It’s a time to step forward
This Editorial appeared in today’s Mercury – inspired in part by a comment I made on the Mercury political blog 59 Carden Street (reprinted at the bottom of this post)
Guelph is often referred to as The Royal City.
It could at least as fairly be nicknamed The Activist City. There’s a long tradition of such in the city. Broaden your interpretation of the term if necessary and then embrace some of the history of local activism – if you’re off-put by some recent tactics and actors associated with the label.
Activist citizens helped deliver the River Run Centre to Guelph. They campaigned for Hospice Wellington. They formed the 10 Carden St. organization, Wellington Water Watchers, the backbone of the community force that opposed Wal-Mart. Gwen Jacobs was an activist. Many of the founders of Hillside would identify themselves as activists. Anne-Marie Zajdlik is an activist. Wendy Durigon is an activist. Guelph teems with such driven citizens. It has for years.
Comparing “good” local activists and “bad” local activists and “good activism” in this area with “bad activism” has even recently surfaced as a buzz subject in the community. This month, Susan Ratcliffe, long an active promoter and chaser of causes, offered an opinion column in this paper on just such distinctions. She came down hard on the lot of people who have opposed the development of the Hanlon Creek Business Park – even questioning their commitment to vigorous activism. That’s quite a throw-down on folks who physically occupied the land for weeks and have fought court battles, staged protests and continue to speak out in various ways in opposition to the development.
There’s also a compelling exchange of comments on a post placed days ago on the Mercury’s city hall blog, 59 Carden St., on the subject of what is good activism. Comments that followed the post: “Where were the other delegations,” “police escorts?” include opposing arguments from Guelph’s old-guard activist vanguard and elements of its new one.
Deeper into the dialogue is a forceful interjection by Guelph Coun. Mike Salisbury. We hope it carries weight.
In blunt paraphrase, Salisbury encourages citizens agitating to make a local difference to run for public office – this year.
He asserts that doing so represents an act of courage, accountability and a willingness to lead away from the sidelines.
We take a wide view and a long-term one on “good advocacy.” But we support the notion that participation as a candidate for public office is great activism – a quite trying variety as well.
Let’s hope for a full and active ballot this fall.
Posting on 59 Carden Street
Wikipedia: Activism can be described as intentional action to bring about social, political, economic, or environmental change. This action is in support of, or opposition to, one side of an often controversial argument.
In my experience, THE single most effective form of activism I have ever engaged in was running for City Council.
A few years ago I began to feel the need to “bring about social, political, economic, or environmental change” in my city.
This was radical action for me. There were two things that worried me; the common perception that all politicians are dishonest, self serving, liars and cheats (I don’t know anybody who would want to be associated with THAT crowd) and, the fact that I have spent most of my life rebelling AGAINST authority, not “selling out” to it.
However, if you REALLY want to make change, if your motivation is tied to worthwhile ideals and not personal ego, if you are willing to actually get off your ass, make a stand and put your time, effort and reputation on the line for what you believe in, if you are willing to test everything in the cruel court of public opinion…then get off the sidelines and make a stand where it REALLY counts – Run for Office!
It is easy to complain and do nothing. It is infinitely harder and far more effective to get involved. The most effective way to get involved is to become part of the process, part of the solution.
Beware! The solution (democracy) involves, accountability, responsibility, and service.
It’s an election year – want to make a change?
