware of the many complex factors involved in moving mountains. 

However, if any community should understand the importance of community activism, it is Winnipeg. 

Look at a single snowflake. It is probably the most fragile thing in all of nature.  But, look at the power when snowflakes stick together and work as a team. 

Your community needs you.  Become engaged.