GPO Support for effective citizen engagement and action

GPO Support for effective citizen engagement and action

I am following up on idea that arose at the recent post-election Green Party gathering in Guelph.

I have been mulling over how the Green Party of Ontario can remain relevant as strategic voting and a dysfunctional electoral system continue to undermine our efforts to elect members to government.  These realities are very demoralizing however we’re piloting a way forward.

In every community there a many nongovernmental groups and volunteers working to achieve vital  goals but they are hampered by lack of skills and resources.  We can step up and give these groups and individuals some real help as they act as citizens to change how society functions.

Next week in Guelph there will be the first of a multi-day training program to enhance the effectiveness of several local environmental groups who have been fighting for protection of our water sources.  As a pilot, the costs for this training will be paid for by the GPO.  When done we will have several groups with greatly enhanced capacities to bring about changes by applying the tools of Engagement Organizing. (see insert link)

The budget for this project is $3000 and I am directing my four hundred dollar 2015 contribution to the GPO to support it.  I am motivated to do this both as a means of supporting local civic participation and as a means of enhancing the effectiveness of the GPO in a new way.  I am feeling very hopeful in the promise of this action.

If you are similarly motived please consider supporting this pilot project and by so doing showing the GPO that there is support for exploring other ways for us to go about doing green politics to make a difference.

A special online page has been set up to accept donations for this initiative.  As with all political contributions, most of your contribution will be returned to you as a tax credit.

I look forward to your comments andquestions about this initiative.

Cheers,

Stan