Be the change you seek

Happy New Year!

"Be the change you wish to see in the world."

– not Gandhi

Are you ready to be a candidate in the next election? Why not?

Like me, you've probably seen and heard that quotation many times, in somewhat varied forms, for many years. Most often attributed to Gandhi, there's no proof he actually said it. He did say, "If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. ... We need not wait to see what others do.” Still, it's a great bumper sticker slogan.

And, it's something you could take to heart in 2017. If you've ever moaned about the government, at any level, and how much money it wastes, taxes it raises, services it cuts or people it ignores... whatever your beef may be (it may even be pork)... perhaps this is the year to stop talking about it and start doing something about it.

Politics, as they say, is not a spectator sport. You have to get on the field and make a difference. Whether, as a volunteer, a financial donor, or even as a candidate for elected office.

Why not you?

How much smarter/better/more capable are your existing representatives than you? If the answer's "not at all," then it may be time for you to consider running for office. But, how?

That's where I can help. I'm currently working to put together a learning experience and support network for individuals who wish to become politically active as potential candidates. Regardless of your political perspective. Conservative/conservative, Liberal/liberal, New Democrat, socialist, communist, Green, or stridently independent – it doesn't matter. What does matter, is that you want to make a difference in your community.

There will be major elections in 2018/19 that will shape our communities for the next several years. They may seem far away to you now, but they're not. If you want to make a difference in 2018/19, you have to start getting ready now.

We'll likely start in the Greater Toronto Area and move outwards across the country. I'll release more information over the next few weeks. Watch this space.

Until then, here's a list of upcoming elections in Canada:

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